Connect to Azure Analysis Services

This article explains how to connect to an Azure Analysis Services server using various client tools.

Tip: Ensure you have the necessary permissions to connect to the server. Typically, membership in the msmtxs_users server role is required.

Connecting with SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)

SQL Server Management Studio is a powerful tool for managing and querying Analysis Services models.

  1. Open SSMS and connect to your Analysis Services server.
  2. In the Connect to Server dialog box, enter your server name. The server name format is typically asazure://<region>/<your_service_name>.
  3. Select the appropriate authentication type (e.g., Azure Active Directory - Universal with MFA).
  4. Click Connect.

Connecting with Visual Studio (with Analysis Services projects)

Visual Studio provides an integrated development environment for building and deploying Analysis Services models.

  1. Open Visual Studio with the SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) installed.
  2. If you have an existing tabular model project, right-click on the project and select Properties.
  3. In the Project Properties, navigate to Configuration Properties > Deployment.
  4. Under Server Name, enter your Analysis Services server name.
  5. Alternatively, when working with models, you can connect directly through the Model menu > Connect to Database.

Connecting with Tabular Editor

Tabular Editor is a popular third-party tool for semantic model authoring.

  1. Download and install Tabular Editor.
  2. Launch Tabular Editor and click File > Connect.
  3. In the connection dialog, enter your server name (e.g., asazure://<region>/<your_service_name>).
  4. Choose your authentication method.
  5. Click Connect.

Connecting with Power BI Desktop

Power BI Desktop allows you to connect to Azure Analysis Services to build reports.

  1. Open Power BI Desktop.
  2. Click Get Data.
  3. Search for "Azure Analysis Services".
  4. Select the connector and click Connect.
  5. Enter your server name in the dialog box.
  6. Click OK.
  7. Choose your authentication method and sign in.

Connecting with Other Client Tools

Many other BI and data analysis tools can connect to Azure Analysis Services using the appropriate connection strings and drivers. Common tools include:

Refer to the specific tool's documentation for detailed connection instructions. Generally, you will need the server name and authentication credentials.

Note: When connecting from applications or services outside of Azure, ensure that your firewall rules allow access to the Analysis Services endpoint.

Connection Strings

The basic connection string format is:

asazure://<region>/<your_service_name>

For specific authentication methods, you might need to append parameters. For example, when using Azure Active Directory Universal Authentication:

Server=asazure://<region>/<your_service_name>;Authentication="Active Directory Universal";Uid=your_user_name@your_domain.com;Puid=your_user_principal_name;

Always consult the official Azure documentation for the most up-to-date connection string formats and best practices.

Troubleshooting Connection Issues