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

Using performance tools


Your design and management tool belt will contain several tools that will help you with troubleshooting, optimization, and performance tuning. These may consist of:

  • SQL Server Management Studio

  • DAX Studio add-in for Excel

  • Windows Task Manager and Resource Monitor

  • SQL Server Profiler

Task Manager and Resource Monitor

The most convenient method to check system resources and activity is that of using performance tools in the Windows Task Manager. You can access the Task Manager in any version of Windows using Ctrl + Alt + Delete or by right-clicking on the Windows task bar. Use the Performance tab to view a summary of CPU and memory usage on the computer. Memory use is typically the most important factor to consider first. This will tell you how much RAM is available on the system and how much is currently in use by the Tabular engine and other processes. Use the Processes tab to see whether any other services or applications are competing for memory. You should typically...