MSDN Documentation

Introduction to Analysis Services Models

SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) provides powerful business intelligence capabilities, allowing you to create robust data models for analytical processing. These models are the foundation for reporting and data analysis, enabling users to gain insights from complex datasets.

Understanding SSAS Models

SSAS supports two primary types of models:

• Tabular Models: These models are designed for in-memory analysis, offering high performance and a more intuitive experience for users familiar with relational databases. They are built using a relational schema and leverage the VertiPaq engine.
• Multidimensional Models: These models are based on the traditional cube architecture, offering flexibility and rich features for complex analytical scenarios. They are built using concepts like dimensions, hierarchies, and measures.

Key Concepts

Regardless of the model type you choose, several key concepts are fundamental to working with Analysis Services:

• Data Sources: The sources from which your model will retrieve data, such as SQL Server databases, Azure SQL Database, or other relational sources.
• Data Source Views: A logical representation of the data from your data sources, allowing you to define relationships and perform transformations before modeling.
• Dimensions: Represent the "who, what, where, when, and why" of your business data. They provide the context for your measures.
• Measures: Quantitative values that you want to analyze, such as sales revenue, quantities sold, or profit margins.
• Hierarchies: Ordered levels within a dimension that allow for drill-down and drill-up analysis.

Getting Started with Model Development

The development process typically involves the following steps:

1. Connect to Data Sources: Establish connections to the databases containing your business data.
2. Define Data Source Views: Create a unified view of your data.
3. Design the Model: Define dimensions, measures, and relationships.
4. Build and Deploy: Process and deploy your model to an Analysis Services instance.
5. Query and Analyze: Connect reporting tools (like Power BI or Excel) to the deployed model for analysis.

This documentation will guide you through the intricacies of developing both Tabular and Multidimensional models, helping you leverage the full potential of SQL Server Analysis Services for your business intelligence solutions.