Understanding tabular models

This first release of the in-memory model was targeted for business users who wanted to create their own models mashing up data from different sources in an easy-to-use tool. Microsoft wanted to create the ultimate business analytics tool for the Excel user, and they added the PowerPivot add-in to Excel 2010. Microsoft also added a server model of PowerPivot that is installed together with their collaboration platform called SharePoint . The goal of PowerPivot for SharePoint was to enable users to share the models between them and with other users. Because the size of the model can be quite big, it is not practical to do so through other means such as e-mail or file shares. At the same time, PowerPivot for SharePoint allows IT professionals to monitor the models that business users create.

Both PowerPivot for Excel and PowerPivot for SharePoint use the same in-memory technology developed by the Analysis Services team called xVelocity in-memory analytical engine...