SQL Server 2005 Analysis Services 101

This series will be an introduction to SQL Server 2005 Analysis Services. The series will begin with an introduction into the terminology and concepts and then progress towards the creation of dimension and fact tables, developing and deploying OLAP cubes and much more. This series is geared towards the beginner just getting started with Analysis Services 2005 and the Microsoft Business Intelligence Platform.

Total Time: 4 Hour 03 Minutes              Total Videos: 28

  • Lesson 1: Introduction

    • Video 1.1: Introduction to SQL Server 2005 Analysis Services
      (Running Time: 11:04)

      This video will provide a high-level overview of SQL Server 2005 Analysis Services. You will learn that Analysis Services 2005 provides OLAP and Data Mining Services and you will gain an understanding of some of the other features included with this edition of Analysis Services.


    • Video 1.2: Analysis Services Workflow
      (Running Time: 6:32)

      This video will demonsrate a typical Analysis Services 2005 workflow and provide an overview of Analysis Services architecture. You will be introduced to the Data Source View and the Unified Dimensional Model and where each of these fit into your Analysis Services project lifecycle.

  • Lesson 2: Dimensional Modeling Basics

    • Video 2.1: Understanding the Unified Dimensional Model
      (Running Time: 4:54)

      Introduction to the Unified Dimensional Model. You will learn how the Unified Dimensional Model (UDM) is used by Analysis Services 2005 and understand how the UDM differs from the Relational and Dimensional Models.


    • Video 2.2: Dimensional Modeling Concepts
      (Running Time: 10:12)

      This video will provide an introduction to dimensional modeling concepts. Learn about Dimensions, Dimension Tables, Dimension Attributes, Dimension Members, Hierarchies, Measures and Fact Tables. This video explains many of the concepts that are needed to work with Analysis Services 2005.


    • Video 2.3: Understanding Star and Snowflake Schemas
      (Running Time: 7:09)

      The Star and Snowflake Schema are used to represent your Dimensional Model. This video will explain what they are and how they will be used when working with the Unified Dimensional Model and Analysis Services 2005.


  • Lesson 3: Setup & Configuration

    • Video 3.1: Installing the Sample Databases
      (Running Time: 6:44)

      This video will show you where to find the sample databases that are used in this video series and how to attach them to your SQL Server instance.


    • Video 3.2: Creating an Analysis Services Project
      (Running Time: 5:33)

      In this video, you will create your first Analysis Services project using the Business Intelligence Development Studio. The Business Intelligence Development studio is included with your install of SQL Server 2005.


    • Video 3.3: Connecting to Data Sources
      (Running Time: 6:38)

      This lesson will show you how to connect to a Data Source within an Analysis Services Project. Impersonation options are also discussed as well as an overview of the different types of Data Sources allowed, such as SQL Server 7.0 and SQL Server 2000.

  • Lesson 4: Data Source Views

    • Video 4.1: Working with Data Source Views
      (Running Time: 20:46)

      The first step in working within SQL Server Analysis Services 2005 is to create a Data Source View. This video will introduce you to Data Source Views. You will learn how to create DSVs as well as how to modify, edit and work with them effectively within the Data Source View Designer.


    • Video 4.2: Creating Named Queries
      (Running Time: 9:06)

      This video will introduce you to Named Queries. You will learn how to create and use Name Queries within the Data Source View Designer. With a Named Query, you can define additional logical tables for your Data Source View to support your Unified Dimensional Model.


    • Video 4.3: Creating Named Calculations
      (Running Time: 6:35)

      Learn how to create a Named Calculation within the Data Source View Designer. Named Calculations allow you to define a column that is based off a valid SQL Expresssion. Named Calculations let you calculate additional measures that aren't already defined in your underlying data source.


  • Lesson 5: Dimensions

    • Video 5.1: Create Dimensions using the Cube Wizard
      (Running Time: 8:55)

      In this video, you will learn how to use the Cube Wizard to create your first Analytics Cube and related Dimensions. The Cube Wizard will examine your Data Source View and build the appropriate obects.


    • Video 5.2: Using the Dimension Designer
      (Running Time: 5:50)

      To modify or enhance your Dimensions you will work with the Dimension Designer. This video will explain the main dimension designer components and features.


    • Video 5.3: Working with Dimension Attributes
      (Running Time: 7:34)

      In this video, you will continue refining your dimension by defining dimension attributes and specifying dimension attributes as either a Key, Parent or Regular Attribute.


    • Video 5.4: Create Dimensions Using the Dimension Wizard
      (Running Time: 9:10)

      This video will demonstrate how to create a dimension using the Dimension Wizard. You will specify a main dimension table from your Data Source View and understand the important decisions to be made during the process.


    • Video 5.5: Defining Attribute Relationships
      (Running Time: 8:50)

      Attribute Relationships are used by Analysis Services for defining hierarchies and retrieving and aggregating data in your cube. This video will explain attribute relationships (Member Properties in MDX) and demonstrate how to work with them when designing your dimensions.


  • Lesson 6: Hierarchies

    • Video 6.1: Attribute Hierarchies
      (Running Time: 11:52)

      In this tutorial, I'll explain what Attribute Hierarchies are and demonstrate how they are used in SQL Server 2005 Analysis Services.


    • Video 6.2: Multilevel Hierarchies
      (Running Time: 15:55)

      In this tutorial, I'll explain what Multilevel Hierarchies are and show you how to define a multilevel hierarchy within a dimension using SQL Server 2005 Analysis Services.


  • Lesson 7: Cubes

    • Video 7.1: Working with Analysis Services Cubes
      (Running Time: 8:24)

      In this tutorial, you will become familiare with the Cube Structure Tab within the Cube Designer. You will learn how to identify the Measures and Dimensions included in your Cube as well as a review of various Cube Properties.


    • Video 7.2: Working with Measures and Groups
      (Running Time: 10:33 )

      This tutorial will examine the Measure Groups and Meaures contained In you Analysis Services Cube and discuss some important properties related to your Cube Measures.


    • Video 7.3: Modifying Cubes and Dimensions
      (Running Time: 7:14 )

      In this tutorial, I'll demonstrate how to update your Analysis Services Cubes when you make changes to existing dimensions. We'll also review how to add new dimensions to your existing cubes and the impact that has on the Cube Browser.


    • Video 7.4: Understanding Dimension Usage
      (Running Time: 11:42 )

      In this Analysis Services Tutorial, you will learn how to work with the Dimension Usage tab in the Cube Designer. You will learn how to identify which dimensions are being used in your cube as well as how to define Dimension Relationships.


    • Video 7.5: Using the Cube Designer Browser
      (Running Time: 9:56 )

      In this Analysis Services Tutorial, you will work with the OLAP Browser located in the Cube Designer. You will learn how to report on the Measures and Dimensions in your cube and also how to create filters using Filter Expressions and more.


  • Lesson 8: Projects

    • Video 8.1: Understanding Analysis Services Projects
      (Running Time: 5:53)

      This tutorial will discuss how to work with Analysis Services Projects. You will learn the difference between Project Mode and Online Mode and when to use them.


    • Video 8.2: Deploying and Processing Analysis Services Projects
      (Running Time: 7:00 )

      This tutorial will provide additional details regarding deploying and processing your Analysis Services Projects. You'll learn how to specify your Analysis Services Database and what really happens behinds the scenes when you deploy and process your Analysis Services Projects.


    • Video 8.3:Using the Deployment Wizard
      (Running Time: 6:38 )

      In this tutorial, I'll demonstrate how to update your Analysis Services Cubes when you make changes to existing dimensions. We'll also review how to add new dimensions to your existing cubes and the impact that has on the Cube Browser.

  • Lesson 9: Reporting

    • Video 9.1: Using Excel with Analysis Services
      (Running Time: 10:00)

      This tutorial will demonstrate how to use Microsoft Excel to report on data located in your Analysis Services Cube. You'll learn how to connect to an Analysis Services Database and display the data using an Excel Pivot Table.


    • Video 9.2: Using Reporting Services with Analysis Services
      (Running Time: 8:46)

      This Analysis Services tutorial will demonstrate how to use Reporting Service to create reports based off an Analysis Services database. You'll create a matrix report using the report wizard and display data from your Analysis Services Cube.