Understanding the BI semantic model architecture

Analysis Services is a foundational component of the Microsoft BI. It has the ability to host analytical models that can be used with tools, such as Excel through PivotTables. The model can either be multidimensional OLAP models or in-memory models called tabular models. This model is called the BI Semantic Model (BISM).

The BI Semantic Model is a new model that includes both the classic multidimensional model or OLAP model and the newer tabular model.

Note

For a longer description of the BI semantic model, see the following white paper: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/jj735264.aspx.

Also review the following blog post by the development team that includes information about the roadmap of the OLAP model: http://blogs.msdn.com/b/analysisservices/archive/2011/05/16/analysis-services-vision-amp-roadmap-update.aspx.

The OLAP model is a true multidimensional model that allows the developers to include very complex business logic into the...