Summary:
In Strategy 10.x, its normally recommended to use the 2012 Microsoft Analysis Services OLE DB SP2 Provider if you're using Analysis Services version 2012, 2014, or 2016. However, if you're using Analysis Server 2008 and having issues connecting to MSAS, then it is recommended to use the 2012 Microsoft Analysis Services OLE DB SP2 Provider.
Symptom:
When connecting to MSAS in later versions of Strategy, using the 2008 MSAS OLE DB Provider with 2008 MSAS has resulted in issues when attempting to import MDX Cubes. It hasn't been narrowed down to an exact message that indicates the necessary change in provider. This behavior was first noticed in Strategy 10.8 and later.
Steps To Reproduce:
1. Follow the MDX reporting guide and attempt to connect after all pre-requisites have been completed.
2. Attempt to import a cube into Developer and an error message that is thrown that could not be explained through typical troubleshooting.
Cause:
This is a limitation of MDX Cube Provider in later versions when using 2008 MSAS.
Action/Workaround:
Use the 2012 Microsoft Analysis Services OLE DB Service Pack 2 Provider when connecting to Microsoft Analysis Services 2008. KB439419
