Powerpivot beginner: SQL Server

Question

Hi,

I am totally new to Powerpivot and recently bought the book "Powerpivot for Excel 2010 - Give Your Data Meaning" as I thought it would be a good skill to learn for work. I am following the steps and as part of the book I need to connect to a SQL server.

When I try to import data from a SQL database I have left the "Friendly connection name" as "SqlServer" and have clicked the arrow downward to connect. When I do this, nothing comes up and so I do not have a server name.

I was thinking that SQL server comes with the Powerpivot but I could be completely wrong. Do I need to download SQL server 2012 as well as Powerpivot in order to get this to work?

Sorry if this is a really basic question and any answers would be really appreciated.

Thank you

Answer 1

http://www.mrexcel.com/forum/showthread.php?646233-Quick-newbie-question-about-sql-server

Answer 2

I was thinking that SQL server comes with the Powerpivot but I could be completely wrong.

Hello,

No, SQL Server is a separate product and not really required for PowerPivot. You have to install it separate, e.g. the free Express Edition: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=29062

---

Olaf Helper
* cogito ergo sum * errare humanum est * quote erat demonstrandum *
Wenn ich denke, ist das ein Fehler und das beweise ich täglich
Blog Xing

Answer 3

Hi libernian,

As Olaf suggested above, we need to install SQL Server. In addition, I would suggest you refer to the image below:

It shows the PowerPivot for Excel architecture, which relies on an add-in assembly, a VertiPaq engine, and a VertiPaq database module.

For more information, please see:
Microsoft SQL Server PowerPivot Planning and Deployment: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ff628113(v=sql.100).aspx

Regards,
Bin Long

---

Bin Long

TechNet Community Support