If you are new to SQL Server 2012 like me, you might run into some issues when you are trying to create some Tabular Model projects.A Tabular Model is simply a new type of server mode in SQL Server 2012. It utilizes a new storage mode known as the Vertipaq storage engine that enables higher compression rates by storing and compressing data across columns. The columnar compression enables faster response times when the data is less variable in a given column as oppose to the variability that is present in rows.
A Tabular Model can be created using various data sources inside Visual Studio to create a single model for all end user experiences.
It can then be deployed to SQL Server Analysis services database and utilized for reports in PowerView in addition to the traditional Excel, PowerPivot and SQL Server Reporting services.
However when I first installed the application and tried to build a Tabular Model I received an interesting error, you might encounter this error as well:
The error read, “You cannot open the BIM file.Reason:The workspace database server “localhost” is not running in VertiPaq mode.”
Essentially we are all used to installing SQL Server 2008 R2 with only one option for Analysis Services. Primarily this mode is used for Data mining and Multi-dimensional OLAP cubes. When installing SQL Server 2012 I encountered this issue because I failed to realize that the new version requires us to install the Analysis services component in “Tabular Mode” in addition to the traditional Data mining and OLAP mode as a separate installation.
I simply had to insert the installation media and follow the same steps.However, when it came to the portion where I install Analysis Services I chose “Tabular Mode” this time.
After completing that step I simply went into my Project and was now able to create a model file successfully.
Another way I was also able to verify my installation was successful was by logging into SSAS using the instance name for my installation on SSAS Tabular Mode (PBTABULAR) and see the databases which are built as part of the model creation in SQL Server Management Studio.
