How to integrate XML File with SSAS

Learn how to quickly and efficiently connect XML File with SSAS for smooth data access.

Read and write XML files effortlessly. Extract, filter, and sync XML from local files and strings for analytics, reporting, and data pipelines — almost no coding required. You can do it all using the high-performance XML File ODBC Driver for SSAS (often referred to as the XML File 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.

XML File ODBC Driver Powering this integration

High performance
Bidirectional
Low-code / No-code
Easy to use

Built on the ZappySys XML Driver, the XML File ODBC Driver is a high-performance, low-code / no-code solution. It enables you to connect to XML File data without any coding right in your SQL Server, or any ODBC/JDBC application. Part of the ODBC PowerPack.

Documentation

Create data source in ZappySys Data Gateway

In this section we will create a data source for XML File in the Data Gateway. Let's follow these steps to accomplish that:

Download and install ODBC PowerPack (if you haven't already).
Search for gateway in the Windows Start Menu and open ZappySys Data Gateway Configuration:
Go to the Users tab and follow these steps to add a Data Gateway user:
- Click the Add button
- In the Login field enter a username, e.g., john
- Then enter a Password
- Check the Is Administrator checkbox
- Click OK to save
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
XmlFileDSN

ZappySys XML Driver

You can use pass single file or multiple file path using wildcard pattern in path and you can use select single file by clicking [...] path button or multiple file using wildcard pattern in path.

Note: If you want to operation with multiple files then use wild card pattern as below 
(when you use wild card pattern in source path then system will treat target path as folder regardless you end with slash)

C:\SSIS\Test\reponse.xml (will read only single reponse.xml file)
C:\SSIS\Test\j*.xml (all files starting with file name j)
C:\SSIS\Test\*.xml (all files with .xml Extension and located under folder subfolder)

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[*]
Once you configured a data source, you can preview data. Hit Preview tab, and use similar settings to preview data:
Click OK to finish creating the data source.
That's it; we are done. In a few clicks we configured the call to XML File using ZappySys XML File Connector.
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.
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 File data in SSAS cube

With the data source created in the Data Gateway (previous step), we're now ready to read XML File data in an SSAS cube. Before we dive in, open Visual Studio and create a new Analysis Services project. Then, you're all set!

In the example below, we use Multidimensional and Data Mining Analysis Services project, but it should work with Tabular project too.

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!

Create a new data source:
Once a window opens, select Create a data source based on an existing or new connection option and click New...:
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.
XmlFileDSN

XmlFileDSN
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
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!

Start by right-clicking on Data Source Views and then choosing New Data Source View...:
Select the previously created data source and click Next:
Ignore the Name Matching window and click Next.
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 the DISTINCT keyword in the SELECT statement to get unique values from the facts table, like this:
```
SELECT DISTINCT Country FROM Customers
```
For demonstration purposes we are using sample tables which may not be available in XML File.
Review your data source view and click Finish:
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!

Start by right-clicking on Cubes and selecting New Cube... menu item:
Select tables you will use for the measures:
And then select the measures themselves:
Don't stop and select the dimensions too:
Move along and click Finish before the final steps:
Review your cube before processing it:
It's time for the grand finale! Hit Process... to create the cube:
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 File data in your SSAS cube:

Execute MDX in SSAS cube to read API data

Conclusion

In this article we showed you how to connect to XML File in SSAS and integrate data without writing complex code — all of this was powered by XML File 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):

Download Chat