Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Analysis Services: The BISM Tabular Model [Paperback]

If you landed on this Amazon web page, it's likely that you had some interest in SSAS 2012 books on the Tabular Model. If that's the case, order this book and I assure you - not only won't be disappointed, you'll be happy you did.

This is an outstanding book. In the past I've seen some books (even decent books) that purport to cover one technology, but wind up covering so many other peripheral topics that the book loses sight of the original goal. This one doesn't - the content focuses precisely on the title: the BISM Tabular Model.

There are many little gems in here: from a small section on Kerberos (that helped me to understand something), to intricacies in DAX formulas, to recommendations on hierarchies, to implementing dynamic security. In addition to many complete chapters on the tabular model, here are some additional great chapters:

- The DAX chapters might even rival entire books on DAX. The authors managed to pack many examples into 2 chapters.

- The authors clearly communicate feature comparisons between the Tabular Model and the multidimensional model, and also which tabular features will work optimally (and which won't) when using the Tabular Model in PowerView.

- The chapter on security is excellent and covers several scenarios.

- The authors have a chapter towards the end on using XMLA to process Tabular Models. While I already knew most of this, I'm so glad to see authors covering this. Guys, thank you, THANK YOU.

- The authors cover advanced relationships, and show some examples of DAX formulas that you'll need to supplement bridge table scenarios. While the tabular model (in my opinion) doesn't handle many-to-many scenarios quite as gracefully as SSAS multidimensional, the authors show how you can implement equivalent functionality.

Also, SSAS multi-dimensional developers will appreciate the many comparisons between the MDM and the tabular model. This is a complete book by authors who have already developed a reputation for delivering strong content.
(And by the way, if you didn't already know it, these authors wrote "Expert Cube Development with Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Analysis Services" a few years ago, an equally outstanding book on the "standard" multidimensional model.

Guys, fantastic job. No book can cover EVERYTHING, but you guys came very close. It's hard to believe someone could improve on what you did with the Expert Cube Development book (which was awesome and helped me greatly), but you seem to have done it.

If you do Microsoft Business Intelligence beyond simple reporting, this book is a must buy.

The authors clearly explain how the new version of Analysis Services fits in the Microsoft BI family of products.
Now that's a big achievement because that tool (and advanced analysis) are not easily understood.

However Marco, Alberto and Chris are both master communicators and masters of the technology.
In addition, you will begin to understand the world of database/data analysis beyond the relational database.
In our world of big data warehouses, tools beyond the relation database are a must.

Having been a Microsoft Partner Consultant, BI Architect and chairman of a Microsoft BI User's Group, I'm keenly aware of how difficult it is to communicate these advanced concepts--and to turn them into practical solutions.

The return on your time for using this book will be several orders of magnitude, and the sooner you start, the bigger the return.

Heartfelt thanks to the authors for helping all of us in the Microsoft BI World see more clearly and create better solutions!

Look no further if you are trying to learn the tabular part of SSAS. No other book describes the intricacies and internals of the tabular model than this book. A definite MUST BUY.

Jason Thomas
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