Tony Rogerson's ramblings on SQL Server

We are broadcasting tonights UK SQL Server User Group meeting in Reading, for more information go to http://sqlserverfaq.com/events/168/SQL-2008-R2-and-Gemini-From-Data-Modelling-to-Information-Architecture-and-Attribute-Relationships-Aggregations-and-using-MDX-Studio-to-its-best.aspx.

 The agenda...

6.15pm – 7:00pm Andrew Fryer, Microsoft

SQL Server 2008 R2 and Gemini
SQL Server 2008 R2 will be the release with Gemini in it. Gemini is about trying to marry self service BI for end users with proper control of that data for the IT Professional. The beta program has only been recently announced and so it’s still early days but if you want to know what to expect then this is your first real opportunity in the UK. So join Andrew Fryer for an hour of peering into what 2010 BI looks like

7:00pm - 7:45pm Ruairi Prendiville, Sybase

From Data Modeling to Information Architecture
It used to be about doing the thing right: a tactical approach for data modelling was necessary, because all the data was contained within the same domain. Now it’s about doing the right thing. Management demands information that is strategic and which helps them make business decisions. This information is more complex, housed in multiple domains, created in different languages, and used by different areas of the organisation for opposing purposes. Adding to the complexity is the critical need for it to be timely, accurate and comprehensive. 
In this 45-minute session, Andrew de Rozairo and Alex Pratt of Sybase will impart the secrets of successfully building a foundation for a comprehensive and successful information architecture. You’ll learn how to take a new approach to modelling: combining the business view, information view and the technology view to achieve a strategic vision. 

7:45pm – 8pm BREAK: Light refreshments

More time to network and ask questions...

8pm - 8:15pm Vincent Rainardi

Nugget (demo) on SSAS

8:15pm – 9.00pm Ashwani Roy

Attribute Relationships, Aggregations and using MDX Studio to its best
Setting proper relationships for the attributes of a dimension is essential from a query performance point of view. It is one of the most important things while dimensional modelling.
Aggregations are pre calculated summaries of cube data that help enable Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Analysis Services (SSAS) to provide rapid query responses. Aggregations are like fact table data grouped and aggregated to a higher level in the Hierarchy. Building the correct aggregations can greatly enhance query performance.
MDX Studio can be used to analyze complex MDX expressions, monitor performance characteristics of MDX queries and get insight into how MDX interacts with other UDM features such as attribute relationships. MDX Studio provides unique visualization representation of MDX expression and allows the user to interact with different stages of MDX execution. It is built by Mosha Pasumansky, who is inventor of MDX and one of the Architects of Microsoft Analysis Services.