Foundations of SQL Server 2008 R2 Business Intelligence introduces the entire exciting gamut of business intelligence tools included with SQL Server 2008. Microsoft has designed SQL Server 2008 to be more than just a database. It's a complete business intelligence (BI) platform. The database is at its core, and surrounding the core are tools for data mining, modeling, reporting, analyzing, charting, and integration with other enterprise-level software packages. SQL Server 2008 puts an incredible amount of BI functionality at your disposal. But how do you take advantage of it? That's what this book is all about. Authors Guy Fouche and Lynn Langit show how to implement end-to-end BI solutions using SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS), SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS), SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS), and other tools in the Microsoftbusiness intelligencetoolkit. You'll learn about all-features such as PowerPivot and Report Builder 3.0. Also provided are clear examples of predictive analysis made possible through powerful data mining features in SQL Server. If you're an analyst or developer working with SQL Server 2008 who is charged with delivering results that drive business success, you can't afford to be without this book; you can't afford to ignore the powerfulbusiness intelligencesuite that Microsoft has placed at your disposal. Provides the big picture of Microsoft's BI tool suite Covers PowerPivot and other game-changing technologies introduced alongside SQL Server 2008 Release 2 Gives a practical analysis of features based on real-world practices What you'll learn Apply dimensional- and fact-based modeling to create OLAP schemas Optimize data extraction and transformation with SQL Server Integration Services Develop OLAP and data-mining solutions using SQL Server Analysis Services Create compelling reports using the new Report Builder 3.0 in SQL Server Reporting Services Deliver self-service business-intelligence via Microsoft PowerPivot Manage and maintain control over your business intelligence environment Who this book is for

Foundations of SQL Server 2008 R2 Business Intelligence is for business intelligence analysts and developers wanting to employ the full stack of business intelligence tools that are part of SQL Server. The book also appeals to database administrators managing databases in support of business intelligence efforts. Table of Contents What Is Business Intelligence? OLAP Modeling Concepts Introducing OLAP Modeling with SSAS Intermediate OLAP Modeling with SSAS Advanced OLAP Modeling with SSAS Cube Storage and Aggregation Introducing SSIS Intermediate SSIS Advanced SSIS Reporting Tools Data Mining with Excel Introducing PowerPivot Introduction to MDX Introduction to Data Mining

Every business has reams of business data locked away in databases, business systems, and spreadsheets. While you may be able to build some reports by pulling a few of these repositories together, actually performing any kind of analysis on the data that runs your business can range from problematic to impossible. Pro SQL Server 2008 Analysis Services will show you how to pull that data together and present it for reporting and analysis in a way that makes the data accessible to business users, instead of needing to rely on the IT department every time someone needs a different report. AccessibleWith a single author's voice, this book conducts a guided tour through the technology that makes it easy to dive into. SolutionorientedWhile technically deep, the goal is to focus on practical application of the technologies instead of acting as a technical manual. ComprehensiveThis book covers every aspect of analysis services and ancillary technologies to enable you to make the most of SQL Server. What you'll learn Understand the importance ofonline analytical processingand analysis services technologies. Build cubes and dimensions that let you get business value out of large volumes of data. Learn the fundamentals of MDX, the query language for advanced analysis. Apply ancillary aspects of analysis services: KPIs, perspectives, and calculated members. Apply basic data mining conceptsidentify answers to questions you weren't even aware you should ask. Learn the various ways to consume analysis services data (reporting services, Excel, and ProClarity). Who this book is for

Pro SQL Server 2008 Analysis Services is aimed at developers who want to take advantage of SQL Server's built-in business intelligence functionality to mine their data and produce reports that can drive business forward in right and profitable directions. The book is secondarily aimed at database administrators charged with supporting analysis services solutions. Table of Contents Introduction to OLAP Cubes, Dimensions, and Measures SQL Server Analysis Services SSAS Developer and Admin Interfaces Creating a Data Source View Creating Dimensions Building a Cube Deploying and Processing MDX219 10: Cube Features Data Mining PowerPivot Administration User Interfaces