Tabular versus Multidimensional SSAS

You learned two different analytical-modeling tools and methods in this book: multidimensional and tabular. You might come across a question about which one is better? This is a good question, and the best time to ask this question is before you start modeling, because once you've started modeling in any of these two methods, you cannot convert the project to another model.

Note

You can use both models together in a BI solution for responding to different requirements.

To answer the question, you would need to consider different aspects of the BI system, such as the timeframe for the project to complete, resources for this project, pre-build models in PowerPivot, and many other aspects.

SSAS Multidimensional is like a multifunction modeling tool, and tabular is like a model that is developed for one purpose, that is, performance. You can get a much faster response to a distinct count query in tabular rather than in multidimensional because tabular works with...