Wednesday, March 28, 2012

PowerPivot for SharePoint DataSource Issues

Over the past several weeks we have been setting up new dev enviornments for Sql Server 2012 upgrades. In doing this, we have had to upgrade the PowerPivot bits on the SharePoint/Reporting Server app servers. This has caused the PowerPivot reports to break or kick an error saying "Can't connect to datasource".  After a good bid of research we found a couple primary causes for this issue.

  • Service Account for PowerPivot permissions on the Analysis instance
    • Pull up SSMS and servername\powerpivot instance
    • Take a look at the properties of the instance
    • Make sure your service account has admin permissions
      • This is needed to be able to create new "sandbox" dynamic cubes
  • Maximum Workbook Size/Increase Excel Services Limits
    • Apparently, after upgrading these config edits are default back to a single connection and 1 MB file size. Most any PP report will result in an error as a result of this default
    • Go to Central Admin/ Application Management/ Manage Service Applications
    • Excel Service Application/Workbook Properties
      • Maximum Workbook Size update to 2000 mb
      • Maximum Char or Image Size update to 100 mb

I found a great article that helps you walk through confuigruation steps. I found this specific issue to be a major problem when trying to upgrade.


Reference Link:
http://powerpivotgeek.com/docs/PowerPivot_Existing_Farm_Installation.pdf

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Twelve Days of SQL 2012 Webinar Series

Register Today Link

Go Further. Forward. Faster. With Microsoft SQL Server 2012!


As the foundation of the cloud-ready information platform, SQL Server 2012 will help organizations unlock breakthrough insights across the organization, as well quickly build solutions and extend data across on-premises and public cloud backed by mission critical confidence.

Each session of this webinar series will highlight the new features of SQL Server 2012, including:

MISSION CRITICAL CONFIDENCE: Enable mission critical availability and performance environments at low TCO.

• The 9s you need with AlwaysOn

• Blazing-fast query performance with ColumnStore Index

BREAKTHROUGH INSIGHT: Unlock new insights with pervasive data discovery across the organization.

• Rapid data discovery via Power View and PowerPivot

• Credible, consistent data via BI Semantic Model and Data Quality Services

CLOUD ON YOUR TERMS: Create and scale business solutions fast, on your terms from server to private or public cloud.

• Scale on demand from devices to datacenter to cloud

• Write applications once, run most anywhere with SQL Server Data Tools