Optimizing Microsoft SQL Server Analysis Services: Enhance Cube Processing Performance with Optimize Schema

Hands-On Procedure

Preparation

Create a Clone Cube

Let’s get started by creating a clone of the Warehouse sample cube, which, along with the FoodMart database that contains it, accompanies an MSAS installation. This will allow us to keep the original sample cube intact for other uses.

1. Open Analysis Manager, beginning at the Start menu.

2. Expand the Analysis Servers folder by clicking the “+” sign to its immediate left.

Our server(s) appear.

3. Expand the desired server.

Our database(s) appear, in much the same manner as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1: A Sample Set of Databases Displayed within Analysis Manager

4. Expand the FoodMart 2000 database.

5. Expand the Cubes folder.

The sample cubes appear, as shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2: The Sample Cubes in the FoodMart 2000 Database

NOTE: Your local databases / cube tree will differ, depending upon the activities you have performed since the installation of MSAS (and the simultaneous creation of the original set of sample cubes). Should you want or need to restore the cubes to their original state, simply restore the database under consideration. For instructions, see the MSSQL Server 2000 Books Online.

6. Right-click on the Warehouse sample cube.

Again, we are making a copy of the Warehouse cube, because our lesson will involve making changes to the cube we use within the practice example. As we have noted, working with the copy will allow us to maintain our existing sample cube in its current condition, and available to other users.

7. Select Copy from the context menu that appears.

8. Right-click on the Cubes folder.

9. Select Paste from the context menu that appears.

The Duplicate Name dialog appears.

As noted in previous articles, we cannot have two cubes of the same name in a given MSAS database.

10. Type the following into the Name box of the Duplicate Name dialog:

SSP_OPT_SCHEMA

The Duplicate Name dialog appears, with our modification, as depicted in Figure 3.

Figure 3: The Duplicate Name Dialog, with New Name

TIP: As I have mentioned elsewhere in this and other series, the foregoing is also an excellent way of renaming a cube (a “rename” capability is not available here, as it is in many Windows applications). Simply create a duplicate, give it the name to which you wish to rename the old cube, and then delete the old cube, as appropriate. This also works for MSAS databases, dimensions and other objects.