Tabular Modeling with SQL Server 2016 Analysis Services Cookbook

Derek Wilson

• Publisher: Packt Publishing
• Year: 2017
• eBook ISBN: 9781786461506
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Computer Science
• Subtopic: Business Intelligence
• Index: Computer Science

Expert tabular modeling techniques for building and deploying cutting-edge business analytical reporting solutionsAbout This Book• Build and deploy Tabular Model projects from relational data sources• Leverage DAX and create high-performing calculated fields and measures• Create ad-hoc reports based on a Tabular Model solution• Useful tips to monitor and optimize your tabular solutionsWho This Book Is ForThis book is for SQL BI professionals and Architects who want to exploit the full power of the new Tabular models in Analysis Services. Some knowledge of previous versions of Analysis services would be helpful but is not essential.What You Will Learn• Learn all about Tabular services mode and how it speeds up development• Build solutions using sample datasets• Explore built-in actions and transitions in SSAS 2016• Implement row-column, and role-based security in a Tabular Data model• Realize the benefits of in-memory and DirectQuery deployment modes• Get up to date with the new features added to SQL Server 2016 Analysis Services• Optimize Data Models and Relationships UsageIn DetailSQL Server Analysis Service (SSAS) has been widely used across multiple businesses to build smart online analytical reporting solutions. It includes two different types of modeling for analysis services: Tabular and Multi Dimensional. This book covers Tabular modeling, which uses tables and relationships with a fast in-memory engine to provide state of the art compression algorithms and query performance.The book begins by quickly taking you through the concepts required to model tabular data and set up the necessary tools and services. As you learn to create tabular models using tools such as Excel and Power View, you'll be shown various strategies to deploy your model on the server and choose a query mode (In-memory or DirectQuery) that best suits your reporting needs.You'll also learn how to implement key and newly introduced DAX functions to create calculated columns and measures for your model data. Last but not least, you'll be shown techniques that will help you administer and secure your BI implementation along with some widely used tips and tricks to optimize your reporting solution.By the end of this book, you'll have gained hands-on experience with the powerful new features that have been added to Tabular models in SSAS 2016 and you'll be able to improve user satisfaction with faster reports and analytical queries.Style and approachThis book takes a practical, recipe-based approach where each recipe lists the steps to address or implement a solution. You will be provided with several approaches to creating a business intelligence semantic model using analysis services.

Tabular Modeling with SQL Server 2016 Analysis Services Cookbook

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Tabular Modeling with SQL Server 2016 Analysis Services Cookbook

Copyright © 2017 Packt Publishing

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First published: January 2017

Production reference: 1200117

Published by Packt Publishing Ltd.

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ISBN 978-1-78646-861-1

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Credits

Author Derek Wilson	Copy Editor Safis Editing Laxmi Subramanian
Reviewer Dave Wentzel	Project Coordinator Shweta H Birwatkar
Commissioning Editor Wilson D'souza	Proofreader Safis Editing
Acquisition Editors Malaika Monteiro Vinay Argekar	Indexer Tejal Daruwale Soni
Content Development Editor Sumeet Sawant	Graphics Disha Haria
Technical Editor Sneha Hanchate	Production Coordinator Arvindkumar Gupta

About the Author

Derek Wilson is a data management, business intelligence and predictive analytics practitioner. He has been working with Microsoft SQL Server since version 6.5 and with Analysis Services since its initial version. In his current role he responsible for the overall architecture, strategy, and delivery of Business Intelligence, analytics, and predictive solutions. In this role, he is focused on transforming how companies leverage data to gain new insights about their customers and operations to drive revenue and decrease expenses. He has over 17 years of experience in information technology leading and driving architectural solutions across enterprises. Over his career, he has been part of IT services, business units, and consulting organizations, which provides him with a unique perspective on how to communicate the value of technology to business leaders. He is a local chapter leader for the Houston SQL PASS Organization. You can connect with him on his blog at www.derekewilson.com or www.cdoadvisors.com.

I would like to thank my wife, Jessica and my children Jakob and Allison for their support and understanding as I wrote this book. I would also like to thank Dave Wentzel for reviewing and providing feedback to improve the content of this book.

About the Reviewer

Dave Wentzel is a Data Solutions Architect for Microsoft. He helps customers with their Azure Digital Transformation, focused on data science, big data, and SQL Server. After working with customers, he provides feedback and learnings to the product groups at Microsoft to make better solutions. Dave has been working with SQL Server for many years, and with MDX and SSAS since they were in their infancy. Dave shares his experiences at http://davewentzel.com. He’s always looking for new customers. Would you like to engage?

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Table of contents

• Tabular Modeling with SQL Server 2016 Analysis Services Cookbook