Azure Analysis Services provides semantic models for business intelligence and reporting tools such as Power BI and Excel. This article shows how to connect to an Azure Analysis Services server from SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) and browse a model.

Quick answer: In SSMS, select Connect > Analysis Services, enter the Azure Analysis Services server name from the Azure portal, and authenticate with a supported Microsoft Entra ID method such as Active Directory – Universal with MFA Support. After connecting, expand the server and database in Object Explorer to browse the model.

Prerequisites:
1. Install the latest version of SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS).
2. An Azure Analysis Services server must already exist.
3. Your Microsoft Entra ID account must have permission to connect to the server.

How to Connect to Azure Analysis Services Using SSMS

  1. Open SSMS
  2. Click on Connect in Object Explorer.
  3. Click on Analysis Services.
  4. In Server name, enter the complete server name shown in Azure portal > your Analysis Services server > Overview (for example, asazure://westeurope.asazure.windows.net/yourservername).
  5. From the Authentication drop-down, select Active Directory – Universal with MFA Support.
  6. Enter your Microsoft Entra ID account when prompted and click Connect.
Connect to Azure Analysis Services from SSMS

Complete the Microsoft Entra sign-in flow if prompted. After authentication, SSMS connects to the server and displays the available databases in Object Explorer.

Right-click the database and select Browse to open the model browser.

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You can now browse the model and drag objects from the Model pane into the query area for analysis. Enable the Auto Execute option in SSMS if you want queries to run automatically when the objects in the execution pane change.

Connect to Azure Analysis Services using SSMS

Pro tips:
1. Microsoft provides two types of analysis services models; multidimensional and tabular. Read this article to know how they differ from each other.
2. Refer to this post to connect to Azure analysis services from Power BI desktop.

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Kunal Rathi

With over 15 years of experience in data engineering and analytics, I've assisted countless clients in gaining valuable insights from their data. As a dedicated supporter of Data, Cloud and DevOps, I'm excited to connect with individuals who share my passion for this field. If my work resonates with you, we can talk and collaborate.