# Data Connections

# Creating an Excel Connection

Connecting an empty Excel file to the Analysis Server enables the creation of more customized reports, even when the exported Excel report from the Analysis Server Console is unavailable.

1. Create a blank Excel workbook.

2. In the Data tab, go to Get Data > From Database, then select From Analysis Services.

   

   Excel: Getting Data from Analysis Services
   
   

3. In the Data Connection Wizard, specify the Server name and provide your Log on credentials. You can choose to use either Windows Authentication or manually enter a username and password. Once done, click Next.

   

   Excel: Specifying the Server and Log on Credentials
   
   

4. Choose the database and cube to use. Click Next.

   

   Excel: Specifying the Database and Cube
   
   

   Each database has different cubes like Applications, License Monitor, and Storage. These cubes may not always be present in all databases. Most of the time, the Applications cube is used.

5. Enter the desired File Name to save the data connection file. Optionally, you can add a Description and a Friendly Name to the file details. Then, click Finish.

   

   Excel: Saving the Data Connection File
   
   

6. Specify the desired data settings in the Import Data prompt. Click OK.

   

   Excel: Import Data
   
   

   A PivotTable will be ready for report creation.

   

   Excel: Empty PivotTable
   
   

# Connecting to an Existing Data Connection

1. In the Data tab, select Existing Connections.

   

   Excel: Existing Connections
   
   

2. In the Existing Connections prompt, select the Open iT connection from the list. Click Open.

   

   Excel: Selecting an Existing Connection
   
   

3. In the Import Data prompt, choose PivotTable Report and New worksheet. Click OK.

   

   Excel: Importing Data to a New Worksheet
   
   
   Insert the data on a new worksheet to avoid overlapping data from conflicting with the initial PivotTable.

   Creating a report using a connection to an existing database is completely independent from the other PivotTable(s) in the Excel file.

# Modifying the Data Connection

1. In the Data tab, select Queries and Connections.

   

   Excel: Queries and Connections
   
   

2. From the Connections tab of the Queries and Connections side menu, right-click the Open iT data connection and select Properties.

   

   Excel: Connections
   
   

3. Modify the connection properties as needed. Click OK.

   

   Excel: Connection Properties