On-Line Analytical Processing

database (OLAP) A category of database software which

provides an interface such that users can transform or limit

raw data according to user-defined or pre-defined functions,

and quickly and interactively examine the results in various

dimensions of the data.

OLAP primarily involves aggregating large amounts of diverse

data. OLAP can involve millions of data items with complex

relationships. Its objective is to analyze these

relationships and look for patterns, trends, and exceptions.

The term was originally coined by Dr. Codd in 1993 with 12

"rules". Since then, the OLAP Council, many vendors, and

Dr. Codd himself have added new requirements and confusion.

Richard Creeth and Nigel Pendse define OLAP as fast analysis

of shared multidimensional information. Their definition

requires the system to respond to users within about five

seconds. It should support logical and statistical processing

of results without the user having to program in a 4GL. It

should implement all the security requirements for

confidentiality and concurrent update locking. The system

must provide a multidimensional conceptual view of the data,

including full support for multiple hierarchies. Other

aspects to consider include data duplication, RAM and disk

space requirements, performance, and integration with datawarehouses.

The OLAP Council .

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Usenet newsgroup: news:comp.databases.olap.

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[What's a "multidimensional conceptual view"?]

(1996-09-24)