Microsoft Olap server

[itsmeiza]

hi all,

I'm newbie here...lots that i need to learn about Microsoft Olap server. Thus my question is:

1. Is Microsoft OLAP server same as Microsoft SQL server?
2. If not, can Microsoft SQL server use as OLAP server?
3. What is relationship between Pivot Table and OLAP?
4. Is there any OLAP version from open source?

Pls help me as I need more information about OLAP from experts.

[jim wood]

1. They behave in a different fashion but they run on the same host service and the OLAP data is based on SQL tables.
2. SQL is DBO compliant and can interact with any tool that uses MDX.
3. A pivot table is a way of viewing data in excel. Some data viewers in OLAP tools look similar.
4. There is a tool called PALO that is open source.
To find out more go to the olapedia site. (Linked towards the top of the forum on the right hand side.)

[itsmeiza]

Hi Jim Wood..

Thanks for the reply but I still confuse about your answer for question 1.
Your answer: They behave in a different fashion but they run on the same host service and the OLAP data is based on SQL tables.

I still don't get it. If you don't mind, I really loves if you can explain further on how they behave.

[Marcus Scherer]

The Microsoft OLAP Server is called Microsoft SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS). With "SQL Server" the relational database component is meant,"SQL tables" how Jim called it. It can serve as the data source for the OLAP server.