Microsoft® SQL Server™ OLAP Services provides various tools you can use to programmatically extend its functionality.
OLAP Services is designed to meet the requirements of the OLE DB 2.0 and later specification, which includes OLAP-specific provisions. This specification was developed with the input of over 40 OLAP client and server vendors and is a widely supported standard for multidimensional data access.
You can extend the comprehensive list of built-in functions by creating libraries of functions using Component Object Model (COM) automation languages such as Microsoft Visual Basic® or Microsoft Visual C++®. You can register these libraries and use your functions in calculated member definitions. This architecture enables you to add custom analysis tools to your OLAP applications.
You can use the server object model, Decision Support Objects (DSO), to create applications that define and manage cubes and other objects. This object model can be used to extend the functionality of the OLAP Manager or to automate the ongoing maintenance of your system.
You can use the OLAP Add-In Manager interface to create applications that extend the functionality of the OLAP Manager user interface. Using the OLAP Add-In Manager interface and DSO, you can create custom extensions, dialog boxes, wizards, and other applications that integrate with the OLAP Manager.