ROLAP

ROLAP (Relational Online Analytical Processing) uses multidimensional data models to analyze data, and does not require the pre-computation and storage of information. ROLAP tools access the data in a relational database and generate SQL queries to calculate information.

Advantages of ROLAP include:

• Considered to be more scalable in handling large data volumes

• Faster loading than the automated MOLAP loads

• Data is stored in a standard relational database and can be accessed by any SQL reporting tool

• Tools are better at handling non-aggregatable facts

• Possibility to successfully model data that would not fit into a strict dimensional model

• Leverages database authorization controls