Get Started with SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS)

SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) is Microsoft’s platform for online analytical processing (OLAP) and data mining. This guide walks you through the basics of installing SSAS, creating a simple tabular model, and deploying it for reporting.

Prerequisites

• SQL Server 2022 (or later) installed on Windows.
• SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) – available via Visual Studio Installer.
• Basic knowledge of relational databases and DAX.

Step 1 – Install SSAS

1. Open SQL Server Installation Center → Installation → New SQL Server stand-alone installation.
2. Select the Analysis Services feature.
3. Choose Tabular Mode and configure the service account.
4. Complete the wizard and restart if prompted.

Step 2 – Create a New Tabular Project

Using Visual Studio:

File → New → Project → Analysis Services Tabular Project

Step 3 – Import Data

Right‑click the Data Sources folder and choose New Data Source. Connect to your relational database and select tables to import.

SELECT
    ProductID,
    ProductName,
    Category,
    SalesAmount,
    OrderDate
FROM dbo.Sales

Step 4 – Create Calculated Columns (DAX)

Add a new calculated column to compute Year‑to‑Date Sales:

YTD_Sales = CALCULATE(
    SUM('Sales'[SalesAmount]),
    FILTER(ALL('Sales'[OrderDate]),
        'Sales'[OrderDate] <= MAX('Sales'[OrderDate])
    )
)

Step 5 – Deploy the Model

1. Right‑click the project → Deploy.
2. Provide the SSAS server name (e.g., localhost).
3. After deployment, browse the model in SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS).

Next Steps

• Explore advanced tutorials for building complex measures.
• Read the reference guide for all DAX functions.
• Join the SQL Server community for support.