Will OLAP Cube and MDX expire?

Question

Hi,

after release SQL Server 2012, i  have seen in few forums that MDX and Cube will not get any enhancements from Microsoft and in very future it will be expired. Please let me know is it correct information that i am getting .

---

Thanks, Rajendra

Answer 1

I think it will not disappear. Maybe it would evolve in the next version of Analysis Services. Cubes and MDX (Multidimensional models), are mature enough since 2005 so, there were not mayor changes in the next versions (2008, 2012).

Right now, Multidimensional models are the only way to work with large data (big data), see the Yahoo case with 24TB and the Klout case over Hadoop technologies

For me, the ideal version of Analysis Services vNext will be merging the best functionalities of the Tabular Models (in-memory, velocity, "easy") with those from Multidimensional Models (scalability, rich set of functionality out-of-the-box) in a transparent way for the end user. I think it is technically possible because the SSAS team already have both technologies.

In summary, at this point of time I see large life for Multidimensional models (Cubes and MDX). We will see what happens in the next months.

HTH,

---

Please, mark this post as Answer if this helps you to solve your question/problem.
Alan Koo | "Microsoft Business Intelligence and more..." http://www.alankoo.com

Answer 2

Thank you Alan Koo, this information is more useful for SSAS Devs

---

Thanks, Rajendra