OLAP-A Computer Program That Analysis The Data From Different Perspective

A user might request for a analyzed data to view a sheet which shows how many products got sold in July in New York, then he may want to compare the revenue with the sale of those in September and then wants to see the comparison of the sale of other products in New York during the same period. To make this kind of analysis possible, we store the data in multi-dimensional database which is used by OLAP. In comparison, a relative database is two dimensional databases.

OLAP does not need a large database; instead, it uses open database connectivity (ODBC) to import the data from relational databases and creates a multi-dimensional database to execute queries. It allows quick access to data from different angles. It assists analysts and the management throughout the company in this process. OLAP is a type of technology which enables managers, executives and performance analysts obtain their data or reports fast with consistency and wide ways of gathering information in an understandable format, transforming from the raw data.

In short, OLAP performs business data analysis and is capable of doing complex calculations, data modeling and trend analysis in a multi dimensional way. It is a foundation of intelligent solutions which includes business performance management, budgeting and planning, financial reporting, forecasting, business analysis and reporting.

OLAP query Results are usually available in Pivot Table format. OLAP system is distinguished in the following categories, which depends on the query type it works on. They are Relational (ROLAP), Multi dimensional OLAP (MOLAP), Hybrid (HOLAP), Desktop (DOLAP), Real time OLAP (RTOLAP) and Web based (WOLAP).

Since each OLAP type has some benefits, there is a disagreement on the particulars of the benefits among its providers.

Choosing the right OLAP product becomes important here, though it is not easy. There are certain web sites which help the buyer search the right product by giving detailed and updated information on the market and OLAP products. Some of the examples of OLAP products are ESSbase (Hyperian Solution) and Express Server (Oracle). These products are designed for multi-user environments and their cost depends on how many users will use them.