SQL Server 2012 Analysis Services XMLA

Problem

Cube developer often flippantly use the term XMLA in there discussion of maintaining, scripting, backing up, and restoring cubes and other SSAS objects; what exactly is XMLA and how can it be used? Check out this tip to learn more.

Solution

XMLA is an XML based, exclusive protocol used to handle communication between clients and a SSAS database. It is SOAP based and is designed to be a standard access point for any multidimensional source. XMLA is the driving scripting language behind many of the tasks within SSAS. Some of the scripting tasks that can accomplished by XMLA include: