Introduction
Kepion supports data analysis through SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) databases. Once a Kepion application is deployed to your SSAS server, you can connect to the databases through 3rd party reporting tools such as Power BI. In this article, we will show you how to connect to an OLAP cube from Power BI Desktop.
Before you start
Verify the following to ensure a successful connection:
- You have an account with access to the SSAS server (i.e., CORP\USER or user@corp.com).
- The name or IP address of the server.
- The SSAS server has the appropriate ports opened and available for access.
Connect Power BI Desktop to SSAS
You can connect your Power BI Desktop to the SSAS server either from within a trusted network or an external network. But the connection procedure differs for the two environments, so follow the relevant procedure:
Within network
When you are connecting to the target SSAS database from within the corporate network and using the login credentials for your machine, follow this procedure.
Note: If your company has provided you with VPN access to its network, first log in to the VPN.
1. Open Power BI Desktop.
2. Under the Home tab, select Get data > Analysis Services.
3. Complete the SQL Server Analysis Services database as follows:
- Server: Enter the name or IP address of the SSAS server to which you are trying to connect.
- Database: Enter the database name, or leave it empty.
- Select Connect Live to enable.
4. Select OK.
The Navigator window lists all the available databases accessible to you.
5. Expand the target database, select a cube or perspective, and then select OK.
Now you can start creating your Power BI report.
Outside network
When connecting to SSAS using Power BI Desktop from outside the network or when you don't want to use your local account, follow this procedure.
1. Open Command Prompt and prepare the following command:
runas /netonly /user:DomainName\UserName "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Power BI Desktop\bin\PBIDesktop.exe"
- Replace DomainName\UserName with your domain account.
- Ensure that the Power BI Desktop executable is in the correct folder, C:\Program Files\Microsoft Power BI Desktop\bin\PBIDesktop.exe
2. Type the updated command and select Enter.
3. Enter the password for your domain account when prompted and select Enter.
This will trigger Power BI Desktop to run under the indicated domain account (instead of your local account).
4. Once Power BI Desktop is launched, follow the steps in the previous section to connect to the target SSAS server.