Manage Azure Analysis Services Connections

This document provides detailed guidance on managing connections to your Azure Analysis Services instances. Effective connection management is crucial for performance, security, and user access to your data models.

Understanding Connection Strings

Connection strings are vital for clients and applications to connect to your Analysis Services instance. They contain the necessary information, such as the server name and authentication method.

Common Connection String Parameters:

• Server Name: The fully qualified domain name (FQDN) of your Azure Analysis Services server. Example: your-as-server.asazure.windows.net
• Authentication: Specifies the method used to authenticate. Common methods include:
  • Azure Active Directory (AAD) Integrated
  • Azure Active Directory Password
  • Azure Active Directory Service Principal
  • Username/Password (legacy, not recommended for new applications)

Connecting from Tools

Several tools can connect to Azure Analysis Services. Here's how to configure connections in popular ones:

SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)

When connecting with SSMS:

1. Open SSMS and select Connect > Analysis Services.
2. In the Server name field, enter your server's FQDN.
3. Choose your authentication method. For Azure AD authentication, select Azure Active Directory - Universal with MFA or Azure Active Directory - Password.
4. Click Connect.

Power BI Desktop

To connect Power BI Desktop:

1. In Power BI Desktop, go to Get Data.
2. Search for and select Azure Analysis Services database.
3. Enter the Server name and optionally a Database name.
4. Choose the Data Connectivity mode (Import or Live Connection). Live Connection is recommended for Azure Analysis Services.
5. Click OK.
6. You will be prompted to authenticate, typically using your Azure AD credentials.

Programmatic Connections

You can connect to Azure Analysis Services programmatically using various SDKs and libraries.

Using AMO (Analysis Management Objects)

Here's a C# example using AMO:

using Microsoft.AnalysisServices.Tabular;

Server server = new Server();
server.Connect("your-as-server.asazure.windows.net"); // Using Integrated Security for Azure AD

// Or with specific credentials:
// server.Connect("Provider=MSOLAP;Data Source=your-as-server.asazure.windows.net;User ID=your_user@your_domain.com;Password=your_password;Persist Security Info=False;Impersonation Level=Impersonate");

Database database = server.Databases.GetByName("YourDatabaseName");
// Perform operations on the database...

server.Disconnect();

Using ADOMD.NET

A simplified ADOMD.NET connection example:

using Microsoft.AnalysisServices.AdomdClient;

using (AdomdConnection connection = new AdomdConnection("Provider=MSOLAP;Data Source=your-as-server.asazure.windows.net;Initial Catalog=YourDatabaseName;"))
{
    connection.AccessToken = GetAzureAccessToken(); // Implement token retrieval
    connection.Open();
    // Execute queries...
}

Connection Pooling

To improve performance, consider implementing connection pooling, especially for applications that make frequent connections. ADOMD.NET and AMO handle some level of connection pooling automatically.

Firewall and Network Security

Ensure that your Azure Analysis Services firewall rules and network security configurations (e.g., VNet integration, Private Endpoints) are set up to allow connections from your clients and applications.

Firewall Rules:

• Access the Azure portal, navigate to your Analysis Services resource.
• Under Security, configure the Firewall settings.
• You can allow access from Azure services or specify IP address ranges.

Troubleshooting Connection Issues

Common issues include:

• Incorrect server name or FQDN.
• Authentication errors (invalid credentials, expired tokens, insufficient permissions).
• Firewall blocking access.
• Network configuration problems.

Review Azure AD sign-in logs and Analysis Services logs for more insights.