Introduction to SQL Server 2008 Analysis Services (SSAS)

Bascom Bridge’s Introduction to SSAS training teaches attendees best-practice usage of SQL Server 2008 Analysis Services. Note: This course can also be taught using SQL Server 2008 R2.

Note: This course includes an introduction to MDX, but does not provide the same level of depth as our three-day MDX course. If you’re interested in detailed coverage of both SSAS and MDX, please contact us and let us know – we could deliver a customized five-day course covering both SSAS and MDX.

SSAS TRAINING OBJECTIVES

• Perform OLAP modeling
• Use SSAS inside of BIDS
• Store and aggregate data cubes
• Write multi-dimensional expressions (MDX)
• Administer SSAS
• Use SSAS in conjunction with reporting clients and Microsoft Office

SSAS TRAINING PREREQUISITES

All SSAS training attendees should have prior experience with SQL Server 2008.

SSAS TRAINING MATERIALS

All SSAS training students receive a copy of Microsoft Press’ SQL Server 2008 Analysis Services Step-by-Step.

SOFTWARE NEEDED FOR EACH PC:

• SQL Server 2008, including Analysis Services.
• For classes delivered online, all participants need either dual monitors or a separate device logged into the online session so that they can do their work on one screen and watch the instructor on the other. A separate computer connected to a projector or large screen TV would be another way for students to see the instructor’s screen simultaneously with working on their own.

SSAS TRAINING OUTLINE

• What Is Microsoft Business Intelligence?
  • Define Business Intelligence
  • Understand the Cube Structure
  • Deploy and View a Sample Cube
  • View a Cube by using Excel
  • View a Cube by using SQL Reporting Services
• OLAP Modeling
  • Understand Basic OLAP Modeling (star schema)
  • Understand Dimensional Modeling (stars and snowflakes)
  • Understand Measure (fact) and Cube Modeling
  • Model with SQL Server Business Intelligence Development Studio (BIDS)
• Using SSAS in BIDS
  • Understand the Development Environment
  • Create Data Sources
  • Create Data Source Views
  • Create Cubes by using the Cube Wizard
• Intermediate SSAS
  • Learn how to Create Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
  • Discover how to Create Perspectives
  • See how to Create Translations for Cubes and Dimensions
  • Review the three SSAS Action Object Types: Regular, Drillthrough, and Reporting
• Advanced SSAS
  • Work with Multiple Fact Tables and the Dimension Usage Subtab in BIDS
  • Explore Advanced Dimension Types
  • Learn how to use the Business Intelligence Wizard
  • Understand Writeback in Dimensions
  • Review Semi-Additive Measures in OLAP Cubes
• Cube Storage and Aggregation
  • View Aggregation Designs
  • Customize Aggregation Designs
  • Implement Proactive Caching
  • Use Relational and SSAS Partitions
  • Customize Cube and Dimension Processing
• Introduction to MDX Queries
  • Understand Basic MDX Syntax
  • Use the MDX Query Editor in SSMS
  • Understand Common MDX Functions and Tasks
  • Review MDX Functions New to SSAS 2008
• MDX Expressions
  • Understand the Calculation Subtab
  • Learn how to add Calculated Members
  • Explore how to add MDX Script Commands
  • Discover how to add .NET Assemblies
• Introduction to Data Mining
  • Understand Data Mining Concepts
  • Review the Algorithms that SSAS Includes
  • Consider Data Mining Clients
  • Understand Mining Structure Processing
• SSAS Administration
  • Implement SSAS Security
  • Implement XMLA Scripts in SSMS
  • Deploy and Synchronize Databases
  • Understand SSAS Database Backup and Restore
• Advanced Administration and Optimization
  • Implement SSIS to Manage SSAS Databases
  • Explore Clustering
  • Explore Scalability Options
  • Understand Performance Tuning and Optimization
• Introduction to SSAS Clients
  • Design Reports using Reporting Services
  • Design Reports by using Report Builder
  • Implement Excel 2007 Pivot Tables and Charts
  • Use Excel 2007 as a Data Mining Client
  • Review Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007
• Conclusion