Using Ranking on MS SQL Server 2005

Question

Hello,
We are on BOXI3.1 base version and have a universe on top of MS SQL Server 2005.
My question is regarding use of rank functions. BO guides state that
You can perform a database ranking only if your database supports
it. If this is not the case, the Add a database ranking button is disabled on
the Query Panel toolbar. Databases that support ranking are Oracle, DB2,
Terradata and Redbrick.
So SQL Server is not in the list. However the add database ranking button is enabled on
my report panel. If i add a ranking the query runs for a long time and times-out.
Is there any universe parameter i need to enable to use ranking? Has any-one mangaged to
use ranking functionality with SQL Server 2005.
Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Hi Bashir Awan,
When we create this Object (using your example) at Universe level is the ranking hardcoded ?
My questions is, say i have Product object (with values A, B, C, D, E), and sales aggregated (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100)
Say the table is as follows
Product;        sales
    A;               10
    A;                70*
    B;                 50
    B;                 20*
    C;                 30
    C;                 60*
    D;                 40
    D;                 90
    E;                 80
    E;                100
Note: * represents Oversees sales outside US
Case 1: Now when we rank whole data to select top 3 we should get (E, D, C in Desc order)
Case 2: Now if I apply prompt on Country of sales as US will I get (E, B, D) or is it still (E, D, C as earlier).
Case 3: Similarly if I apply prompt on Product (no prompt on Country) in the filter pane and select (A, D, E) will my results show (E, D, A) or (E, D) as the value of A may be restricted due to ranking formula based on sales at Universe level.
I am sorry I may be asking a very basic question. Thanks
Sudhir.