Tech4Him – Technology with Integrity

Presenter: Josh Jones

Just like any other application, OLAP solutions designed and built in Visual Studio 2008 for SQL Server Analysis Service 2008 must be managed from source code to server. In this session, learn different methods for managing your OLAP solutions. Well cover TFS and VSS storage, manual deployment methods using the Visual Studio GUI, as well as command line build automation methods specific to SQL Server Analysis Services project deployments.

Building SSAS Solutions

• Visual Studio / BIDS
  • All BI Projects
  • Easy to use compared to older versions
  • Team Foundation Server / Team System

Building a Solution

• Source Control
  • Visual Source Safe
    • Long history
    • Easy to use
    • Best for small environments
    • Isolated Development
    • Administration
  • Team Foundation Server
    • Central Repository
    • Project Management
    • SQL Server Based Repository
    • Collaborative Development
  • Analysis Services Perspective
    • Team Development
    • Build Projects in BIDS
    • Manage Databases in SSMS
    • BEWARE!

Configuring Deployment

• Configure Project Environment
• Configure Source Control
• Create Project “Configurations”
• Define Targets
• Define Actions

Deployment Solutions

• Visual Studio / BIDS
  • Visual Deployment
  • Immediate Feedback
  • Multiple Configurations
  • Easy to Use
• Automating Builds
  • Msbuild.exe doesn’t work
  • Devenv.exe (Visual Studio Command Line)
  • *.asdatabasefiles = SSAS Deployment Wizard
  • Microsoft.AnalysisServices.Depoyment.exe
    • Must create an answer file using /a ONCE
    • Produces an xmlafile
  • Deploy xmlafile via ascmd.exe

Nothing too terribly new here, but a good reminder for some.

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