RESULT: comp.databases.olap passes 175:25

RESULT unmoderated group comp.databases.olap passes 175:25 There were 175 YES votes and 25 NO votes, for a total of 200 valid votes. There was 200 invalid ballot. For group passage, YES votes must be at least 2/3 of all valid (YES and NO) votes. There also must be at least 100 more YES votes than NO votes. There is a five day discussion period after these results are posted. If no serious allegations of voting irregularities are raised, the moderator of news.announce.newgroups will create the group shortly thereafter. Newsgroups line: comp.databases.olap Analytical Processing, Multidimensional DBMS, EIS, DSS This vote is being conducted by a neutral third party. For voting questions only contact rdippold@qualcomm.com. For questions about the proposed group contact Daniel Druker <ddruker@netcom.com> CHARTER This usenet newsgroup will discuss the issues encompassing On-Line Analytical Processing, as defined by E.F. Codd of Codd and Date Inc. in his recent white paper entitled "Providing OLAP (On-line Analytical Processing) to User-Analysts: an IT Mandate". 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 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. Note from Daniel Druker (ddruker@netcom.com): I work for Arbor Software, which distributes a product, Essbase, that will probably be discussed in this group. My intent is NOT to use this group as a marketing tool for Essbase, but rather to provide a forum for discussion about all OLAP products and concepts, including competing products and technologies. 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. 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 Comshare FDC, Commander EIS Dimensional Insight CrossTarget IMRS Hyperion IRI Express Kenan Technologies Acumate, Multiway Pilot Lightship Server 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 Front Ends providing DSS, EIS, or Multidimensional Analysis ----------------------------------------------------------- Vendor Product Ambit Research Ark Andyne Pablo Brio DataPivot, DataPrism Business Objects Business Objects CA Compete, Supercalc Cognos PowerPlay Information Advantage Decision Support Suite IntelligenceWare Corporate Vision Lighten Advance Lotus Improv Metaphor DIS Pilot Lightship Power Thinking Tools FreeThink SAS Institute SAS Sinper TM/1 Perspectives Sycomp Pty Ltd CorVu This list was taken from DBMS magazine, and augmented by me wherever possible. If there are other products that you think should be added, feel free to send me an email and I will add them to the list. BIBLIOGRAPHY AND RECOMMENDED FURTHER READINGS ============================================= Codd, E.F., "Providing OLAP (On-line Analytical Processing) to User- Analysts: An IT Mandate", E.F. Codd and Associates, 1993 This white paper defined OLAP, and presents business cases for its need and usefullness. Finkelstein, Richard, "Understanding the need for On-Line Analytical Servers" Performance Computing I