Hyperion Essbase Database for Analysis

Hyperion Essbase – A Multidimensional DataBase Management System

When we think database, we think it as a storage mechanism. Hyperion Essbase is not a database we commonly think of for storage. It is a database when we think about analysis and not just only storage.

So, yes it is not faster like transaction databases but yet it is very powerful.
Please read Multidimensional-Database more here
Essbase full form is Spread Sheet dataBASE, E is added to make it pronounce easier.

Essbase is developed to address the scalability issue with excel.
Imagine 100 excel sheets with data and that needs to be consolidated into one file…

And so Essbase came to picture, you can store your excel work in the database and consolidate and retrieve in a better way without involving so much manual effort
In this current industry, mostly all the financial aspect is carried out in excel, so a good product which involves the use of excel facilitating the current process will always be welcome and so does for Essbase. Since Essbase is a very powerful tool it helps elevates the current process

Essbase a powerful database engine

So coming back to Essbase, it has two types of database engine – ASO and BSO. ASO is Aggregate Storage Outline and BSO is Block Storage Outline. Outline as means by the word is structure. The types of databases has different meaning. ASO database is used mainly for consolidation, reporting purposes. BSO is used for calculations and to store data.

BSO database helps on the complex calculation and the data is then transported to ASO cube for reporting. This has been general cases of all the Essbase usage as industry standard.
The reason behind, ASO cube technology is demand-based calculation where when the reporting triggers the demand calculation and shows to the front-end tool. Due to this feature, the write-back option is not yet possible. So the administrators allows the business to load their information in BSO cube and the data is transported over to ASO cube for reporting purposes. New Hybrid technology is saying something else.

Administrator can create aggregation views for business to retrieve data faster for reporting.

This is basic information you need. If you need more details, you can always check Essbase in WIKI

So what do you think? Have you ever worked on Essbase? Do you like or dislike?