Backup and Restore Analysis Services

Overview

Effectively managing backups and restores is critical for the operational integrity of your SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) environment. This includes protecting your multidimensional and tabular models from data loss due to hardware failures, accidental deletions, or malicious attacks.

SSAS provides robust mechanisms for both full and incremental backups. Understanding these methods and implementing a consistent strategy is paramount for any SSAS administrator.

Backup Methods

You can perform backups using SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) or Transact-SQL (T-SQL) commands.

Using SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)

1. Connect to your SSAS instance in SSMS.
2. In Object Explorer, expand the Databases node.
3. Right-click the database you want to back up.
4. Select Back Up.
5. In the Backup Database dialog box:
   • Choose the Backup type (Full).
   • Specify the Destination (Disk is the most common).
   • Click OK to start the backup.

Using Transact-SQL (T-SQL)

The BACKUP command is used for creating backups. The syntax is straightforward:

BACKUP DATABASE [YourDatabaseName]
TO DISK = 'C:\Backup\YourDatabaseName_Full.abf'
WITH FORMAT, MEDIANAME = 'SSAS_DB_Backup', DESCRIPTION = 'Full backup of YourDatabaseName';

Note: The file extension .abf is the standard for SSAS backups.

Incremental Backups

While SSAS primarily supports full backups of databases, it also offers incremental backup capabilities for specific scenarios, primarily related to partitions within a database. For a full database, a 'full' backup operation is typically performed.

For tabular models, consider using the XMLA Backup command with the Incremental property set to true, though this is less common than full database backups for disaster recovery.

Restore Methods

Restoring an SSAS database involves replacing an existing database or creating a new one from a backup file.

Using SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)

1. Connect to your SSAS instance in SSMS.
2. In Object Explorer, right-click the Databases node.
3. Select Restore Database.
4. In the Restore Database dialog box:
   • Select Device and click the browse button (...) to locate your backup file (.abf).
   • Choose the backup set you want to restore.
   • If the database already exists, you might need to select the Options page and choose Overwrite the existing database (WITH REPLACE).
   • Click OK to start the restore process.

Using Transact-SQL (T-SQL)

The RESTORE command is used for restoring databases:

RESTORE DATABASE [YourDatabaseName]
FROM DISK = 'C:\Backup\YourDatabaseName_Full.abf'
WITH REPLACE, RESTART;

The REPLACE option is crucial if you are restoring over an existing database.

Best Practices

• Regular Scheduling: Implement a schedule for regular backups (e.g., daily, weekly) based on your Recovery Point Objective (RPO).
• Offsite Storage: Store backup files in a location separate from your SSAS server to protect against site-wide disasters.
• Verification: Periodically test your restore process by restoring a backup to a separate test environment to ensure its integrity.
• Naming Conventions: Use a clear and consistent naming convention for your backup files that includes the database name and date/time.
• Monitoring: Monitor backup jobs for success or failure and address any issues promptly.
• Security: Secure your backup files with appropriate access controls.

Considerations for Large Databases

For very large SSAS databases, backup and restore operations can take significant time and consume substantial resources. Consider the following:

• Perform backups during off-peak hours.
• Ensure adequate disk space for backup files.
• For extremely large tabular models, consider technologies like Azure Analysis Services or Power BI Premium for more scalable backup and recovery solutions.

Related Topics

• Managing Analysis Services Databases
• Securing Analysis Services
• Troubleshooting Analysis Services