Teach yourself the Multidimensional Expressions (MDX) query language one step at a time. With this practical, learn-by-doing tutorial, you ll build the core techniques for using MDX with Analysis Services to deliver high-performance business intelligence solutions. Discover how to: Construct and execute MDX queries Work with tuples, sets, and expressions Build complex sets to retrieve the exact data users need Perform aggregation functions and navigate data hierarchies Assemble time-based business metrics Customize an Analysis Services cube through the MDX script Implement dynamic security to control data access Develop MDX-driven reports in SQL Server Reporting Services CD features: Practice exercises Database and code samples Fully searchable eBook.

Amazon.com® Reader Reviews (Ranked by Helpfulness)

Average Amazon.com® Rating:  Based on 6 Ratings

Good luck with CD installation - 2009-06-09
Reviewer Rating:
This book is meant to follow examples step-by-step, which means the sample databases have to be installed first. The instruction tells you to take the CD, and install two samples. It goes in great detail explaining that C:drive letter may need to be changed to D: (repeated 4 times), but it does not give you a slightest hint that different processes of SQL Server use different autentication regardless of your login name, and you need to give these permissions to the sample source files.
After spending several hours googling and experimenting, I got thru with permissions; fixed the problem with the log file (the only one mentioned on-line for book support), managed to load the first database, and got stuck with all kind of error messages loading the analysis services database.
Without the source code the only option was to send an email to Microsoft Support team. All I got back is auto-reply, so instead of studying the new language I spend days waiting.
Unless you are a SQL Server DBA who loves debugging for fun, pick something else.

A good foundation - 2009-03-17
Reviewer Rating:
Brian and Ryan presented a very simple and literally step by step way to understand the fundamental syntax of MDX. In addition, the examples are good starting points to be adventurous and to try other stuff. The chapters are arranged in a very logical manner. Each chapter builds upon the knowledge picked-up from the previous one.
However, do not let Chapter 1 discourage you from continuing to explore the rest of the book. The attempt to present the wealth of business intelligence, dimensional model and data warehouse terms and structure may get to be confusing. I agree with them when they wrote that a familiarity of the concept of data warehousing is recommended. To better appreciate the whole exercise of learning MDX, a basic knowledge of Analysis Services will go a long way.

Lastly, finishing the book with a chapter on using MDX with reporting services shows the main purpose of learning MDX in the first place, provide meaningful information to the end users in a format they will appreciate.

Eldred Rivera, MCT

opinion sobre sql server 2008 mdx - 2009-12-15
Reviewer Rating:
El libro es excelente, permite introducirse en el tema desde cero y llegar a un nivel intermedio-alto. Lo recomiendo a todo el que quiera adentrarse en este tema

Good for new learner - 2009-12-04
Reviewer Rating:
This book is good start for new learner. However, if u looking of optimization and very tricky situation, this may not suite you.

It's good to see a book on MDX from MS Press - 2009-08-06
Reviewer Rating:
It's SQL Server 2008 MDX Step by Step and it delivers what you need to get your teeth into MDX. In the way most Step by Step books from Microsoft Press do, but I probably wouldn't recommend the book to people already fluent with MDX.

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