How can Cubes be use?

[jestrada101]

I'm new to SQL Server and just wondering where these CUBES are beneficial? What is there purpose?

Thanks!
JE

 

[johnherman]

Cubes are used by business people to analyze their business. The process by which they use the cubes is known as OLAP, and acronym for On Line Analytical Processing. OLAP is a modern method of Decision Support which occurs in real time (on line rather than batch).

OLAP consists of two major features. First, there are measures. Measures are quantitative variables which numerically represent the key metrics and key performance indicators (KPI's) by which business success is determined.

The other major feature of OLAP are dimensions. Dimensions are qualitative variables across which business success is measured/determined. Examples of dimensions are: Product, Sales Channel, Customer Demographics, Supplier, Time, etc.

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