New Newsgroup for Analytical Processing, EIS, DSS, Query Tools

If you are interested in Analytical Processing, Data Warehousing, Executive Information Systems, Decision Support, Query Tools, or any other topics dealing with getting data out of systems and turning it into information, please subscribe to and participate in comp.databases.olap This brand new usenet newsgroup was created specifically for the discussion of these issues. The charter of the group is included below. Charter of comp.databases.olap: This usenet newsgroup will discuss the issues encompassing On-Line Analytical Processing, as defined by E.F. Codd of Codd Inc. in his recent white paper entitled "Providing OLAP (On-line Analytical Processing) to User-Analysts: an IT Mandate". Topics which could be discussed in this newsgroup include multidimensional databases, multidimensional analysis tools and techniques, decision support systems (DSS), executive information systems (EIS), data warehousing, data marting, and a host of other related topics. In general, OLAP is about getting data out of transaction procesing systems and turning it into information. A more complete description of the Codd paper on OLAP is given below, along with additional references that I have found to be helpful on this topic. BACKGROUND: =========== In August 1993, Codd and Date announced a major breakthrough in business computing with 12 rules for On-Line Analytial Processing (OLAP). Developed by Dr. E.F. Codd, with colleagues Clynch Salley and Sharon Codd, OLAP is defined as the dynamic synthesis, analysis, and consolidation of large volumes of multidimensional data. Dr. Codd is the founder of Codd and Date, Inc, and is the inventor of the abstract model and the 12 rules for relational technology. With OLAP, Codd and Date has established and clarified a significant area of business data processing and a new product category for "multidimensional analysis" -- which are not adequately addressed by the current combination of relational systems, spreadsheets, and query tools. OLAP involves the dynamic and extensive manipulation of unlimited variables of data, and complements On-Line Transaction Processing (OLTP) applications. OLAP applications include rapid consolidations and multiple scenarios of forecasts, budgets, product plans, capital asset plans, sales analyses, and performance reports. OLAP products make multidimensional analysis easier and more efficient for business users. RELEVANCE: ========== There has recently been an explosion in industry interest in OLAP concepts, techniques, and products. This is reflected both in an increase in trade press articles and commercial products which serve this segment. In the comp.databases hierarchy there has been a similar increase in postings relating to the issues that would be covered by this newsgroup. It is my belief that the increasing interest has been largely driven by the realization that now that we have figured out how to stuff 1000 TPS into a database, we need better tools and techniques to get the data out in a form that analysts can use to solve business problems. The intent is for this newsgroup to provide a place to centralize issues, expertise, and information relating to OLAP. CHARTER: ======== Topics appropriate to this newsgroup include but are not limited to: - Decision Support Systems - Executive Information Systems - Multidimensional Database Systems - Data Warehousing - Data Marting - Very Large Read-Only Databases - Multidimensional Front-End Tools - Sparse Data Models and Optimization Techniques - Multidimensional Analysis using Relational Systems - Limitations of SQL for business analysis - Parallelization and other methods to speed processing. - End User Query Tools - Ad-Hoc Query Tools - Business Reporting and Financial Analysis Tools Commercial products which would probably be discussed in this newsgroup include but are not limited to: Multidimensional / Psuedo-Multidimensional Servers -------------------------------------------------- Vendor Product Arbor Software Essbase Dimensional Insight CrossTarget IRI Express Kenan Technologies Acumate, Multiway Metapraxis EKS Pilot Lightship Server Simper Systems TM/1 Spreadsheet Connector Data Warehouses / Relational Systems ------------------------------------ Vendor Product Digital rdb IBI Focus IBM DB2 Informix Informix Database NCR/Terradata Terradata Enterprise Server Oracle Oracle7 Red Brick Warehouse Sybase System 10 Tandem Non-Stop, Himalaya Unify Unify/Uniface Financial Consolidation Tools ----------------------------- Comshare FDC IMRS Hyperion Query Tools and Front Ends providing DSS, EIS, or Multidimensional Analysis --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Vendor Product Ambit Research Ark Andyne Pablo, GQL Applix Arcade Bluestone dbViewer Brio DataPivot, DataPrism, DataEdit Business Objects Business Objects CA Compete, Supercalc, Visual Express Cognos PowerPlay, Impromptu Comshare Commander EIS Coromandel Industries QBE Vision Data Ease Express Gupta SQL Windows, Quest Icons International Data Partner+ Information Advantage Decision Support Suite IntelligenceWare Corporate Vision, Iconic Query Informix Viewpoint IQ Software IQ Access JAM JYACC Lighten Advance Lotus Improv, 1-2-3, Approach Metaphor DIS Microsoft Excel, Query, Access Neuron Data Open Interface, DB Access Open Books Open Books Oracle Data Browser, Card, Data Query Osoft Development WinList ParcPlace VisualWorks Pilot Lightship Power Thinking Tools FreeThink Programmed Intelligence Intelligent Query Q+E Software Q+E Qualix dbViewer SAS Institute SAS Sinper TM/1 Perspectives Software Interfaces SQL Assist Spinnaker Personal Access Sterling Journey Sybase EasySQL Sycomp Pty Ltd CorVu TechGnossis SequeLink Template Software SNAP Unify Uniface, Personal Access, Personal Query This list was taken from DBMS magazine, and augmented by a number of