OLAP

OLAP is an acronym for online analytical processing. It is an approach to quickly provide the answer to complex analytical queries. It is part of broader business intelligence category which also includes ETL, relational reporting and data mining. The typical applications of OLAP are in business reporting for sales, marketing, management reporting, business performance management (BPM), budgeting and forecasting, financial reporting and similar areas.

Related Topics:
Business intelligence - ETL - Relational reporting - Data mining - Marketing - Business performance management - Budget

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Databases configured for OLAP employ a multidimensional data model, allowing for complex analytical and ad-hoc queries with a rapid execution time. Nigel Pendse has suggested that an alternative and perhaps more descriptive term to describe the concept of OLAP is Fast Analysis of Shared Multidimensional Information (FASMI).

Related Topics:
Database - Multidimensional data model

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