SQL Server^® Analysis Services: Hands-On

What is this course about?

This course provides comprehensive coverage of Microsoft SQL Server Analysis Services. You learn to import and analyze data from heterogeneous sources. The numerous hands-on exercises in this course are designed to illustrate real-world problems and provide practical solutions that you can apply immediately in the workplace.

Who will benefit from this course?

Typically, participants who have been involved with database design and have experience with moving data between heterogeneous sources with SQL Server Integration Services will benefit from this course. Typical job titles include: data architects, business analysts, and data warehousing specialists. A basic knowledge of relational databases and Microsoft Business Intelligence tools is assumed. Experience with Microsoft Excel is assumed.

What background do I need?

You should have a basic knowledge of relational database management systems and the SQL language. Specific experience with Microsoft SQL Server is helpful, but not required for this course. You should also have some knowledge of basic programming concepts but specific knowledge of a particular language is not required.

How much of this class is focused on scripting and/or programming?

Most tasks in this course can be accomplished with no programming. You learn to use programming to extend the capabilities of SSAS even if you have never programmed before. All of the necessary information to complete the exercises is given in the course.

Do I need to know SQL?

A basic knowledge of SQL is helpful but not required.

What is the role of SSAS in Business Intelligence?

SSAS is one of the components in Microsoft's Business Intelligence platform. The other two consist of SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) and SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS). Integration Services allows you to migrate data for decision support purposes. Once migrated, data can be analyzed with Analysis Services and reports can be built using Reporting Services.

I am using Oracle as my main database platform. Will this course be helpful to me?

Yes! Analysis Services can be used to analyze data from virtually any source. For example, it can be used to analyze data from Sybase or Oracle.

How much time is spent on each topic?

Do I need to have a statistics background?

No, you do not need to have a background in statistics in order to succeed in this course. Knowledge of statistics is helpful, but not required.

Will I learn the MDX language?

Yes, there is one chapter and several exercises devoted to this topic. MDX, or Multidimensional Expressions, allows for calculations within the cube. There are some calculations that cannot be done through the GUI, and MDX provides the means to accomplish these tasks.

Why do I need to learn about Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)?

KPIs enable you to monitor complex business goals by comparing the indicators with the multidimensional cube data. This creates a simplified way to view business performance. There is one exercise on this topic in the course.

Will I learn how to build a cube?

Yes, the majority of the course is about creating, extending and presenting cubes in a user-friendly manner.

How can data mining help my organization?

Data mining is a method of spotting patterns and trends in data. It goes beyond simple analysis. Through the use of sophisticated algorithms, users have the ability to identify key attributes of business processes and target opportunities. Data mining enables you to predict the buying patterns of customers, detect fraud in financial transactions, and focus marketing strategies.

What platform is used for the hands-on exercises?

This course uses Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 running on Windows Server 2008.

How much time is devoted to hands-on exercises?

Approximately 45% of class time is spent engaging in hands-on exercises. These include:

• Building a data source view
• Creating and deploying a cube
• Modifying cube dimensions
• Navigating hierarchies
• Establishing relationships in the data model
• Building complex expressions with MDX
• Creating an action to launch a Reporting Services report
• Forecasting trends with data mining techniques

How does this course relate to other Learning Tree courses?

The SQL Server courses you take vary depending on the role you play in your organization. Please refer to the SQL Server 2008 Curriculum Q&A for details on which courses are most appropriate to your role and the order in which you should take them. You may be interested in these SQL Server 2008 and related courses:

• 134, SQL Server® Integration Services: Hands-On
• 523, SQL Server® 2005 Reporting Services: Hands-On
• 138, SQL Server® 2008 Database Administration: Hands-On
• 1501, SharePoint® 2010 Technologies: A Comprehensive Hands-On Introduction
• 1510, Administering SharePoint® Server 2010: Hands-On
• 140, SQL Server® 2008 Reporting Services: Hands-On

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