Download SQL Server Analysis Services

SQL Server Analysis Services
Microsoft® SQL Server™ 2000 Analysis Services is a middle-tier server for online analytical
processing (OLAP) and data mining. The Analysis Services system includes a server that
manages multidimensional cubes of data for analysis and provides rapid client access to
cube information. Analysis Services organizes data from a data warehouse into cubes with
pre-calculated aggregation data to provide rapid answers to complex analytical queries.
Analysis Services also allows you to create data mining models from both multidimensional
(OLAP) and relational data sources. You can apply data mining models to both types of data.
PivotTable® Service, the included OLE DB compliant provider, is used by Microsoft Excel
and applications from other vendors to retrieve data from the server and present it to the
user, or create local data cubes for offline analysis.
Multiple Data Storage Options
Analysis Services offers three storage modes for dimensions, partitions, and cubes:
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Multidimensional OLAP (MOLAP)
The underlying data for a cube is stored along with aggregation data in a highperformance multidimensional structure. MOLAP storage provides excellent
performance and data compression.
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Relational OLAP (ROLAP)
The underlying data for a cube is stored along with the aggregation data in a relational
database. ROLAP storage enables you to take advantage of your investment in
relational technology and enterprise data management tools.
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Hybrid OLAP (HOLAP)
The underlying data for a cube is stored in a relational database and the aggregation
data is stored in a high-performance multidimensional structure. HOLAP storage offers
the benefits of MOLAP for aggregations without necessitating duplication of the
underlying detail data.
Linked Cubes
A cube can be stored on a single server and referenced as a linked cube on other servers.
Users connected to any of these servers can then access the cube. This approach avoids the
more costly alternative of storing and maintaining copies of a cube on multiple servers.
Linked cubes make it possible for you to create, store, and maintain a cube on one Analysis
server while providing access to the cube from multiple Analysis servers. Linked cubes
facilitate cube security and reduce storage and maintenance requirements.
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SQL Server Analysis Manager Console
Microsoft Access Database (Origin of Data)
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Design of Product Table (in Access)
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Product Data (in Access)
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Time Data (in Access)
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Fact Table Design (in Access)
Fact Table Data (in Access)
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Moving to SQL Server
SQL Server Analysis Services requires data to be retrieved from an existing database and
then form the schema and cubes. Here are some basic steps of the process:
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Create an OLAP database in the SQL Server
Make a connection to an existing database such as an Access or SQL Server
database through the DSN in your computer.
Build a data cube schema (with a fact table and multiple dimension tables) using the
existing linked tables.
Process the cube to populate data in various hierarchies.
Linked Tables from Microsoft Access
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OLAP Database Schema
Resulting Cube
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Browsing the Cube (Drill-Down)
Drill-Down (Product and Product Category by Country)
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Drill-Down (Sale in Quarters by Country and States)
Dimension Hierarchy and Schema: Store
 Only few attributes are used in the hierarchy
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Dimension Hierarchy and Data: Products
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