You can connect directly to an existing Microsoft SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) database and directly modify objects within that database. When you connect directly to an Analysis Services database, changes to objects occur immediately and no Analysis Services project is created within Business Intelligence Development Studio.

Follow these steps to connect in online mode:
  1. Click on Microsoft SQL Server 2005/2008 > SQL Server Business Intelligence Development Studio from the Programs menu to launch Business Intelligence Development Studio.
  2. On the File menu, click on Open and then click Analysis Services Database.

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  3. On Connect To Database Dialog box Select Connect to existing database.
  4. Specify the server name and the database name.

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  5. Click OK.

You are working online now, any change you make to the metadata is immediately reflected in the production server. There is no deploy option available on the project, cube, or dimension menus in Solution Explorer. Also, the title bar of BIDS shows the name of the SSAS database and then names of the SSAS server, for example, Adventure Works DW 2008R2 (YourServerName), to reflect the fact that you are working online.