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Iscadata


OLAP (On Line Analytical Processing)

An alternative definition of OLAP is FASMI (Fast Analysis of Shared Multidimensional Information):

Fast - returns a query in less than 30 seconds
Analysis - capable of applying business rules and executing statistical analysis
Shared - implements the necessary security for multiple users
Multidimensional - capable of multidimensional data views supporting simple and multiple hierarchies
Information - capable of storing all necessary data

OLAP products can be divided into four sectors:

OLAP Applications. These are applications specifically designed for an industrial sector (distribution, production, banking), or a function (financial reporting, sales analysis). These products can contain their own multidimensional database (which can often be slow), or use one of the multidimensional databases from Applix (iTM1), Hyperion (Essbase) or Microsoft (SQL Server OLAP Services). Products in this market include Accrue, Adaytum, Comshare, Corporate Information Partners, Crystal Decisions, Gentia Software, Hyperion Solutions, Information Builders, Kenan, Oracle, Sagent, SAS Institute and Speedware.

MOLAP (Multidimensional database OLAP). These database are sold separately from any application. The are high performance databases and products include Applix (iTM1), Hyperion (Essbase) and Microsoft (SQL Server OLAP Services).

DOLAP (Desktop OLAP). These products are installed in a client PC and connect to multidimensional or relational databases. Some information is kept in files on the local PC. This type of product often has a low per user cost. Cognos Powerplay is leader in this market, and other products are Business Objects, Brio Technology, Crystal Decisions and Hummingbird. there are web versions of these products that have a Web server that reproduces much of the functionality of the client version.

ROLAP (Relational OLAP). This is OLAP that exclusively uses a relational database to carry out the analysis. it is capable of analysing large data volumes, but query execution is slow. MicroStrategy is leader in this market.