Getting Started with SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS)


SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) is a powerful tool provided by Microsoft for online analytical processing (OLAP) and data mining. In this guide, we'll explore the fundamental concepts of SSAS and how it can be used to create multidimensional data models and analytical solutions.


What Is SSAS?

SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) is a part of the SQL Server Business Intelligence (BI) platform. It enables you to build, deploy, and manage multidimensional models for data analysis. SSAS provides two main modes:


  • Multidimensional Model: Allows you to create OLAP cubes for complex data analysis.
  • Tabular Model: Provides a simplified way to create in-memory tabular models for data exploration.

Creating an SSAS Project

To get started with SSAS, you typically use SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) to create an Analysis Services project. Here's an example of creating a basic multidimensional model:


1. Launch SQL Server Data Tools.
2. Create a new Analysis Services project.
3. Define data sources and data source views.
4. Create dimensions to represent business entities.
5. Build a cube to store and aggregate data.
6. Deploy the project to an SSAS server.
7. Process the cube to load data.

Within your project, you can design dimensions and measures to support data analysis and create calculated members and key performance indicators (KPIs).

Deployment and Usage

After creating and processing your SSAS project, it can be deployed to an SSAS server. Users can then connect to the server using tools like SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) or Excel to explore and analyze data.

Benefits of SSAS

SSAS offers several advantages, including:


  • Advanced data analysis capabilities through OLAP cubes.
  • In-memory tabular models for faster data exploration.
  • Integration with various data sources and reporting tools.
  • Support for data mining and predictive analytics.

What's Next?

You've learned the basics of SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS), a versatile tool for creating multidimensional models and analytical solutions. To become proficient, you can explore advanced topics like data mining, designing hierarchies, creating calculated members, and optimizing cube performance.


Mastering SSAS can empower your organization with insights from complex data analysis.