Create a database in Azure Analysis Services

This article guides you through the process of creating a new Azure Analysis Services database using SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) or Visual Studio. Databases in Azure Analysis Services store tabular models.

Note: Before creating a database, ensure you have an Azure Analysis Services server instance running and have the necessary administrative permissions.

Prerequisites

Method 1: Using SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)

SSMS provides a user-friendly interface for creating and managing your Analysis Services databases.

1.

Connect to your server

Open SSMS and connect to your Azure Analysis Services server instance. You can find the server name in the Azure portal under your Analysis Services resource.

Server type: Analysis Services

Server name: <your_server_name>.asazure.windows.net

Authentication: Use your Azure Active Directory account credentials.

2.

Create a new database

  1. In the Object Explorer, right-click on the Databases folder under your server connection.
  2. Select New Database....
3.

Configure the database

In the New Database dialog box:

  • Enter a unique name for your database in the Database name field.
  • Optionally, you can specify a different collation.

Click OK.

Your new, empty database will appear under the Databases folder in SSMS. You can now start designing your tabular model for this database.

Method 2: Using Visual Studio with SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT)

This method is typically used when developing tabular models locally before deploying them to your Azure Analysis Services server.

1.

Create a new Tabular Project

  1. Open Visual Studio.
  2. Go to File > New > Project....
  3. In the Create a new project dialog, search for "Analysis Services Tabular Project".
  4. Select the project template and click Next.
  5. Configure your project name, location, and solution name, then click Create.
2.

Set the Server and Database properties

Once the project is created, you'll be prompted to select a project type and source. For a new, empty database, choose From Server and enter your Azure Analysis Services server name.

Alternatively, you can configure these properties later:

  1. Right-click on your project in the Solution Explorer and select Properties.
  2. In the Tabular Model Designer properties window, set the Server name to your Azure Analysis Services server name (e.g., <your_server_name>.asazure.windows.net).
  3. Set the Database name. If you leave this blank, a new database will be created with the project name when deployed. You can also specify an existing database name to connect to it.
3.

Design your model

You can now start adding tables, defining relationships, and writing DAX measures within your Visual Studio project. When you deploy this project, it will create or update the specified database on your Azure Analysis Services server.

Tip: For existing models, you can use SSDT to connect to your Azure Analysis Services database, make changes, and then redeploy to the server.

Next Steps

Once your database is created, you can proceed to: