Connecting to SSAS 2008
Since version 7 (OLAP Services), a client must use an OLEDB for OLAP (ODBO) provider to connect to an Analysis Services database.
Microsoft provides a client setup which embeds this provider plus extra related components, such as local cube generation layer. This setup is called Pivot Table Services, or OLE DB Provider for Analysis Services, depending on the SSAS version it corresponds to.
Until SSAS 2005, ODBO provider was "talking" directly with OLAP server. Then SSAS 2005 came with a new XML for Analysis protocol (XMLA). ODBO is still the way to query SSAS 2005. For more details, check this link.
With the coming of SSAS 2008, let's have a look at potential changes for connecting.
Tags: connectivity