Freeform grids present OLAP, relational, and manually entered data on one data object, and enable you to leverage these data sources in integrated dynamic calculations.
Freeform grids are comprised of only rows and columns. There is no visual representation of page dimensions participating in cell intersections. You can still use OLAP database connections with dimension members assigned to the Page axis, but you cannot navigate through these page dimensions unless you create additional subscription controls. In short, only the first page of a multidimensional cube is displayed.
There are four alternatives for accessing relational data in Web Analysis Studio:
You can create a relational database connection to be used by regular spreadsheets, charts, and pinboards. See Creating Relational Database Connections.
SQL Spreadsheet data objects enable you to query a relational data source, and display the returned data values on a custom document. See Creating SQL Spreadsheets.
You can create a relational drill-through connection from an OLAP database connection to a relational data source. See Creating Relational Drill-Through.
You can leverage predefined Integration Services drill-through connections using the Related Content dialog box. See Integration Services Drill-Through.
To create freeform grids you are required to specify:
The process of creating freeform grids assumes that you know your data sources and logon credentials. Freeform grid querying methods are not unique; you can use the database connections established for other data objects.