Multidimensional Databases

Multidimensional databases are used mostly for OLAP (online analytical processing) and data warehousing. They can be used to show multiple dimensions of data to users .

A multidimensional database is created from multiple relational databases. While relational databases allow users to access data in the form of queries, the multidimensional databases allow users to ask analytical questions related to business or market trends.

The multidimensional databases uses MOLAP (multidimensional online analytical processing) to access its data. They allow the users to quickly get answers to their requests by generating and analysing the data rather quickly.

The data in multidimensional databases is stored in a data cube format. This means that data can be seen and understood from many dimensions and perspectives. 

Example

The revenue costs for a company can be understood and analyzed on the basis of various factors like the company products, the geographical locations of the company offices, time to develop a product, promotions done etc.

Advantages of Multidimensional Databases

Some advantages of multidimensional databases are −

Increased performance

The performance of the multidimensional databases is much superior to that of normal databases such as relational database.

Easy maintenance

The multidimensional database is easy to handle and maintain 

Better data presentation

The data in a multidimensional database is multi faceted and contains many different factors. Hence, the data presentation is far superior to conventional databases.

Disadvantages of Multidimensional Databases

One of the disadvantage of multidimensional databases are that it is quite complex and it takes professionals to truly understand and analyse the data in the database.