How to automate Azure Analysis tabular model refresh every hour today in 2021?

Question

We have Azure Analysis service provisioned and have deployed a SSAS Tabular model which has a Star schema in it . Now we want to know how automate the processing .

When I look up on the internet ,it seems there are 3 ways not sure how to select which one to use ?

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/analysis-services/analysis-services-refresh-logic-app

However I want to know if I dont like the above 3 options , can I not process my SSAS tabular model by setting up a SQL server agent job with xmla script from on -premise using SSMS?

Answer 1

Hey @DataGuy ,
Since it is Azure Analysis service, the best way to automate the refresh hourly would be via Azure data factory :
https://github.com/furmangg/automating-azure-analysis-services/blob/master/ADFv2/ProcessAzureAS.json

In case if you want a SQL jobs agent, you would want to create a linked server between the database instance and Azure analysis server and follow the below process:
Linked server:
https://github.com/furmangg/automating-azure-analysis-services/tree/master/LinkedServer
SQL Job:
https://www.sqlshack.com/how-to-automate-ssas-tabular-model-processing-in-sql-server-2016/
Note : The SQL job would be created in Azure VM hosting the database and though the article is w.r.t SSAS it can be reciprocated for AAS

Though best and most easy would be to use ADF

Answer 2

Hi,

What do you have for now ? Is it PaaS Azure Analysis Service or is it a virtual machine that holds SSAS Server?

However I want to know if I dont like the above 3 options , can I not process my SSAS tabular model by setting up a SQL server agent job with xmla script from on -premise using SSMS?

What is your requirement or restrict exactly ? I have not understand above clearly, did you made typo in the case description ? Could you clarify your need with more detail?

Regards,
Lukas