What is a Multidimensional Database?
A multidimensional database is a form of database that is designed to make the best use of storing and utilizing data. Usually structured in order to optimize online analytical processing (OLAP) and data warehouse applications, the multidimensional database can receive data from a variety of relational databases and structure the information into categories and sections that can be accessed in a number of different ways. Even persons who have relatively little experience working with a database often find that a multidimensional database, or MDB, requires only a short time to master. While just about every relational database is structured for keyword searches and building a query by specifying fields and perimeters, the multidimensional database goes one step further. Rather then building a query, a user simply poses the question in everyday verbiage. This approach is used with several online help tools associated with software programs such as word processing and spreadsheet applicat
During the past decade, the multidimensional data model emerged for use when the objective is to analyze data rather than to perform online transactions. Multidimensional database technology is a key factor in the interactive analysis of large amounts of data for decision-making purposes. In contrast to previous technologies, these databases view data as multidimensional cubes that are particularly well suited for data analysis. Multidimensional models categorize data either as facts with associated numerical measures or as textual dimensions that characterize the facts. Multidimensional data models have three important application areas within data analysis. • Data warehouses are large repositories that integrate data from several sources in an enterprise for analysis. • Online analytical processing (OLAP) systems provide fast answers for queries that aggregate large amounts of detail data to find overall trends. • Data mining applications seek to discover knowledge by searching semia
