Connecting to Azure Analysis Services

This document provides a comprehensive guide on how to connect to your Azure Analysis Services (AAS) model. Understanding the different connection methods and security considerations is crucial for effective data analysis and reporting.

Key Takeaway: Azure Analysis Services supports various connection types, including direct connections from client applications and indirect connections through Power BI or other reporting tools. Ensure you use the correct connection string and authentication method for your scenario.

Connection String Properties

The connection string is the primary way client applications specify how to connect to your AAS instance. A typical connection string includes the following key properties:

Connection Methods

There are several common ways to connect to Azure Analysis Services:

1. Connecting with SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)

SSMS is a powerful tool for managing and querying Analysis Services models.

  1. Open SQL Server Management Studio.
  2. In the "Connect to Server" dialog, select Analysis Services as the Server type.
  3. Enter your Azure Analysis Services server name in the Server name field (e.g., myserver.asazure.windows.net).
  4. Choose your Authentication method. Typically, you'll use "Azure Active Directory - Universal with MFA" or "Azure Active Directory - Password" if connecting as a user. For service principals, you might use "Azure Active Directory - Integrated".
  5. Click Connect.

2. Connecting from Power BI Desktop

Power BI Desktop is a popular tool for business intelligence and reporting. You can connect directly to Azure Analysis Services to build interactive reports.

  1. Open Power BI Desktop.
  2. Go to Get Data > Azure > Azure Analysis Services.
  3. Enter your server name.
  4. Select the connection mode (Live connection is recommended for AAS).
  5. Click OK. You will be prompted for authentication.

3. Connecting Programmatically (e.g., C#, Python)

For custom applications or automation, you can use various SDKs and libraries.

Example (C# using Microsoft.AnalysisServices.Tabular.dll):

using Microsoft.AnalysisServices.Tabular;

string serverName = "myserver.asazure.windows.net";
string databaseName = "AdventureWorksDW";
string connectionString = $"Provider=MSOLAP;
Server={serverName};
Database={databaseName};
Integrated Security=SSPI;
Persist Security Info=False;";

try
{
using (var connection = new TabularConnection())
{
connection.ConnectionString = connectionString;
connection.Connect();
Console.WriteLine("Successfully connected to Azure Analysis Services!");
// Perform operations on the model
connection.Disconnect();
}
}
catch (Exception ex)
{
Console.WriteLine($"Error connecting: {ex.Message}");
}

Example (Python using Pyadom):

from pyadom import Pyadom

server_name = "myserver.asazure.windows.net"
database_name = "AdventureWorksDW"

# For Azure AD Integrated authentication
# Requires ADAL library or MSAL
try:
# This is a simplified example, actual token acquisition is needed
# using azure-identity or adal
client = Pyadom(server_name, database=database_name, auth_type='azuread')
client.open()
print("Successfully connected to Azure Analysis Services!")
# Perform operations
client.close()
except Exception as e:
print(f"Error connecting: {e}")

Authentication and Authorization

Azure Analysis Services leverages Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) for authentication and role-based access control.

Ensure that the connecting identity (user, service principal, or managed identity) has been granted the necessary permissions (e.g., Reader, Data Reader, Administrator) on the AAS server or specific databases.

Troubleshooting Common Connection Issues