Introduction to SQL Server 2000 Analysis Services: Exploring Virtual Cubes - Page 6

Even though there is no schema tab in the Virtual Cube Editor, we can modify virtual cubes readily. Let's illustrate with a change to our new cube.

1. Right-click the Budget vs Actual cube.
2. Select Edit from the context menu, as shown in Illustration 13.

Illustration 13: Select Edit from the Context Menu

The Virtual Cube Editor again appears, as shown.

Illustration 14: The Virtual Cube Editor (Compressed View)

Even though we have returned to the Virtual Cube Editor, we see that no means of structural modification is apparent at this juncture, because of the missing schema tab. Although a bit confusing in its redundancy, we again select the virtual cube, and get to the Edit feature (this time, it returns us to the Virtual Cube Wizard) via a right-click.

3. Right-click the Budget vs Actual cube, from the present position within the Virtual Cube Editor.
4. Select Edit Structure (Wizard) from the context menu, as shown in Illustration 15.

Illustration 15: Select Edit Structure (Wizard) from the Context Menu

The Virtual Cube Wizard again appears, with the dialog shown.

Illustration 16: The Return of the Virtual Cube Wizard

5. Click Next.

We arrive at the Select Measures ... dialog once more.

6. Select the Sales Count measure for addition to the virtual cube.
7. Modify the Sales Count measure name to read Units Sold, as shown below:

Illustration 17: Our New Measure, with Modified Name, Appears

8. Click Next.
9. Click Next.
10. Ensuring that the Process Now radio button is selected once again, click Finish.

The cube again processes successfully in short order.

11. Close the Process dialog.

We are returned to the Virtual Cube Editor, where we note the appearance of the new Units Sold measure, as depicted in Illustration 18.

Illustration 18: The New Measure Appears in the Cube Tree

12. Select File -> Exit to close the Virtual Cube Editor.

We have designed and processed a virtual cube to consolidate the information found in two separate cubes. Let's examine the creation of a virtual cube for what may seem to be the exact opposite reason: to remove dimensions and/or measures from a cube for purposes of limiting the information available to a given set of information consumers.