Integrate Azure Analysis Services

This section provides detailed guidance on integrating Azure Analysis Services with other data sources, applications, and services to build powerful analytical solutions.

Connecting to Data Sources

Azure Analysis Services supports a wide range of data sources. You can connect to on-premises or cloud-based sources to populate your Analysis Services models.

Azure SQL Database: A common choice for relational data.
Azure Blob Storage / Data Lake Storage: For semi-structured and unstructured data.
SQL Server: On-premises or in Azure Virtual Machines.
Third-Party Data Providers: Connect to SAP, Oracle, and more.

Refer to the supported data sources documentation for a comprehensive list and connection details.

Using SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)

SSMS is a primary tool for managing and developing Analysis Services models. It allows you to create tables, define relationships, and write DAX queries.

                -- Example: Connecting to an Azure Analysis Services server
USE [YOUR_ANALYSIS_SERVICES_SERVER];
GO

SELECT * FROM YourTable;
GO
            

Using Visual Studio with Analysis Services Projects

For more complex model development, Visual Studio with the SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) provides a rich environment for designing tabular models.

Ensure you have the latest version of SQL Server Data Tools installed for Visual Studio.

Integrating with Business Intelligence Tools

Azure Analysis Services acts as a semantic layer, enabling your BI tools to connect and consume data efficiently.

Power BI

Power BI offers native support for connecting to Azure Analysis Services, providing a seamless experience for creating interactive dashboards and reports.

Use the Azure Analysis Services connector in Power BI Desktop.
Connect in live connection mode for real-time data.

Excel

Microsoft Excel can connect to Analysis Services models using Power Pivot or the standard data connection wizards.

For large datasets, consider using Power BI for a more performant reporting experience.

Other BI Tools

Many other BI tools like Tableau, Qlik Sense, and custom applications can connect via the standard OLE DB or ADOMD.NET providers.

Programmatic Integration

Leverage Analysis Services APIs and SDKs for deeper integration into your custom applications and workflows.

AMO (Analysis Management Objects)

AMO is a .NET library that allows you to programmatically manage Analysis Services objects and automate administrative tasks.

                // Example: Using AMO to deploy a tabular model
using Microsoft.AnalysisServices.Tabular;

Server server = new Server();
server.Connect("your_server_name.asazure.windows.net");

Database database = new Database();
database.ID = "YourDatabaseName";
database.Name = "YourDatabaseName";

// Load model from file or define programmatically
// ...

server.Databases.Add(database);
database.Update(UpdateOptions.ExpandFull);
            

ADOMD.NET

ADOMD.NET is a data provider that enables client applications to interact with Analysis Services, query data using DAX or MDX, and retrieve metadata.

REST APIs

Azure Analysis Services offers REST APIs for managing servers, databases, and models, enabling integration with cloud services and custom applications.

Security and Authentication

Secure your Analysis Services data by integrating with Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) for robust authentication and authorization.

Role-based access control within Analysis Services.
Azure AD integration for user and group management.

For more information on security best practices, visit the security and access control documentation.