SQL Server Analysis Services

Using PowerShell for Analysis Services Administration

PowerShell provides a powerful command-line shell and scripting language for automating administrative tasks. For SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS), PowerShell offers cmdlets that enable you to manage databases, models, dimensions, measures, and more.

Key Benefits of Using PowerShell for SSAS

• Automation: Automate repetitive tasks such as deployments, backups, and data refreshes.
• Scripting: Create complex scripts for advanced management scenarios.
• Integration: Seamlessly integrate SSAS management into existing IT workflows.
• Efficiency: Perform operations quickly without needing to open multiple management tools.

Getting Started with Analysis Services PowerShell

To use PowerShell for SSAS, you'll need the appropriate PowerShell module installed. This module typically comes with SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) or can be installed separately.

Installing the SSAS PowerShell Module

The SSAS cmdlets are usually available by default when SSMS is installed. If not, ensure you have the correct version of SQL Server and its management tools installed.

Connecting to Analysis Services

You can connect to an SSAS instance using the Open-ASConnection cmdlet.

Import-Module SQLASCmdlets
$server = "YourAnalysisServicesServerName"
$connection = Open-ASConnection -Server $server

Common Administration Tasks with PowerShell

Managing Databases

List all databases on a server:

Get-ASDatabase -Connection $connection

Create a new database:

New-ASDatabase -Connection $connection -Name "MyNewDatabase"

Delete a database:

Remove-ASDatabase -Connection $connection -Name "MyDatabaseToDelete" -Confirm:$false

Managing Models

List all models (tabular or multidimensional) on a database:

Get-ASModel -Connection $connection -DatabaseName "MyDatabase"

Deploy a model (requires XMLA or model definition files):

# Example for deploying a tabular model (.bim file)
Deploy-ASModel -Connection $connection -DatabaseName "MyDatabase" -ModelFile "C:\Path\To\MyModel.bim"

Data Refresh

Execute a full refresh for a specific partition:

# Assuming you have identified the partition object
# $partition = Get-ASPartition ...
# $partition | Process-ASPartition -RefreshType Full

For batch processing or scheduled refreshes, consider using the Invoke-ASProcess cmdlet or scheduling PowerShell scripts.

Backup and Restore

Create a backup of a database:

Backup-ASDatabase -Connection $connection -DatabaseName "MyDatabase" -Path "C:\Backups\MyDatabase.abf"

Restore a database:

Restore-ASDatabase -Connection $connection -DatabaseName "MyDatabase" -Path "C:\Backups\MyDatabase.abf" -ReplaceDatabase:$true

Advanced Scripting and Integration

PowerShell scripts can be used to orchestrate complex workflows. For example, you can script:

• Daily data synchronization and model updates.
• Automated deployments to different environments (dev, test, prod).
• Monitoring and alerting based on SSAS performance metrics.

For more in-depth information, refer to the official Microsoft Analysis Services PowerShell documentation.