Azure Analysis Services Documentation

Managing Azure Analysis Services Servers

This section provides comprehensive guidance on managing your Azure Analysis Services servers. Effective server management is crucial for performance, security, and cost optimization.

Overview of Server Management Tasks

Managing an Azure Analysis Services server involves several key areas:

• Monitoring: Keeping track of server performance, resource utilization, and query execution.
• Scaling: Adjusting the resources allocated to your server to meet changing demands.
• Security: Configuring access control, authentication, and authorization.
• Backup and Restore: Ensuring data availability and disaster recovery.
• Performance Tuning: Optimizing models and queries for faster response times.
• Cost Management: Monitoring usage and implementing strategies to control expenses.

Monitoring Your Server

Azure Analysis Services provides robust monitoring capabilities through Azure Monitor. You can track metrics such as:

• CPU Usage
• Memory Usage
• Query Latency
• Active Connections
• Data Refresh Status

For detailed information, refer to Azure Monitor for Azure Analysis Services.

Scaling Your Server

You can scale your Azure Analysis Services server up or down to adjust the processing power (DPUs) and memory available. This is typically done via the Azure portal.

Steps to scale:

1. Navigate to your Azure Analysis Services resource in the Azure portal.
2. Under "Settings," select "Scale."
3. Choose the desired tier and scale level.
4. Click "Apply."

Scaling operations might involve a brief service interruption. Plan accordingly.

Security Best Practices

Securing your Analysis Services data is paramount. Key security considerations include:

• Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Assign roles at the server or database level to manage user permissions.
• Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) Integration: Leverage Azure AD for authentication and authorization.
• Firewall Rules: Configure firewall settings to restrict access to your server.
• Auditing: Enable auditing to track user activities and maintain a security log.

Learn more about Securing your Azure Analysis Services server.

Backup and Restore Operations

Azure Analysis Services automatically backs up your databases. You can also perform manual backups and restores.

Manual Backup:

You can initiate manual backups using:

• SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)
• PowerShell cmdlets
• Analysis Services Management Objects (TOM)

Restore:

Restoring a database can be done from a backup file to recover data in case of accidental deletion or corruption.

Performance Tuning

Optimizing your Analysis Services models and queries is essential for a responsive user experience.

Common Tuning Strategies:

• Model Design: Star schema, appropriate data types, calculated columns vs. measures.
• Query Optimization: Writing efficient DAX queries, using query performance insights.
• Partitioning: Dividing large tables into smaller partitions for better manageability and query performance.
• Aggregations: Pre-calculating summaries to speed up common queries.

Explore Performance tuning best practices for Azure Analysis Services for in-depth guidance.

Cost Management

Monitor your Azure Analysis Services spending closely. Understanding your usage patterns can help you optimize costs.

Strategies for Cost Optimization:

• Right-Sizing: Ensure your server tier and DPU count match your actual workload.
• Auto-Pause: Configure auto-pause for development or non-production environments to save costs when idle.
• Reserved Instances: Consider reserved instances for predictable long-term workloads.

Utilize Azure Cost Management + Billing to track and manage your expenses.

Common Management Tasks with PowerShell

PowerShell provides a powerful way to automate many server management tasks. Here are a few examples:

# Connect to Azure Analysis Services
    Connect-AzAccount
    Set-AzContext -SubscriptionId "YOUR_SUBSCRIPTION_ID"

    # Get all Analysis Services servers in a resource group
    Get-AzAnalysisServicesServer -ResourceGroupName "YourResourceGroup"

    # Scale a server
    Set-AzAnalysisServicesServer -ResourceGroupName "YourResourceGroup" -Name "YourServerName" -Sku "S2" -SkuCapacity 10

    # Start a data refresh
    Start-AzAnalysisServicesDatabase -ResourceGroupName "YourResourceGroup" -ServerName "YourServerName" -DatabaseName "YourDatabase" -ActivityLevel "Refresh"
    

Refer to the Azure Analysis Services PowerShell Cmdlets for a complete list of available commands.