Analysis Services Frequently Asked Questions

SSAS is a data analysis and reporting tool that provides online analytical processing (OLAP) and data mining capabilities for business intelligence applications. It enables developers to create multidimensional and tabular models that can be queried with MDX, DAX, or Power BI.

  • Tabular: Faster development, in‑memory columnar storage (VertiPaq), best for self‑service BI and Power BI integration.
  • Multidimensional: Richer MDX feature set, complex hierarchies, and granular security. Preferred for legacy solutions or very large cubes.
Evaluate data size, query patterns, and existing skill sets to decide.

General guidelines:

  • CPU: Minimum 4 cores (8+ cores for production).
  • RAM: At least 16 GB; 64 GB+ for large tabular models.
  • Storage: SSDs for data files and logs; separate drives for TempDB.
  • Network: 10 GbE for high‑throughput data load scenarios.
Adjust based on model size, concurrent users, and query complexity.

  1. Enable role‑based security within the model to restrict object access.
  2. Use Row‑Level Security (RLS) to filter data per user.
  3. Configure Kerberos delegation for secure data source connections.
  4. Encrypt model files and backups with Transparent Data Encryption (TDE).