Book Image

SQL Server Analysis Services 2012 Cube Development Cookbook

Book Image

SQL Server Analysis Services 2012 Cube Development Cookbook

Overview of this book

Microsoft SQL Server is a relational database management system. As a database, it is a software product whose primary function is to store and retrieve data as requested by other software applications. SQL Server Analysis Services adds OLAP and data mining capabilities for SQL Server databases. OLAP (online analytical processing) is a technique for analyzing business data for effective business intelligence. This practical guide teaches you how to build business intelligence solutions using Microsoft’s core product – SQL Server Analysis Services. The book covers the traditional multi-dimensional model which has been around for over a decade as well as the tabular model introduced with SQL Server 2012. Starting with comparing MultiDimensional and tabular models – discussing the values and limitations of each, you will then cover the essential techniques for building dimensions and cubes. Following on from this, you will be introduced to more advanced topics, such as designing partitions and aggregations, implementing security, and synchronizing databases for solutions serving many users. The book also covers administrative material, such as database backups, server configuration options, and monitoring and tuning performance. We also provide a primer on MultiDimensional eXpressions (MDX) as well as Data Analysis expressions (DAX) languages. This book provides you with data cube development techniques, and also the ongoing monitoring and tuning for Analysis Services.
Table of Contents (19 chapters)
SQL Server Analysis Services 2012 Cube Development Cookbook
Credits
About the Authors
About the Reviewers
www.PacktPub.com
Preface
Index

Creating a calculated column


Unlike calculated measures, calculated columns use row context with the formula. Calculated columns also are helpful for nonaggregated calculations such as concatenated text values like formatted full names (Last Name, First Name).

How to do it…

Using the data grid design view, there are a couple of ways to add the column. You can right-click on a column header, and use the Insert Column option to add a column to the left of the selected column. The other option is to go to the far right of the data grid, and you will see an undefined column with Add Column in the header:

  1. Let's create a full name column in the Customer table for reporting. Click on the Add Column header at the end of the grid.

  2. In the formula bar at the top of the grid, add an equal sign. To add the last name to the formula, scroll over to the left and select any value in the LastName column. This will add [LastName] to the formula.

    Note

    While not applicable here, you can also change tables and select...