Chapter 8. Identifying Data Patterns – Predictive Models in SSAS

In the previous chapter, you learned how to use data mining for data analysis. In this chapter, we will go one step further to reveal predictions based on an existing pattern. Prediction is one of the most interesting topics of Business Intelligence, because it gives us an estimate of the future behavior of the business.

The Microsoft SSAS engine understands a specific language for prediction and works with data mining algorithms called Data Mining Extensions (DMX). In this chapter, you will learn how to compare mining models and how to apply prediction on an existing data pattern with DMX. The examples of this chapter will use the scenarios covered in the previous chapter. Also, an example of Microsoft Time Series algorithm usage will be discussed at the end of this chapter.