Excited to share SQL Server 2012 Service Pack 1 Cumulative Update 4, released last week, provides the ability for customers to create Power View reports against their existing multidimensional models (a.k.a. cubes). SQL Server 2012 Service Pack 1 Cumulative Update 4 contains a few additional enhancements to the "Power View for Multidimensional Models -- Preview" based on customer feedback. This functionality helps customers maximize their existing BI investments by enabling their use with the latest BI end-user tools and adds greater modeling flexibility to the BI Semantic Model. Customers need to upgrade their Analysis Services instance and the Reporting Services add-in for Microsoft SharePoint Server (2010 or 2013) with this Cumulative Update to create Power View reports against their existing cubes.
Microsoft introduced an interactive data exploration, visualization and presentation experience called Power View with SQL Server 2012. Power View reports are presentation-ready at all times because they are always connected to your data. Users can quickly create a variety of visualizations, from tables and matrices to bubble charts and sets of small multiple charts. Power View operates on a BI Semantic Model that resides in Analysis Services databases or PowerPivot workbooks.
With the SQL Server 2012 SP1 CU 4, Power View can consume data from multidimensional models. Now Power View users can connect to both the Tabular and Multidimensional formats of theBI Semantic Model. This is achieved through native support for Data Analysis Expressions (DAX) in Analysis Services multidimensional models, ensuring optimal performance and functionality. SQL Server 2012 SP1 CU4 contains a few additional enhancements to the "Power View for Multidimensional Models – Preview" released in November 2012.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need to upgrade SSAS & SSRS in SharePoint mode?
Answer: Yes, you need to upgrade your SSAS & SSRS installed in SharePoint mode.
2. Can I upgrade from existing SQL Server 2012 installation?
Answer: Yes, you can upgrade from an existing SQL Server 2012 installation.
3. In which editions is Power View support for multidimensional mode enabled?
Answer: Enterprise and Business Intelligence editions.
4. Can I send DAX queries to multidimensional models?
Answer: Yes, you can send DAX queries to multi-dimensional models.
5. Will Power View in Excel (On-Prem or in the cloud) be able to connect to multi-dimensional models (cubes)?
Answer: No, this update is only supported on standalone SharePoint (2010 and 2013) mode.
6. When will Power View in Excel to connect to Multidimensional models?
Answer: Enabling this scenario is a top priority for the team but we do not have any updates on the roadmap or timeframe to share at this time.