SQL Server Analysis Services

SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) is a data analytics engine used in decision support and business intelligence. It provides capabilities for Online Analytical Processing (OLAP) and data mining, allowing you to design, create, and manage multidimensional structures called cubes.

SSAS supports two primary model types:

• Multidimensional (MOLAP, ROLAP, HOLAP) – traditional cubes with dimensions, hierarchies, and measures.
• Tabular – in‑memory relational model using DAX (Data Analysis Expressions) for calculations.

Yes. Azure Analysis Services offers a fully managed PaaS version of SSAS. It supports both Multidimensional and Tabular models, with seamless integration to Azure Active Directory and Azure SQL Database.

Security can be applied at various levels:

• Server‑level roles – determine who can connect to the server.
• Database‑level roles – control read/write permissions on models.
• Object‑level permissions – restrict access to specific cubes, dimensions, or cells.
• Row‑level security (RLS) – filter data based on the user’s identity using DAX or MDX expressions.

Primary development tools include:

• SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) – integrated into Visual Studio.
• Azure Data Studio extensions for Tabular models.
• Power BI Desktop – can connect to and edit Tabular models.
• SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) – for deployment, monitoring, and administration.

Key performance tips:

• Use aggregations and partitioning in Multidimensional models.
• Optimize DAX formulas and use VertiPaq compression for Tabular models.
• Apply proper indexing on source relational tables.
• Scale out with SSAS on a Scale‑out server farm or Azure Analysis Services scaling tiers.
• Enable caching and configure appropriate processing schedules.

Consult the Troubleshooting guide, review the SSAS error logs located in the LogFolder, and use SQL Server Profiler or Extended Events to capture detailed query activity.