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