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SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) is a powerful tool developed by Microsoft that allows users to analyze and visualize data from various data sources. SSAS is a multi-dimensional analysis tool that lets you build models to run queries and generate reports, emphasizing critical insights from large datasets.
In this blog post, we will go through some basic SSAS queries to give you a good idea of how the tool works.
Understanding SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS)
SSAS operates by using OLAP Cubes (Online Analytical Processing), which can quickly analyze data by aggregating it into multiple dimensions. It provides tools for data extraction, transformation, and loading (ETL). Here’s a simple example of how can we use an MDX (Multidimensional Expressions) query that selects from a cube:
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SELECT { [Measures].[Internet Sales Amount] } ON COLUMNS, { [Date].[Date].[Date].ALLMEMBERS } ON ROWS FROM [Adventure Works] |
Getting Started with SSAS
To use SSAS, you’ll first need to have SQL Server installed on your device. Once you’ve installed SQL Server, you can then install SSAS. After installation, you’ll be able to create data models and run queries.
Creating a New Project in SSAS
After successfully installing and setting up SSAS, you can start a new project. Here’s a simple step by step process to do so:
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SELECT * FROM [AdventureWorksDW2017].[dbo].[vDMPrep] WHERE Color = 'Blue'; |
Conclusion
SSAS is a very powerful tool that helps us with the analysis and extraction of business intelligence, making it easier for decision-makers to take an informed decision. The ability to create and use cubes for data analysis simplifies even the most complex analytical tasks. As we grow more into the world of digital data, tools like SSAS undoubtedly play a pivotal role.
Stick around for more SQL code examples and in-depth discussions in our next posts.