SQL Server Analysis Services

Andrew analyzes and writes about Microsoft's data management, business intelligence, and machine learning solutions, as well as aspects of licensing... more

SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) is a role in SQL Server, Microsoft’s long-standing on-premises database management and business intelligence (BI) software. SSAS is an analytic processing component used to build the complex data models that guide business decisions. It organizes data in two ways: Tabular mode, built on tables, columns, and measures and shared with Excel, Power BI, and Azure Analysis Services ; and Multidimensional mode, an older technology that organizes data into cubes. The cloud services carry most SSAS features but are limited to Tabular mode.

Product: SQL Server Analysis Services

Licensing: SQL Server

Near-Term Updates and Roadmap (2026–2027)

SQL Server 2025, generally available Nov. 18, 2025, and supported to Jan. 7, 2036, is the first release in years to give SSAS substantial work. Most of its engine capability was proven in Power BI and backported. Microsoft develops in the cloud and ships on-premises later, so customers should expect a lag rather than parity. Multidimensional mode received nothing again.

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