Adding In-db Data from Microsoft SQL Server Analysis Services


Follow the steps below to add a connection with in-database data to Microsoft SQL Server Analysis Services.

To add in-database data from Microsoft SQL Server Analysis Services to Spotfire:

  1. Click Files and data .

  2. In the Files and data flyout, click Connect to.

  3. In the list of connectors, click Microsoft SQL Server Analysis Services.

  4. In the Microsoft SQL Server Analysis Services flyout, click New connection.

  5. In the Microsoft SQL Server Analysis Services Connection dialog, specify the Server you want to connect to.

  6. Select the Authentication method you want to use, and if you selected Username and password, enter your credentials.

  7. Click Connect.

    Response: Spotfire connects to the specified server, and the databases that are available on that server are listed in the Database drop-down list.

  8. Select the Database of interest.

  9. Select the Cube of interest.

  10. Click OK.

    Response: The Data Selection in Connection dialog opens.

  11. Click to select data of interest in the panel to the left. Click on the top level to select the entire cube. Limit what is shown in the panel by selecting a single measure group, or by typing a search term in the search field.

    Comment: Double-click on a collapsed item to expand it, or double-click on a leaf node to send it to the Data selection in connection list.

  12. Click Add > to move the selected data to the Data selection in connection field.

  13. Dimension columns and hierarchies can be further limited by clicking on the selected column or hierarchy in the Data selection in connection list and then, in the Settings pane, clicking Limit....

    Comment: This way, you can filter out certain values of the dimension to only include values of interest. For example, you can select data from a single country only. Note that it is not possible to limit measures, only dimensions, because the cube calculates the measures in the context of the selected dimensions.

  14. If desired, you can specify that the data in this connection should be available as external data only. Right-click on the bold view name and select Load Method and the desired option.

  15. When you are done with the data selection, click OK.

  16. The final step is a summary view of the data tables that will be added to your Spotfire analysis. Make sure that the data table that is added from your connection is configured as External, for in-database analysis.
    Tip: To change the load method of a data table to External, click the data table in the summary view, and then use the drop-down menus to select External.

  17. Click OK.

    Response: A connection to Microsoft SQL Server Analysis Services has now been added to the analysis.

Tip: Do all of the data selection work in a shared data connection and save it to the library instead of adding it to the analysis directly. This way you can reuse the work you have done later, or share your selections with others.  

See also:

Importing Data from Microsoft SQL Server Analysis Services

Working With Microsoft SQL Server Analysis Services