OLAP Database – Multidimensional:
This is a type of database that is optimized for data warehouse, data mart and online analytical processing (OLAP) applications. The main advantage of this database is query performance.
Relational databases make it easy to work with individual records, whereas multidimensional databases are designed for analyzing large groups of records. Relational database is typically accessed using a Structured Query Language (SQL) query. A multidimensional database allows a user to ask questions like “How many mortgages have been sold in New Jersey city” and “How many credit cards have been purchased in a particular county?”.
Popular Multidimensional Databases:
| Database Name | Company Name |
|---|---|
| Crystal Holos | Business Objects |
| Hyperion Essbase | Hyperion |
| Oracle Express | Oracle Corporation |
| Oracle OLAP Option | Oracle Corporation |
| AWMicrosoft Analysis Services | Microsoft |
| PowerPlay Enterprise | Cognos |