SQL Server Analysis Services Enhancements

By: Siddharth Mehta

Overview

SQL Server Analysis Services was introduced as a part of the Microsoft Business Intelligence stack starting with SQL Server 2005. The first major version update to SSAS came with SQL Server 2008 / 2008 R2. The major features and enhancements in SSAS from 2008 R2 through 2016 are listed below.

Explanation

SQL Server Analysis Services 2008 R2

• SSAS Integration with SharePoint - PowerPivot for SharePoint and Excel with DAX support
• Aggregation Design improvements in Aggregation Design and Usage-based Optimization Wizards
• Dimension Design improvements in Dimension as well as Attribute-Relationship Designer
• Storage related performance improvements

SQL Server Analysis Services 2012

• Multi-dimensional, Tabular and SharePoint server mode as well as xVelocity In-Memory Analytics Engine (Vertipaq) introduced
• Tabular Model development in SQL Server Data Tools
• Improvements in resource monitoring and event tracking for Multidimensional as well as Tabular server modes
• Enhancements and/or improvements in DAX, AMO, PowerShell, XMLA and CSDL

SQL Server Analysis Services 2014

• PowerView support for Multidimensional models

SQL Server Analysis Services 2016

• Azure Analysis Services Preview announced
• Tabular Modeling enhancements for SSAS Tabular Models like Translations and Calculates Tables
• New DAX functions
• Improved Tabular Instance Management, DBCC for SSAS, etc
• Scripting enhancements for PowerShell, Tabular Model Scripting Language and AMO
• DirectQuery performance improvements in Tabular SSAS

Additional Information

• We will be looking at some fundamental and important features for developing, deploying and browsing a SSAS data model in Multidimensional and Tabular server modes.
• Consider reading more about tools and applications used in SSAS from here.