Variable lists
A server list is defined by a combination of data connection, cube, dimension and hierarchy references. To see these, select the list in the Database Structure and open the Advanced pane of the List Designer. The references are under the General heading. Changing these references to variables creates a variable list. In the Database Structure, the server list moves to the Variable Lists folder. Variable lists can be edited in the List Designer and used in reports in the same ways as server lists.
Because they can be database independent, variable lists are also used in report templates.