SSAS 2005 cube front ends

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SSAS 2005 cube front ends

Jenny Richardson

Ten Centuries

Points: 1157
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May 24, 2010 at 8:19 pm

#232863

Hi all,
I was hoping you could help point me in the right direction here.
I have been working with SQL Server 2000/2005 for about 7 years but have not done anything on the BI side. I have a customer now who is wanting a cube and asking about what tool they should use to access the cube. Their database is in SQL Server 2005 (not looking to upgrade any time soon).
I was under the impression they would use PerformancePoint 2007, but they have told me this is not available any more and it is now part of SharePoint. The "purchasing and licensing" page for PP2007 on the Microsoft website doesn't have any links to buy the product so perhaps this is correct.
So I have a few questions:
* What tool does Microsoft currently offer for interacting with SQL Server 2005 cubes?
* Does this require both server and client components?
* Do they need SQL Server Enterprise Edition for the SSAS install?
I apologise if these are very basic questions - I have been searching on Google but cannot find much information on 2005, at least not much that is recent.
Thanks!
Jenny

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Ihor Bobak Old Hand Points: 305 More actions · Answer 1

Following this http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ee661741.aspx

Now PerformancePoint functionality is available as an integrated part of the SharePoint Server Enterprise license, as is the case with Excel Services in Microsoft SharePoint Server 2010.

As I understand from your post, your company is an ISV. In the case if you are a Microsoft Certified Partner, I would suggest you to call to the Microsoft office and ask your partner account manager about the ways how you can sell Sharepoint Server to the end-customer.

* What tool does Microsoft currently offer for interacting with SQL Server 2005 cubes?

Microsoft offers Excel, PPS and ProClarity. I don't know other MS products (if someone knows something else from Microsoft - post here). There is also a free OWC component, but it is very weak.

* Does this require both server and client components?

Can you please tell what do you mean?

* Do they need SQL Server Enterprise Edition for the SSAS install?

Enterprise and Standard versions of SQL Server contain MSAS as a component. MSAS is not sold separately.

Standard version of MSAS has some strong limitations:

1) partitions are absent

2) semi-additive measures are absent.

But the question is "are those limitations essential?" is open - depends on the need of your customer.

I sent you a personal message with some more details - please, read.

eric.halverson SSC Veteran Points: 231 More actions · Answer 2

Hi Jenny,

I am a Partner Account Manager at Strategy Companion. We have a web based front end application called Analyzer that is designed specifically to work with SQL Server Analysis Services cubes. Here are a couple of quotes about Analyzer from people in the industry.

“Filling the gaping hole left by Microsoft’s absorption of ProClarity, Strategy Companion Analyzer is the best solution to complete the Microsoft BI platform.

For analysts, power users, and general report consumers, Analyzer supports the full range of SQL Server Analysis Services features. It has a zero-footprint client interface, making it simple to deploy and manage, with delivery options for SharePoint, Excel, and Internet Explorer.

Analyzer offers a powerful and intuitive set of analysis tools and visualizations that let business users make more confident decisions.”

— Douglas McDowell, contributing editor, SQL Server Magazine, December 2009 issue

- as quoted from the announcement of Analyzer winning the Editor’s

Best Award from SQL Server Magazine in the Business Intelligence

Reporting tool category

“I have seen slick web-based thin browsers before, but this one looks absolutely amazing. It is pure ASP.NET/DHTML, and it is written specifically for Analysis Services.”

- Mosha Pasumansky, Development Lead, Microsoft Analysis Services

You can read more about Analyzer and download an evaluation copy at http://www.strategycompanion.com.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks Jenny!

Eric

Ihor Bobak Old Hand Points: 305 More actions · Answer 3

As I understand, the advertisement is not prohibited on this forum, so I'd like to propose also our product.

See our web site. This is not a purely web based client like Strategy Companion, but if to talk about Enterprise version - it is working with the application server through HTTP (like browser). And it has its own advantages.

We have a partner in U.S. who is re-selling it. They can make a live demo for you.

Desktop version of our product can be downloaded directly from this web page. Enterprise version should be ordered through a form on the same page.

Jenny Richardson Ten Centuries Points: 1157 More actions · Answer 4

Hi,

Thanks for the feedback. My client is keen on using Microsoft products, at least initially, as they probably already have the required licenses under their volume licensing agreement.

Ihor - unfortunately we are not Microsoft Certified partners so I have to rely on what information I can find online. We are working to remedy this though.

Jenny

ANDREW.MUYOBO SSC Enthusiast Points: 190 More actions · Answer 5

ANDREW.MUYOBO

SSC Enthusiast

Points: 190

June 2, 2010 at 9:27 am

#1175376

You can try Novaview Panorama

Simona Shimanovich SSC Enthusiast Points: 103 More actions · Answer 6

Eric,

I didn’t find pricing information. Send email for the sales and didn’t get any answer.

Simona