Learning Objectives

• Learn to define what Business Intelligence is and how it applies to a database.

• Understand how the cube structure works for viewing data information.

• View cubes using Excel 2007 and SQL Reporting Services.

• See how to create cube models using SQL Server Business Intelligence Development Studio (BIDS).

• Create Data Source, Data Source Views and then create cubes with the Cube Wizard.

• Learn how to create key performance indicators (KPIs).

• Work with changing and advanced dimension types.

• Use relational and SSAS partitions.

• Understand how to use MDX syntax for queries, functions and tasks.

• Learn data mining concepts and mining structure processing.

• Implement security, XMLA scripts, backups and restores for SSAS.

Prerequisites

This course does not require any prior experience with Analysis Server 2008. It is assumed that students have working experience with SQL Server 2005 or 2008; basic relational database concepts (e.g., tables, queries, and indexing); data transformation services; Excel 2007; and SharePoint Server 2007.

What Is Microsoft Business Intelligence?

• Define Business Intelligence
• Understand the Cube Structure
• Deploy and View a Sample Cube
• View a Cube by using Excel
• View a Cube by using SQL Reporting Services

OLAP Modeling

• Understand Basic OLAP Modeling (star schema)
• Understand Dimensional Modeling (stars and snowflakes)
• Understand Measure (fact) and Cube Modeling
• Model with SQL Server Business Intelligence Development Studio (BIDS)

Using SSAS in BIDS

• Understand the Development Environment
• Create Data Sources
• Create Data Source Views
• Create Cubes by using the Cube Wizard

Intermediate SSAS

• Learn how to Create Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
• Discover how to Create Perspectives
• See how to Create Translations for Cubes and Dimensions
• Review the three SSAS Action Object Types: Regular, Drillthrough, and Reporting

Advanced SSAS

• Work with Multiple Fact Tables and the Dimension Usage Subtab in BIDS
• Explore Advanced Dimension Types
• Learn how to use the Business Intelligence Wizard
• Understand Writeback in Dimensions
• Review Semi-Additive Measures in OLAP Cubes

Cube Storage and Aggregation

• View Aggregation Designs
• Customize Aggregation Designs
• Implement Proactive Caching
• Use Relational and SSAS Partitions
• Customize Cube and Dimension Processing

Introduction to MDX Queries

• Understand Basic MDX Syntax
• Use the MDX Query Editor in SSMS
• Understand Common MDX Functions and Tasks
• Review MDX Functions New to SSAS 2008

MDX Expressions

• Understand the Calculation Subtab
• Learn how to add Calculated Members
• Explore how to add MDX Script Commands
• Discover how to add .NET Assemblies

Introduction to Data Mining

• Understand Data Mining Concepts
• Review the Algorithms that SSAS Includes
• Consider Data Mining Clients
• Understand Mining Structure Processing

SSAS Administration

• Implement SSAS Security
• Implement XMLA Scripts in SSMS
• Deploy and Synchronize Databases
• Understand SSAS Database Backup and Restore

Advanced Administration and Optimization

• Implement SSIS to Manage SSAS Databases
• Explore Clustering
• Explore Scalability Options
• Understand Performance Tuning and Optimization

Introduction to SSAS Clients

• Design Reports using Reporting Services
• Design Reports by using Report Builder
• Implement Excel 2007 Pivot Tables and Charts
• Use Excel 2007 as a Data Mining Client
• Review Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007