Introduction to tabular models

SQL Server Analysis Services tabular models are very different compared to multidimensional models because, with tabular semantic models, data can be stored in a highly compressed, in-memory, columnar database designed to support business analytics over small to large volumes of data, in addition to supporting DirectQuery against supported data sources. Tabular models also use tabular modeling structures to store and analyze data:

Figure 12.1: Tabular models use tabular modeling structures, including tables and relationships, to store and analyze data

A common development workflow for developing and deploying a tabular model is to use SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) for Visual Studio or Visual Studio with Analysis Services extensions to design the model, deploy the model as a database to SQL Server Analysis Services or Azure Analysis Services (AAS), schedule the automatic reprocessing of the data model, and assign user membership...