Microsoft SQL Server Cube

Being a concept of SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS), a cube contains the data that business users can query.

A cube holds the:

  • Measures in one or more measure groups
  • Dimensions providing the necessary information on the measures
  • Additional calculated members and measures
  • Actions, translations, perspectives
  • And many more ...

Cubes contain metadata describing measure groups and their relationship to dimensions. They also define storage for measure group data. Calculated members are defined through MDX scripts, which can be added by a developer. Developers can also create actions that enhance the user's experience by allowing users to open reports, drill through, or execute code based on the data the user is viewing. Perspectives are filters on what dimensions and measures can be viewed. These can be defined for specific business areas, to only see what is related to them.