Choosing a Tabular or Multidimensional Modeling Experience in SQL Server 2012 Analysis Services - White Paper to make an informed Decision

  • Article

With the release of SQL Server 2012, Microsoft addresses this goal and challenge with the introduction of the BI Semantic Model (BISM), a single model that can support a broad range of reporting and analysis while blending two Analysis Services modeling experiences behind the scenes:

  • Multidimensional modeling, introduced with SQL Server 7.0 OLAP Services and continuing through SQL Server 2012 Analysis Services, enables BI professionals to create sophisticated multidimensional cubes using traditional online analytical processing (OLAP). 

 

  • Tabular modeling, introduced with PowerPivot for Microsoft Excel 2010, provides self-service data modelling capabilities to business and data analysts. The tabular modeling experience is more accessible to these users, many who have spent years working with data in desktop productivity tools like Excel and Microsoft Access. In SQL Server 2012, tabular modeling has been extended to enable BI professionals to create tabular models in Analysis Services or to import a tabular model from PowerPivot into Analysis Services. Note that a PowerPivot model cannot be imported into an Analysis Services multidimensional model.

The goal of this white paper is to provide practical guidance to help you decide which SQL Server 2012 Analysis Services modeling experience – tabular or multidimensional - is the best fit for your next BI solution. The product descriptions and recommendations in this paper are based on SQL Server 2012 Analysis Services, which was released in March 2012. Product features and recommendations may change as Analysis Services multidimensional and tabular modeling evolves in future versions of SQL Server.

 

You can download the white paper from https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh994774.aspx