Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Bible

Data Storage

The data storage strategy chosen for a cube and its components determines not only how to store the cube , but also how to process it. You can set storage settings at three different levels, with parent settings determining defaults for the children:

• Cube: Begin by establishing storage settings at the cube level (sets defaults for dimensions, measure groups, and partitions). Access the Cube Storage Settings dialog by choosing a cube in the Cube Designer, and then clicking the ellipsis on the Proactive Caching property of the cube.
• Measure Group: Use when storage settings for a particular measure group differ from cube defaults. Access the Measure Group Storage Settings dialog by either clicking the ellipsis on the measure group's Proactive Caching property in the Cube Designer or by choosing the Storage Settings link in partition view without highlighting a specific partition.
• Object level (specific partition or dimension): Sets the storage options for a single object. Access the Dimension Storage Settings dialog by clicking the ellipsis on the dimension's Proactive Caching property in the Dimension Designer. Access the Partition Storage Settings dialog by selecting a partition in the partition view and clicking the Storage Settings link.

Each of the storage settings dialogs are essentially the same, differing only in the scope of the setting's effect. The main page of the dialog contains a slider that selects preconfigured option settings — from the most real-time ...