Scheduling Administrative Tasks Using SQL Server Agent
In Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio, you can schedule SQL Server Analysis Services administrative tasks execute on a set schedule under the control of SQL Server Agent. By using SQL Server Agent for scheduling, you can determine when, and in what order, administrative tasks will occur.
Using Scheduled Tasks
Scheduled tasks let you automate processes that run on regular or predictable cycles. You can schedule administrative tasks, such as cube processing, to run during times of slow business activity. You can also determine the order in which tasks run by creating job steps within a SQL Server Agent job. For example, you can process a cube and then perform a backup of the cube.
Job steps give you control over flow of execution. If one job fails, you can configure SQL Server Agent to continue to run the remaining tasks or to stop execution. You can also configure SQL Server Agent to send notifications about the success or failure of job execution. For more information, see Automating Administrative Tasks (SQL Server Agent).
Setting Up a Scheduled Task
An Analysis Services scheduled task is an XMLA script that is embedded into a SQL Server Agent job. This job is scheduled to run at desired times and frequency. Because the SQL Server Agent is part of SQL Server, you work with both the Database Engine and Analysis Services to create and schedule an administrative task. For more information about SQL Server Agent, see SQL Server Agent.