Source : Free On-Line Dictionary of Computing

On-Line Analytical Processing
     
         (OLAP) A category of {database} software which
        provides an interface such that users can transform or limit
        raw data according to user-defined or pre-defined functions,
        and quickly and interactively examine the results in various
        dimensions of the data.
     
        OLAP primarily involves aggregating large amounts of diverse
        data.  OLAP can involve millions of data items with complex
        relationships.  Its objective is to analyze these
        relationships and look for patterns, trends, and exceptions.
     
        The term was originally coined by {Dr. Codd} in 1993 with 12
        "rules".  Since then, the {OLAP Council}, many vendors, and
        Dr. Codd himself have added new requirements and confusion.
     
        Richard Creeth and Nigel Pendse define OLAP as fast analysis
        of shared multidimensional information.  Their definition
        requires the system to respond to users within about five
        seconds.  It should support logical and statistical processing
        of results without the user having to program in a {4GL}.  It
        should implement all the security requirements for
        confidentiality and concurrent update locking.  The system
        must provide a multidimensional conceptual view of the data,
        including full support for multiple hierarchies.  Other
        aspects to consider include data duplication, {RAM} and disk
        space requirements, performance, and integration with {data
        warehouses}.
     
        {The OLAP Council (http://www.olapcouncil.org/)}.
     
        {(http://www.access.digex.net/~grimes/olap/)}.
     
        {Usenet} newsgroup: {news:comp.databases.olap}.
     
        {(http://www.arborsoft.com/papers/finkTOC.html)}.
     
        [What's a "multidimensional conceptual view"?]
     
        (1996-09-24)