Is there a roadmap for Analysis Services Linked Servers in Azure SQL Managed Instance?

Question

My clients rely heavily on being able to query an Analysis Services Linked Server in SQL Server Enterprise. I'm aware this is not currently possible in SQL MI, which means I can't consider migrating any clients there. I'm not looking for alternative solutions and will be just fine remaining on SQL Server Enterprise while that is the only way to have this feature.

I would just like to know if Microsoft can provide an official ETA or roadmap to improve the Linked Server support on SQL MI in future, so that I can advise clients on future possibilities.

I've only seen one recent response indicating this might change in future; an idea asked 6+ years ago, with a 1+ year old company response:
"Enabling linked servers to non-SQL Server based data sources is planned." https://feedback.azure.com/d365community/idea/db80cf6e-3425-ec11-b6e6-000d3a4f0f84

Answer 1

Hello Jamie,

Welcome to the Microsoft Q&A and thank you for posting your questions here.

I understand that you would like to know if there a roadmap for Analysis Services Linked Servers in Azure SQL Managed Instance.

As of now, Azure SQL Managed Instance (MI) supports linked servers, but only to SQL Server targets such as SQL Server, Azure SQL DB/MI, and Synapse SQL. Extending this capability to other data sources, including Analysis Services, is indeed on the roadmap. But there is no specific ETA or detailed roadmap publicly available for when this feature will be implemented.

So sorry to read that this limitation affects your decision to migrate. I will advise you keep an eye on updates from Microsoft, forums or feedback channels, which can help you stay informed about any progress on this feature. For more information: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/modernization-best-practices-and/using-heterogeneous-linked-servers-from-azure-sql-mi/ba-p/3074530

I hope this is helpful! Do not hesitate to let me know if you have any other questions.

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Answer 2

@Jamie Appreciate if you could share the feedback on our feedback channel. Which would be open for the user community to upvote & comment on. This allows our product teams to effectively prioritize your request against our existing feature backlog and gives insight into the potential impact of implementing the suggested feature.

Answer 3

Hi @Jamie,

Temporarily, i also have not found the roadmap for Analysis Services Linked Servers in Azure SQL Managed Instance yet.

You may also raise your idea to SQL · Community (azure.com) or open a ticket to Microsoft support to get more ideas.

Regards，

Zoe Hui

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