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Exporting and Importing Data Mining Projects (Analysis Services - Data Mining)

In addition to the functionality provided in SQL Server 2008 Analysis Services for backing up, restoring, and migrating solutions, SQL Server Data Mining provides the ability to quickly transfer data mining structures and models between different servers by using Data Mining Extensions (DMX). In particular, if your data mining solution uses relational data instead of a multidimensional database, transferring models by using EXPORT and IMPORT is much faster and easier than using database restore or deploying an entire solution.

This section provides an overview of how to transfer data mining structures and models by using DMX statements. For details of the syntax, together with examples, see EXPORT (DMX) andIMPORT (DMX).

Note

You must be a database or server administrator to export or import objects from a Microsoft SQL Server Analysis Services database. Export of OLAP models is not supported.

Exporting Data Mining Structures

When you export a mining structure, the EXPORT statement automatically exports all associated models. If you want to control the objects that are exported, you must specify each object by name.

If the mining structure has been processed and the results have been cached, which is the default behavior, when you export the mining structure, the definition contains a summary of the data on which the structure is based. If you want to remove this summary, you must clear the cache associated with the mining structure by performing a Process Clear Structure operation. For more information, see How to: Process a Mining Structure.

Exporting Data Mining Models

You can use the WITH DEPENDENCIES keyword to export the data source and data source view definition together with the mining model and its structure. You can also add a password to the backup file when you export a model or structure, to protect the model or its cache.

When you export a mining model without exporting its dependencies, the EXPORT statement will export the definition of the mining model and its mining structure, but does not export the definition of the data sources. As a consequence, after you import the model you will be able to browse the model immediately, but if you want to reprocess the mining model on the target server, or run queries against the underlying data, you must create a corresponding data source on the destination server.

You can export a single model. This may be useful when you have been experimenting with multiple algorithms and wish to export only the best model for sharing with other users.

Importing Data Mining Structures and Models

When you import a data mining object, the object is imported to the server and database to which you are connected when you execute the IMPORT statement. If the import file includes a database that does not exist on the server, the database will be created.

You can also import a mining structure or mining model by using the Analysis Services Restore command. Your models or structures will be restored into the database that has the same name as the database from which they were exported. For more information, see Restore Options.

Remarks

You cannot import a model or structure to a server if a model or structure of the same name already exists on that server. Also, you cannot export a data mining object and then modify the name of that object in the export file. Therefore, be sure to review potential naming conflicts before you export the model.

Change History

Updated content

Clarified behavior when exporting single models. Mentioned option to password-protect the backup files.

Noted that export of OLAP models is not supported.