There should be a way to use the SSAS Tabular Connector without AD Sync, e.g. by using CustomData on the connection string.
This works for smaller customers too. we have large customers who are trying to avoid IT costs to implement a solution. They already have access to the models & SQL Server but the AD requirement means they cannot progress with the tool. Automated updates are just expected by our clients and this would remove massive road blocks to entry
