Mastering Microsoft ProClarity Analytics Server: A Comprehensive Guide

Deploying and configuring Microsoft ProClarity Analytics Server (PAS) is a critical step for organizations managing legacy business intelligence (BI) infrastructures. Originally designed as a patented data visualization and analysis tool connected to Microsoft SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS), PAS enables decision-makers to interactively browse OLAP cubes, generate Briefing Books, and publish customized analytic views. Setting up this environment involves preparing the Windows/SQL Server prerequisites, executing the PAS installer, and configuring the PAS Repository database via the Administration Tool. Phase 1: Environment Preparation and Prerequisites

Before you begin the PAS installation, you must ensure that your underlying Windows and SQL Server environments meet the legacy application’s requirements (typically Windows Server ⁄₂₀₀₈ and SQL Server ⁄₂₀₀₈).

Database Server: Install a supported version of Microsoft SQL Server, ensuring the Database Engine and Analysis Services (SSAS) are active.

Application Server: Prepare a dedicated IIS (Internet Information Services) server. Enable ASP.NET and Windows Authentication.

Account Permissions: Ensure the service account running the installation has administrative privileges on the local server and system administrator (SA) rights on the SQL Server instance during the database creation phase. Phase 2: Deploying the ProClarity Analytics Server

Once the prerequisites are in place, you can proceed with the PAS software deployment.

Launch the Installer: Run the Setup.exe from the ProClarity Analytics Server installation media. Accept the EULA: Read and accept the licensing terms.

Select Installation Type: Choose Analytics Server. (If prompted, you can also select the Desktop Professional or Web Viewer components if they are going on the same machine).

Specify the Web Site: Select the IIS Web site (usually the Default Web Site) and the virtual directory where the PAS application will reside.

Complete the Installation: Follow the on-screen prompts to copy the files and register the necessary system components. Phase 3: Configuring the PAS Repository

After the files are successfully deployed, you must configure the central repository, which stores business logic, metadata, and user-defined Briefing Books.

Open the PAS Administration Tool: Navigate to Start > Programs > ProClarity Analytics Server > Administration Tool.

Create/Connect to the Repository: The configuration wizard will prompt you to create a new PAS database or connect to an existing one.

Database Details: Enter your SQL Server name and define the name for your Analytics Server Database (e.g., PAS_Repository).

Select Authentication: Choose Windows Authentication for maximum security, connecting the PAS server to your Active Directory domain. Phase 4: Connecting to Analysis Services (SSAS)

PAS relies entirely on multidimensional data to deliver its patented data views. You must map the server to your cubes.

Add Data Sources: In the PAS Administration Tool, right-click the Data Sources node and select New Data Source.

Define the Server: Enter the name of your SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) instance.

Select Cubes: Browse the available databases on the SSAS server and select the cubes you want to make available to ProClarity users.

Set Permissions: Configure role-based access for the cubes, assigning viewer or author rights depending on the users’ business requirements. Phase 5: Publishing Content (Optional Integration)

One of ProClarity’s core strengths is its tight integration with Microsoft Office and SharePoint. Once the server is configured, authors can publish their analytical “books” and views into SharePoint Portal Server using ProClarity Web Parts.

Alternatively, content can be migrated between PAS environments by backing up the PAS database on a development server and restoring it directly to a production server. Need Help Deciding How to Proceed? Depending on your specific organizational goals,

Explain how to integrate PAS views into Microsoft SharePoint.

Discuss modern Microsoft BI alternatives (such as Azure Analysis Services or Power BI) for scaling out your analytics.

Analysis Services tutorial lesson 13: Deploy | Microsoft Learn