Converting Write-Back Data to a Partition

Caution Incorrect use of partitions can result in inaccurate cube data. For more information, see Partitions and its subtopics.

You can convert the data in a cube’s write-back table to a partition.

Note Converting to a partition is available only if you install Microsoft® SQL Server™ OLAP Services, Enterprise Edition.

Important When you convert the write-back data for a cube to a partition, all read/write permissions to the cube are disabled, and users will not be able to change displayed cube data. (Users with disabled read/write permissions will still be able to browse the cube.) Read permissions are not affected.

This procedure also deletes the data in the write-back table.

Use the Convert to Partition dialog box to convert a write-back table to a partition.

To convert a cube’s write-back data to a partition, disable read/write permissions, and delete write-back data

1. In the OLAP Manager tree view, under a database, expand the Cubes folder.
2. Right-click the cube, point to Write-Back Options, and then click Convert to Partition.
3. In the Convert to Partition dialog box, in the Partition name box, type a name for the partition.
4. Select an aggregation design option:
   • To design aggregations with the Storage Design wizard, click Design the aggregations for your partition now. For more information, see Designing Storage Options and Aggregations.
   • To defer aggregation design, click Design the aggregations later.
   • To copy the aggregation design of an existing partition, click Copy the aggregation design from an existing partition and select the partition name from the Copy from list. If in the future you might merge the new partition with another, copy the aggregation design of the other partition. Merged partitions must have the same aggregation design.
5. To specify a filter (WHERE clause expression) that limits the data selected from the write-back table and added to the partition, click Advanced. For more information, see Filters.
6. To process the new partition, select the Process the partition when finished check box. Depending on the size of the write-back table, processing may take considerable time.
7. Click OK.