In this tutorial, Manuel Quintana walks through the process of installing a second instance of SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) for Multidimensional Analysis Services (MOLAP). This part of the SQL Server installation series is particularly helpful for those focusing on multidimensional analysis and not needed for basic SQL Server database tasks. Here's a breakdown of the key steps and takeaways from this process.
What is MOLAP?
MOLAP (Multidimensional Online Analytical Processing) is used in SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) to analyze complex, multidimensional data. Unlike tabular SSAS, which is more common for simpler datasets, MOLAP is designed to work with more complex, hierarchical data structures.
Why Install MOLAP?
As Manuel explains, this step is only necessary if you’re working with multidimensional analysis, particularly in a training or classroom environment. Most users will not need to install this extra instance if they are focused on SQL Server database functions alone.
Step-by-Step Installation
Here are the main steps involved in the installation process:
- Launching the Installer: Begin by launching the SQL Server installation file. As with the previous steps in this series, ensure that your system meets all prerequisites and dependencies for installing SSAS.
- Choosing a New Installation: Instead of adding features to an existing SQL Server instance, you’ll opt to install a new instance. This is necessary because SQL Server only supports one instance of each type of SSAS (tabular or multidimensional).
- Selecting Analysis Services: When prompted to choose features, select only the Analysis Services option and opt for the multidimensional mode (MOLAP) for this new instance. The other features, like the Azure extension or machine learning services, can be skipped.
- Setting Instance Name: One of the critical steps is naming your new instance. It’s a good practice to use the name "molap" to clearly indicate that this is the instance for multidimensional analysis. You’ll need to ensure that the instance name does not conflict with existing names in your system.
- Server Configuration: Choose the default configuration for the server services. During this step, it’s important to confirm that the administrator accounts are properly configured for your new instance.
- Installing the Instance: The installation will go through a series of checks and validations before completing. Manuel suggests that the process typically doesn’t take long, but in case of issues, like the need to restart the system, users should resolve those before continuing.
Connecting to the New Instance
Once the installation is complete, it’s time to connect to your new SSAS MOLAP instance. You can do this via SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), as explained in the video:
- Connecting to the Tabular Instance: Initially, SSMS will show the default tabular instance. You can connect to it by selecting the local machine name in the SSMS connection dialog.
- Adding the MOLAP Instance: After installation, you can add the MOLAP instance by specifying the instance name in the SSMS connection string. For example, if your machine name is “Quintana1,” your new connection string would be “Quintana1\molap.” This addition allows you to connect to both the tabular and multidimensional instances from the same SSMS interface.
- Switching Between Instances: SSMS allows you to connect to multiple instances, so you can easily switch between tabular and multidimensional databases. This flexibility is crucial for users who need to work with both types of SSAS configurations.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you can install and configure the Multidimensional SSAS (MOLAP) instance alongside the tabular SSAS instance. This configuration is ideal for those involved in advanced data analysis or training environments. After completing the setup, you’re ready to start exploring multidimensional data models using SQL Server Analysis Services.
Manuel Quintana provides clear, step-by-step guidance throughout the installation process, making it accessible for users of all experience levels. For those following along, this should prepare you to dive into multidimensional analysis in SQL Server.
We hope this guide helps you get started with Multidimensional SSAS in SQL Server 2022. Happy learning!
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