SQL Server 2008R2 Analysis Services Operations Guide

Writers: Thomas Kejser, John Sirmon, and Denny Lee

Summary: This white paper describes how operations engineers can test, monitor, capacity plan, and troubleshoot Microsoft SQL Server Analysis Services OLAP solutions in SQL Server 2005, SQL Server 2008, and SQL Server 2008 R2.

In this guide you will find information on how to test and run Microsoft SQL Server Analysis Services in SQL Server 2005, SQL Server 2008, and SQL Server 2008 R2 in a production environment. The focus of this guide is how you can test, monitor, diagnose, and remove production issues on even the largest scaled cubes. This paper also provides guidance on how to configure the server for best possible performance.

Analysis Services cubes are a very powerful tool in the hands of the business intelligence (BI) developer. They provide an easy way to expose even large data models directly to business users. Unlike traditional, static reporting, where the query workload is known in advance, cubes support ad-hoc queries. Typically, such queries are generated by the Microsoft Excel spreadsheet software – without the business user being aware of the intricacies of the query engine. Because cubes allow such great freedom for users, the power they give to developers comes with responsibility. It is in the interaction between development and operations that the business value of the cubes is realized and where the proper steps can be taken to ensure that the power of the cubes is used responsibly.

Read more and download this paper here...