What is Tabular Model Designer (SSAS Tabular)
The tabular model designer is part of SQL Server 2012 SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT), integrated with Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 or later, with additional project type templates specifically for developing professional tabular model solutions.
Benefits:
When you install SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT), new project templates for creating tabular models are added to the available project types. After creating a new tabular model project by using one of the templates, you can begin model authoring by using the tabular model designer tools and wizards.
In addition to new templates and tools for authoring professional multidimensional and tabular model solutions, the Visual Studio environment provides debugging and project lifecycle capabilities that ensure you create the most powerful BI solutions for your organization.
Comparing Tabular and Multidimensional Solutions (SSAS)
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh212940.aspx
Tabular models hosted in SQL Server 2012 Analysis Service provide a comparatively lightweight, easy to build and deploy solution for business intelligence. However, as you increase the data load, add more users, or run complex queries, you need to have a strategy for maintaining and tuning performance. This paper describes strategies and specific techniques for getting the best performance from your tabular models, including processing and partitioning strategies, DAX query tuning, and server tuning for specific workloads.
Download "Performance Tuning of Tabular Models in SQL Server 2012 Analysis Services" case study with detailed analysis:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dn393915.aspx
Cheers,
Ravindra
