Why are multidimensional models not supported in Azure Analysis Services?

Question

I am trying to migrate a multidimensional database (OLAP data cube) from SQL Server Analysis Services to Azure Analysis Services. To my surprise, I found at https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/analysis-services/analysis-services-overview that "Multidimensional models and PowerPivot for SharePoint are not supported in Azure Analysis Services." Why is it that Microsoft is not supporting multidimensional models in Azure Analysis Services? I have never used tabular models but I imagine my option would be to make a conversion of my OLAP data cube, into an equivalent tabular model. Is there any other alternative to deploy OLAP data cubes in the cloud on Azure technologies?

Answer 1

In addition to my comments, I Wanted to leave here the documentation that explicity states

"Multidimensional mode is only available with SQL Server Analysis Services. If you want your models deployed to Azure Analysis Services or Power BI, you can stop reading now. Multidimensional models will not be supported in Azure Analysis Services or Power BI Premium datasets. If you want multidimensional models in the cloud, the only way is to deploy SQL Server Analysis Services in Multidimensional mode to an Azure VM."

("the only way" is rather inconvenient, and adds a complexity layer so I didnt consider it in my comments")

and also:

"SQL Server Analysis Services also includes Power Pivot for SharePoint mode, which remains supported for SharePoint 2016 and SharePoint 2013, however, Microsoft's BI strategy has shifted away from Power Pivot in Excel integration with SharePoint. Power BI and Power BI Report Server are now the recommended platforms to host Excel workbooks with Power Pivot models. As such, this article now excludes a Power Pivot for SharePoint comparison."

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/analysis-services/comparing-tabular-and-multidimensional-solutions-ssas?view=asallproducts-allversions

Answer 2

Is there any other alternative to deploy OLAP data cubes in the cloud on Azure technologies?

You can always run SSAS on Azure VMs. There's a Marketplace image for it here:

Azure Marketplace - SQL Server 2022 Analysis Services

With this solution you can choose your own storage configuration, which is more important in Multdimensional than it is in Tabular.