7 SSAS Books That Shape Expert Mastery
Discover SSAS Books authored by leading authorities including Marco Russo, Louise Righton, and others, delivering trusted insights and strategies.
What if you could unlock the full power of SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) to transform your data analytics approach? SSAS remains a cornerstone technology for business intelligence, yet mastering its nuances can feel daunting. With so many books on the market, how do you identify those that truly deepen your expertise and deliver practical value?
This collection highlights seven books penned by recognized authorities who have shaped the SSAS landscape. From Marco Russo and Alberto Ferrari's deep dives into DAX and tabular modeling to Louise Righton's and Richard Parker's unique perspectives on SSAS pensions, these works deliver rigor, real-world insights, and actionable strategies. Their combined experience spans decades of consulting, development, and hands-on implementation.
While these expert-curated titles provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific SSAS experience, industry focus, and learning goals might consider creating a personalized SSAS book that builds on these insights, enabling a more customized learning journey.
by Marco Russo, Alberto Ferrari··You?
by Marco Russo, Alberto Ferrari··You?
Marco Russo and Alberto Ferrari, founders of sqlbi.com and seasoned Microsoft BI consultants, share their deep expertise in this detailed guide to mastering DAX for Power BI, Excel, and Analysis Services. You’ll uncover how DAX expressions work internally, enabling you to write faster, more efficient code, and learn to leverage advanced features like calculation groups and variables (VAR) to simplify complex models. The book covers everything from core concepts like calculated columns and measures to optimization techniques that improve query performance and data compression. If your work involves building sophisticated business intelligence models with Microsoft tools, this book offers the rigorous technical foundation you need.
by Marco Russo, Alberto Ferrari··You?
by Marco Russo, Alberto Ferrari··You?
Marco Russo and Alberto Ferrari bring decades of experience with Microsoft Analysis Services to this detailed guide on tabular modeling. They offer you a clear path through building robust BI solutions using SQL Server Analysis Services 2016's enhanced tabular features, covering everything from basic data model creation to complex optimization and deployment strategies. Whether you're transitioning from older multidimensional models or starting fresh, you gain practical insights into designing scalable data models that support real-world business intelligence needs. The book’s chapters on advanced performance tuning and scalability are particularly useful for developers aiming to refine their solutions.
by TailoredRead AI·
by TailoredRead AI·
This tailored book offers a deep dive into SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS), exploring core concepts alongside advanced topics that align with your experience and objectives. It reveals how SSAS structures and processes data, covering multidimensional and tabular models while addressing your specific interests like DAX, MDX, or cube deployment. With a personalized focus, it matches your background to deliver clear explanations and examples that resonate with your learning goals. This approach bridges expert knowledge with your unique context to enhance understanding and practical application, making complex SSAS topics accessible and engaging for your particular needs.
by Steven Hughes··You?
Steven Hughes leverages his extensive experience as an enterprise architect and consultant to guide you through the intricacies of SQL Server 2019 Analysis Services. You'll gain hands-on knowledge about designing both tabular and multi-dimensional models, mastering MDX queries, and implementing the latest DAX features like calculation groups. The book also delves into practical aspects such as server deployment, data security, and integration with Power BI and Excel for visualization. If you're working in BI or data analytics and want to deepen your technical skills in SSAS, this book offers detailed instruction grounded in real-world applications across industries like healthcare and finance.
by Tomislav Piasevoli, Sherry Li··You?
What started as Tomislav Piasevoli's deep involvement with Microsoft SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) solutions evolved into this detailed cookbook designed for anyone wrestling with multidimensional data. The book walks you through over 70 distinct recipes, each focusing on practical MDX queries and calculations, such as time-aware analytics and metadata-driven calculations, with examples that build in complexity chapter by chapter. You learn not just how to write queries but also how to optimize performance and debug issues effectively, making it especially useful if you develop or manage SSAS cubes or generate business intelligence reports. If your role involves pulling insights from multidimensional databases or improving BI reporting, this book offers concrete techniques without fluff.
by Stacia Varga··You?
by Stacia Varga··You?
Drawing from her extensive experience as a Microsoft Data Platform MVP and a longtime authority on SQL Server Analysis Services, Stacia Varga crafted this guide to sharpen your expertise in BI solutions development. You'll gain practical skills in designing both multidimensional and tabular semantic models, mastering MDX and DAX query languages, and configuring SSAS environments. The book’s structure aligns with Microsoft Exam 70-768 objectives, offering scenario-based challenges that strengthen your decision-making for real-world applications. If you’re an IT or database professional looking to deepen your command of SQL Server 2016 Analysis Services and prepare for certification, this book offers focused, rigorous training without fluff.
by TailoredRead AI·
This tailored book explores a step-by-step approach to quickly mastering SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS), focusing on your specific background and learning goals. It covers essential concepts and practical techniques that build your SSAS proficiency within thirty days. By concentrating on your particular interests and skill level, it offers a clear, focused path through core features such as tabular modeling, MDX queries, and performance tuning. The personalized format ensures the content matches your pace and objectives, making complex SSAS topics accessible and actionable. Whether you aim to enhance data modeling skills or accelerate your understanding of SSAS architecture, this book provides a custom learning experience designed to help you grow efficiently.
by Louise Righton, Mark Stokes··You?
by Louise Righton, Mark Stokes··You?
Louise Righton draws on her extensive marketing career and personal experience as a SSAS Trustee to reveal how entrepreneurs and property investors can harness Small Self-Administered Schemes to fuel business growth and personal wealth. The book walks you through real-life case studies of ten entrepreneurs who use SSAS to lend to their own ventures, reduce fees, and create lasting legacies. You'll gain insights into the practical mechanics of managing your pension while collaborating with fellow trustees for sustained value. This book suits business owners and investors ready to take greater control over their financial futures through SSAS.
by Mr Richard Philip Parker··You?
by Mr Richard Philip Parker··You?
Drawing from his extensive background in engineering and business management, Richard Parker unpacks the intricacies of SSAS pensions with a clarity that demystifies this complex financial tool. You’ll learn how to transfer corporate pension funds into a SSAS, gaining control over investments and the potential to preserve wealth across generations. The book walks you through managing your SSAS like a business, emphasizing impact investing and strategies to legally minimize inheritance tax exposure. This is especially useful if you want to break away from traditional pension assumptions and build a lasting financial legacy. However, it’s best suited for those ready to engage actively with their pension planning rather than passive investors.
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Conclusion
Across these seven books, clear themes emerge: the critical role of mastering DAX and MDX query languages, the importance of effective tabular and multidimensional modeling, and the strategic advantages of leveraging SSAS for pension and wealth management.
If you’re focusing on enhancing your technical skills, starting with Marco Russo and Alberto Ferrari’s guides alongside Steven Hughes’s practical approach will ground you in core SSAS development. For those looking to navigate the financial side, Louise Righton’s and Richard Parker’s pension-focused books offer valuable perspectives.
Alternatively, you can create a personalized SSAS book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation. These books can help you accelerate your learning journey and confidently harness SSAS to its full potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?
Start with "The Definitive Guide to DAX" if your goal is to master the core language behind SSAS models. It lays a strong foundation for both beginners and seasoned users moving into advanced data modeling.
Are these books too advanced for someone new to SSAS?
While some titles dive deep into technical details, books like "SSAS Superstars" and "SSAS Pension Legacy" provide accessible insights, especially if you're interested in pension applications of SSAS.
What's the best order to read these books?
Begin with foundational texts like "The Definitive Guide to DAX" and "Tabular Modeling in Microsoft SQL Server Analysis Services," then explore specialized areas such as MDX querying and pension strategies.
Should I start with the newest book or a classic?
Newer editions like "Hands-On SQL Server 2019 Analysis Services" reflect the latest SSAS features, but classics by Russo and Ferrari remain invaluable for their deep expertise and foundational knowledge.
Do these books assume I already have experience in SSAS?
Some books, such as "Exam Ref 70-768 Developing SQL Data Models," target professionals preparing for certification and expect a baseline understanding, while others offer practical introductions suitable for motivated learners.
Can personalized SSAS books complement these expert works?
Yes, personalized SSAS books can tailor expert knowledge to your unique background and goals, bridging theory and application. They complement authoritative texts by addressing your specific learning needs. Learn more here.
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