Moving SQL based reports to Data cubes

Question

I am about to migrate a bunch of seriously over-complex Reports (MS SQL report server over some horrible stored procedures) to something more BI based. I was wondering if anybody had any pointers, gotchas, or general advice on the best way to do this. Thanks.

Answer 1

Take a look at Analysis Services

Answer 2

• Read up on Star schema's but starting out with one huge flat table is a quick and dirty place to start.
• Don't be afraid to replicates data for Performance.
• If you are not using a query tool MDX can be a hurdle, dumping your sprocs to flat tables and reporting from them may help get you to the next step.
• If your sprocs are providing live data any type of aggregate (cubes) will have some type of data delay and your users may be sensitive to that.