Introduction

As you have learned throughout the various chapters of this book, SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) is a data container in its own right, separate and apart from the SQL Server relational database engine. As such, SSAS has numerous configuration options, many of which alter its behavior. You can use dynamic management views, SQL Server Profiler, Performance Monitor, and other tools to monitor and troubleshoot SSAS activity.

If your environment has only one or a handful of SSAS instances, they can be managed by the same database administrators managing SQL Server and other database platforms. In large enterprises, there could be hundreds of SSAS instances managed by dedicated SSAS administrators. Regardless of the environment, you should become familiar with the configuration options as well as troubleshooting methodologies. In large enterprises, you might also be required to automate these tasks using the Analysis Management Objects (AMO) code.

Analysis Services is a great tool...