OLAP Solutions: Building Multidimensional Information Systems - Softcover

Thomsen, Erik

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0471149314 ISBN 13: 9780471149316

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, 1997

Synopsis

OLAP (On-Line Analytical Processing) is an important data warehousing technology. OLAP is a growing area because it allows businesses to quickly analyze vast quantities of information to make strategic decisions. This text provides information on how best to implement and use multidimensional decision support systems as part of an overall data warehousing strategy. It explains in a clear and accurate manner: what OLAP is; the variety of OLAP tools available; how to select the tool best suited to an organization's particular needs; how to implement multidimensional OLAP solutions when creating new databases; and how to apply multidimensional concepts to existing databases. In addition, it outlines several actual case studies to illustrate how OLAP can solve specific problems frequently encountered by a variety of businesses and organizations.

About this title

About the Author

ERIK THOMSEN currently works with Dimensional Systems, a consulting organization he cofounded that specializes in OLAP model design, tool selection, implementation, and custom programming. In addition, he is an independent researcher in the areas of multidimensional logic and visualization. He also writes the "Decision Support" column for Database Programming and Design magazine. He was the technical director for information analysis at Praxis International, and the co-founder and CEO of Power Thinking Tools. He can be reached via e-mail at: erik@dimsys.com

From the Back Cover

A complete, practical, hands-on guide to mastering OLAP technology "I was awestruck by the range, depth, and quality of this book." --Rick Crandall, OLAP Council Spokesman and Comshare Board Chairman Written in a clear and engaging style by one of the leading experts in the field, this book takes you on a comprehensive and richly illustrated journey from the most basic concepts to the most advanced areas of OLAP technology. The book describes both logical OLAP features, such as dimensions and hypercubes, and physical features, such as storage and access methods, using real-life case studies to illustrate concepts. You can follow these case studies, step-by-step, using the OLAP software provided on the accompanying CD-ROM. Inside this comprehensive resource you'll find:*An overview of OLAP and its relationship to data warehousing*Complete coverage of multidimensional features, including dimensions, hypercubes, hierarchies, data, links, and formulas*Thorough treatment of how to visualize multidimensional data sets*Practical steps for designing multidimensional information systems*Case studies covering such topics as global planning for sales and marketing, portfolio analysis, air transportation, and cost-benefit analysis for infrastructure projects*Guidelines for evaluating OLAP products, with OLAP vendor and product descriptionsOn the CD-ROM you'll find:*A copy of the OLAP software package used to create the book's case studies*A functional version of each case study covered in the book*A copy of the product used to create the book's visualizations*A functional version of the visualizations created in the book*A full listing of major OLAP vendors and toolsVisit our Web site

Edition details

• Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
• Publication date: 1997
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0471149314
• ISBN 13: 9780471149316
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 608