How to integrate XML with SSAS
Learn how to quickly and efficiently connect XML with SSAS for smooth data access.
Read and write XML data effortlessly. Extract, filter, and sync XML from URLs, strings, and local files for analytics, reporting, and data pipelines — almost no coding required. You can do it all using the high-performance XML ODBC Driver for SSAS (often referred to as the XML Connector). We'll walk you through the entire setup.
Ready to dive in? Download the product to jump right in, or follow the step-by-step guide below to see how it works.
Create data source in ZappySys Data Gateway
In this section we will create a data source for XML in the Data Gateway. Let's follow these steps to accomplish that:
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Download and install ODBC PowerPack (if you haven't already).
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Search for
gatewayin the Windows Start Menu and open ZappySys Data Gateway Configuration:
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Go to the Users tab and follow these steps to add a Data Gateway user:
- Click the Add button
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In the Login field enter a username, e.g.,
john - Then enter a Password
- Check the Is Administrator checkbox
- Click OK to save
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Now we are ready to add a data source:
- Click the Add button
- Give the Data source a name (have it handy for later)
- Then select Native - ZappySys XML Driver
- Finally, click OK
XmlDSNZappySys XML Driver
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Select Url or File and paste the following Url for this example OR you can load existing connection string as per this article.
NOTE: Here for demo, We are using odata API, but you need to refer your own API documentation and based on that you need to use your own API URL and need to configure connection based on API Authentication type
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Now enter Path expression in Array Filter textbox to extract only specific part of XML file as below ($.feed.entry[*] will get content of entry attribute from XML document. Entry attribute is array of XML documents so we have to use [*] to indicate we want all records of that array)
NOTE: Here, We are using our desired filter, but you need to select your desired filter based on your requirement.
Click on Test Connection button to view whether the Test Connection is SUCCESSFUL or Not.$.feed.entry[*]
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Once you configured a data source, you can preview data. Hit Preview tab, and use similar settings to preview data:
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Click OK to finish creating the data source.
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That's it; we are done. In a few clicks we configured the call to XML API using ZappySys XML Connector.
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Once done, go to the Network Settings tab and Add a firewall rule for inbound traffic:
- This will initially allow all inbound traffic.
- Click Edit IP filters to restrict access to specific IP addresses or ranges.
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Crucial Step: After creating or modifying the data source, you must:
- Click the Save button to persist your changes.
- Hit Yes when prompted to restart the Data Gateway service.
This ensures all changes are properly applied:
Skipping this step may cause the new settings to fail, preventing you from connecting to the data source.
Read XML data in SSAS cube
With the data source created in the Data Gateway (previous step), we're now ready to read XML data in an SSAS cube. Before we dive in, open Visual Studio and create a new Analysis Services project. Then, you're all set!
Create data source based on ZappySys Data Gateway
Let's start by creating a data source for a cube, based on the Data Gateway's data source we created earlier. So, what are we waiting for? Let's do it!
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Create a new data source:
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Once a window opens,
select Create a data source based on an existing or new connection option and
click New...:
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Here things become a little complicated, but do not despair, it's only for a little while.
Just perform these little steps:
- Select Native OLE DB\SQL Server Native Client 11.0 as provider.
- Enter your Server name (or IP address) and Port, separated by a comma.
- Select SQL Server Authentication option for authentication.
- Input User name which has admin permissions in the ZappySys Data Gateway.
- In Database name field enter the same data source name you use in the ZappySys Data Gateway.
- Hopefully, our hard work is done, when we Test Connection.
XmlDSNXmlDSN
If SQL Server Native Client 11.0 is not listed as Native OLE DB provider, try using these:- Microsoft OLE DB Driver for SQL Server
- Microsoft OLE DB Provider for SQL Server
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Indeed, life is easy again:
Add data source view
We have data source in place, it's now time to add a data source view. Let's not waste a single second and get on to it!
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Start by right-clicking on Data Source Views and then choosing New Data Source View...:
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Select the previously created data source and click Next:
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Ignore the Name Matching window and click Next.
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Add the tables you will use in your SSAS cube:
For cube dimensions, consider creating a Virtual Table in the Data Gateway's data source. Use theDISTINCTkeyword in theSELECTstatement to get unique values from the facts table, like this:SELECT DISTINCT Country FROM CustomersFor demonstration purposes we are using sample tables which may not be available in XML. -
Review your data source view and click Finish:
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Add the missing table relationships and you're done!
Create cube
We have a data source view ready to be used by our cube. Let's create one!
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Start by right-clicking on Cubes and selecting New Cube... menu item:
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Select tables you will use for the measures:
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And then select the measures themselves:
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Don't stop and select the dimensions too:
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Move along and click Finish before the final steps:
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Review your cube before processing it:
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It's time for the grand finale! Hit Process... to create the cube:
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A splendid success!
Execute MDX query
The cube is created and processed. It's time to reap what we sow! Just execute an MDX query and get XML data in your SSAS cube:
Configuring pagination in the XML Driver
ZappySys XML Driver equips users with powerful tools for seamless data extraction and management from REST APIs, leveraging advanced pagination methods for enhanced efficiency. These options are designed to handle various types of pagination structures commonly used in APIs. Below are the detailed descriptions of these options:
Page-based Pagination: This method works by retrieving data in fixed-size pages from the Rest API. It allows you to specify the page size and navigate through the results by requesting different page numbers, ensuring that you can access all the data in a structured manner.
Offset-based Pagination: With this approach, you can extract data by specifying the starting point or offset from which to begin retrieving data. It allows you to define the number of records to skip and fetch subsequent data accordingly, providing precise control over the data extraction process.
Cursor-based Pagination: This technique involves using a cursor or a marker that points to a specific position in the dataset. It enables you to retrieve data starting from the position indicated by the cursor and proceed to subsequent segments, ensuring that you capture all the relevant information without missing any records.
Token-based Pagination: In this method, a token serves as a unique identifier for a specific data segment. It allows you to access the next set of data by using the token provided in the response from the previous request. This ensures that you can systematically retrieve all the data segments without duplication or omission.
Utilizing these comprehensive pagination features in the ZappySys XML Driver facilitates efficient data management and extraction from REST APIs, optimizing the integration and analysis of extensive datasets.
For more detailed steps, please refer to this link: How to do REST API Pagination in SSIS / ODBC Drivers
Authentication
ZappySys offers various authentication methods to securely access data from various sources. These authentication methods include OAuth, Basic Authentication, Token-based Authentication, and more, allowing users to connect to a wide range of data sources securely.
ZappySys Authentication is a robust system that facilitates secure access to data from a diverse range of sources. It includes a variety of authentication methods tailored to meet the specific requirements of different data platforms and services. These authentication methods may involve:
OAuth: ZappySys supports OAuth for authentication, which allows users to grant limited access to their data without revealing their credentials. It's commonly used for applications that require access to user account information.
Basic Authentication: This method involves sending a username and password with every request. ZappySys allows users to securely access data using this traditional authentication approach.
Token-based Authentication: ZappySys enables users to utilize tokens for authentication. This method involves exchanging a unique token with each request to authenticate the user's identity without revealing sensitive information.
By implementing these authentication methods, ZappySys ensures the secure and reliable retrieval of data from various sources, providing users with the necessary tools to access and integrate data securely and efficiently. For more comprehensive details on the authentication process, please refer to the official ZappySys documentation or reach out to their support team for further assistance.
For more details, please refer to this link: ZappySys Connections
Conclusion
In this article we showed you how to connect to XML in SSAS and integrate data without writing complex code — all of this was powered by XML ODBC Driver.
Download ODBC PowerPack now or ping us via chat if you have any questions or are looking for a specific feature (you can also reach out to us by submitting a ticket):
