OLAP Servers

OLAP Servers are the backend engines that store, manage, and process multidimensional data for Online Analytical
Processing (OLAP). They sit between the data warehouse and the client tools, enabling fast, multidimensional
querying for decision support and analytics.
OLAP servers are designed to support operations like slice, dice, drill-down, roll-up, and pivot, providing fast
responses even on very large datasets.
Types of OLAP Servers
OLAP Server architectures differ in how they store data, process queries, and support multidimensional analysis. The
three primary types are:

1. MOLAP (Multidimensional OLAP) Server

Definition
MOLAP uses multidimensional data cubes to store pre-aggregated data. The data is extracted from the data
warehouse, summarized, and stored in optimized formats for analysis.
Characteristics
 Data stored in proprietary multidimensional structures.
 Pre-calculated aggregates improve performance.
 Optimized for fast query responses.
Advantages
 Fast performance due to pre-aggregation.
 Efficient storage for summarized data.
 Ideal for complex calculations and multidimensional queries.
Disadvantages
 Data loading can be slow (pre-processing overhead).
 Not suitable for very large datasets (storage grows quickly).
 Limited scalability.
Examples
 IBM Cognos TM1
 Microsoft SSAS (Multidimensional mode)
 Oracle Essbase
2. ROLAP (Relational OLAP) Server
Definition
ROLAP stores data in relational databases and uses SQL to answer OLAP queries. It does not create cubes but
instead uses relational tables with star/snowflake schemas.
Characteristics
 Multi-dimensionality simulated using relational queries.
 Ideal for large-scale data.
Advantages
 Highly scalable (can handle massive datasets).
 No data duplication; uses existing relational data.
 Real-time updates are easier.
Disadvantages
 Slower query response compared to MOLAP.
 Dependent on SQL performance.
 Complex query generation may reduce efficiency.
Examples
 SAP BW
 MicroStrategy
 IBM DB2 OLAP (ROLAP mode)
3. HOLAP (Hybrid OLAP) Server
Definition
HOLAP combines the strengths of both MOLAP and ROLAP:
 Detailed data stored in relational tables (ROLAP).
 Aggregated data stored in cubes (MOLAP).
Characteristics
 Balanced performance, storage, and scalability.
 Flexible for both high-level and detailed analysis.
Advantages
 Faster than ROLAP for summary queries.
  More scalable than MOLAP.
 Good compromise for real-world analytic workloads.
Disadvantages
 More complex implementation and maintenance.
 Requires managing two storage structures.
Examples
 Microsoft SSAS (Hybrid mode)
 SAP BW (Hybrid deployments)
Comparison of OLAP Server Types
Feature MOLAP ROLAP HOLAP
Storage Type Multidimensional cubes Relational tables Hybrid
Query Speed Fastest Slower Medium
Data Size Support Medium Very large Large
Aggregation Precomputed Computed on demand Mixed
Scalability Moderate High High
Complexity Moderate High High
Architecture of OLAP Servers
OLAP servers rely on the underlying data warehouse but add additional layers:
1. Data Extraction Layer
 Pulls data from data warehouse
 Prepares it for multidimensional modeling
2. Metadata Layer
 Defines dimensions, hierarchies, measures, and cubes
3. Storage Engine
 MOLAP: multidimensional arrays
 ROLAP: relational tables (fact and dimension tables)
 HOLAP: mix of both
4. Query Engine
 Executes OLAP operations:
o Slice
o Dice
o Drill-down
o Roll-up
o Pivot
5. Reporting/Client Interface Layer
 Connects to BI tools like Power BI, Tableau, Cognos, or MicroStrategy
Common OLAP Server Products
Microsoft SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS)
 Supports MOLAP, ROLAP, and HOLAP
 Widely used with Power BI
Oracle OLAP / Essbase
 Strong MOLAP capabilities
 Excellent financial modeling
IBM Cognos TM1
 In-memory MOLAP engine
 Great for budgeting and forecasting
SAP Business Warehouse (BW)
 ROLAP and HOLAP support
 Integrated with SAP ERP
MicroStrategy Intelligence Server
 Primarily ROLAP
 Highly scalable
Role of OLAP Servers in Data Warehousing
1. Fast Analytical Querying
OLAP servers provide quick responses to complex queries that relational databases struggle with.
2. Multidimensional Analysis
Data analyzed across time, geography, products, etc.
3. Data Summarization
Pre-aggregated cubes enable instant reporting.
 4. Decision Support
Helps users explore data and make informed business decisions.
5. Integration with BI Tools
OLAP servers feed data to tools like:
o Tableau
o Power BI
o Qlik
o Cognos
o SAP BO
Conclusion
OLAP servers are essential components of data warehousing that enable fast, multidimensional, and interactive data
analysis. Choosing between MOLAP, ROLAP, and HOLAP depends on the data size, performance needs, and
business requirements. In modern BI architectures, hybrid and in-memory OLAP solutions are becoming dominant
due to their balance of speed and scalability.
ROLAP (Relational OLAP)
ROLAP (Relational OLAP) is an OLAP system that works directly with relational databases. It does not pre-
aggregate data into multidimensional cubes. Instead, it generates complex SQL queries to retrieve data dynamically
from relational tables and views, simulating a multidimensional analysis over relational data.
How ROLAP Works in Data Warehousing:
In data warehousing, ROLAP stores data in fact tables and dimension tables, which are part of the star or snowflake
schema. These tables are optimized for querying, not for storing aggregated or summarized data. When a user
performs a multidimensional query (such as slicing or dicing), the ROLAP server dynamically generates SQL queries
to fetch the required data from the relational database.
ROLAP Characteristics:
 Data Storage: Data is stored in relational tables, often using star or snowflake schemas.
 Query Generation: Uses SQL queries to fetch data.
 Data Updates: Easier to keep data up-to-date because no pre-aggregation is needed.
 Query Speed: Slower than MOLAP because queries are generated on-demand and depend on the relational
database’s performance.
 Scalability: Highly scalable, suitable for large datasets because it doesn't store pre-aggregated data.
ROLAP in Data Mining:
ROLAP systems can be useful in data mining when the data is too large to be efficiently pre-aggregated or if real-
time, on-the-fly analysis is required. For example, in the case of large transactional data, ROLAP can dynamically
generate aggregations for patterns or trends during the mining process.
Advantages of ROLAP:
 Scalability: Can handle large amounts of data because it uses existing relational databases.
 Flexibility: No need for pre-aggregation, making it adaptable to different analysis scenarios.
 Real-time updates: Data is always up-to-date since it queries the source tables directly.
Disadvantages of ROLAP:
 Performance: Queries can be slower because the system dynamically generates SQL queries at runtime.
 Complexity: Managing multidimensional data in relational databases is more complex and requires efficient
indexing and query optimization.
 Less optimization: Complex queries can lead to inefficiencies, especially with large datasets.
MOLAP (Multidimensional OLAP)
MOLAP (Multidimensional OLAP) systems use multidimensional cubes for storing data. These cubes are pre-
aggregated and optimized for fast querying. The data is typically stored in a special multidimensional database
format, with each dimension having a corresponding measure (e.g., sales amount, quantity sold).
How MOLAP Works in Data Warehousing:
In data warehousing, MOLAP organizes data into a multidimensional cube where each dimension is a different
aspect of the data (e.g., time, geography, product). Pre-aggregated data is stored within the cube, which allows for fast
retrieval during query execution. When a user performs a query (like slicing or dicing), the OLAP engine retrieves
the pre-aggregated data without needing to access the raw data.
MOLAP Characteristics:
 Data Storage: Data is stored in pre-aggregated multidimensional cubes.
 Query Generation: Queries are resolved by directly accessing the pre-aggregated cube.
 Data Updates: Data needs to be reloaded or refreshed to update the cube with new or updated data.
 Query Speed: Very fast, since it queries pre-aggregated data.
 Scalability: Not as scalable as ROLAP because storing pre-aggregated data in cubes can lead to high storage
requirements, especially with large datasets.
MOLAP in Data Mining:
MOLAP is beneficial in data mining for analyzing aggregated data and identifying trends and patterns. Since
MOLAP cubes store pre-aggregated values, it's ideal for predictive modeling, trend analysis, and forecasting, where
quick access to historical data is needed.
Advantages of MOLAP:
 Fast Query Performance: Queries are very fast because data is pre-aggregated.
 Optimized for Calculations: Supports complex calculations across multiple dimensions, such as ratios,
averages, and totals.
 Simplified Querying: Users do not need to know SQL or query generation logic.
Disadvantages of MOLAP:
 Storage Overhead: Requires significant storage space because data is duplicated across different dimensions
and levels.
 Data Latency: Data can become outdated if the cube is not refreshed frequently.
 Limited Flexibility: Difficult to handle complex or highly detailed queries because data is pre-aggregated.
HOLAP (Hybrid OLAP)
Definition:
HOLAP (Hybrid OLAP) combines the best features of both ROLAP and MOLAP. It stores pre-aggregated data
(like MOLAP) for fast query performance and retains detailed data (like ROLAP) in relational tables. This hybrid
approach allows HOLAP systems to provide fast access to summary data while still being able to drill down into
detailed data when needed.
How HOLAP Works in Data Warehousing:
In data warehousing, HOLAP stores detailed data in relational databases (e.g., star/snowflake schema) and stores
aggregated data in multidimensional cubes. When a user queries summary-level data (such as total sales for a
region), the system retrieves data from the cube. If the user drills down into more granular data (e.g., sales by store),
the system dynamically queries the relational database.
HOLAP Characteristics:
 Data Storage: Pre-aggregated data is stored in multidimensional cubes, while detailed data is stored in
relational tables.
 Query Generation: Queries are resolved by either fetching pre-aggregated data from cubes or by querying
relational tables for detailed data.
 Data Updates: Data refreshes involve updating both cubes and relational tables.
 Query Speed: Faster than ROLAP for summary data, slower than MOLAP for detailed data.
HOLAP in Data Mining:
HOLAP is beneficial in data mining because it allows for fast analysis of aggregated data (for trend analysis,
forecasting) while still providing access to detailed data for in-depth exploration. It strikes a balance between
performance and scalability, making it ideal for large-scale data mining tasks that require both high-level and detailed
analysis.
Advantages of HOLAP:
 Balanced Performance: Provides faster query performance for aggregated data while supporting detailed
queries.
 Scalability: Handles large datasets efficiently.
 Flexibility: Offers a balance between pre-aggregated and detailed data.
Disadvantages of HOLAP:
 Complexity: More complex to manage and maintain compared to MOLAP and ROLAP.
 Storage: Requires more storage resources than ROLAP but less than MOLAP.
ROLAP vs. MOLAP vs. HOLAP: Summary
Feature ROLAP MOLAP HOLAP
Relational Tables (fact & Hybrid (Cubes for summary,
Data Storage Multidimensional Cubes
dimension) Relational for detailed)
Slower (dynamic SQL Medium (fast for summary, slower
Query Speed Fast (pre-aggregated data)
generation) for detailed)
High (can handle large data Limited by storage (cube size High (balance of speed and
Scalability
volumes) grows quickly) scalability)
Complex (relational data Most complex (requires dual storage
Complexity Simple (pre-aggregated data)
management) approach)
Real-time Easier (direct query to Harder (requires cube Balanced (cube and relational data
Updates relational data) reprocessing) can be updated)
Best for large datasets with Best for fast reporting and Best for large datasets requiring both
Usage
complex queries summary analysis fast and detailed analysis
Conclusion
  ROLAP is best when you need scalability and large dataset handling, but query speed may be slower.
 MOLAP is ideal for fast querying of pre-aggregated data, especially for high-level summaries, but it has
storage overhead and is less scalable for very large datasets.
 HOLAP provides the best of both worlds, balancing speed and scalability by storing aggregated data in
cubes and detailed data in relational tables.
These OLAP architectures play a critical role in data warehousing by enabling different types of analytical queries
and offering flexibility based on the size and complexity of the data. They also have key implications for data mining,
especially when dealing with large datasets, real-time analysis, and complex queries across multiple dimensions.
1. ROLAP (Relational OLAP) Diagram
ROLAP systems use relational databases to store data, typically in fact and dimension tables. There is no pre-
aggregation of data in the storage process. Instead, ROLAP systems dynamically generate SQL queries to fetch the
data when needed.
Diagram:
 Fact Table: Central table containing numerical measures (e.g., sales amount).
 Dimension Tables: Surrounding the fact table, these contain descriptive attributes (e.g., time, location,
product).
 OLAP Server: Queries the relational tables using SQL to simulate multidimensional analysis.
Visualization:
+---------------------+ +------------------+ +--------------------+
| Time Dimension | | Product Dimension | | Location Dimension |
+---------------------+ +------------------+ +--------------------+
| | |
+------------------------+-----------------------+
|
+------------+
| Fact Table |
| (Sales Data)|
+------------+
|
ROLAP Server
(Generates SQL Queries)
 Fact Table stores the actual sales figures (e.g., SalesAmount).
 Dimension Tables store descriptive data like time, product categories, and locations.
 The ROLAP Server generates SQL queries on demand to pull data from the relational tables.
2. MOLAP (Multidimensional OLAP) Diagram
MOLAP systems store data in multidimensional cubes. The data is pre-aggregated and stored in a multidimensional
format, making it faster to query. The cube is typically structured in dimensions such as time, geography, and
product.
Diagram:
 OLAP Cube: A multidimensional array or cube where each axis represents a different dimension (e.g., time,
product, location).
 OLAP Server: Queries are answered directly from the cube, without needing to access raw data.
Visualization:
+-------------------+
| Time Dimension |
+-------------------+
|
|
v
+-------------------------+
| OLAP Cube (MOLAP) |
|-------------------------|
| Time | Product | Sales |
|-------------------------|
| 2019 | Laptop | 1000 |
| 2020 | Laptop | 1500 |
| 2021 | Phone | 2000 |
+-------------------------+
|
v
 MOLAP Server (Fast Queries)
 OLAP Cube is pre-aggregated and stores multi-dimensional data, e.g., sales data by time, product, and
location.
 The OLAP Server can query the cube directly for fast analysis without needing to access the raw data.

3. HOLAP (Hybrid OLAP) Diagram

Description:
HOLAP combines the best of both MOLAP and ROLAP. It stores aggregated data in a multidimensional cube
(MOLAP) for fast queries and detailed data in relational tables (ROLAP) for drill-down analysis.
Diagram:
 OLAP Cube: Stores pre-aggregated data for faster retrieval.
 Relational Database: Stores detailed data for drill-down or detailed analysis.
 OLAP Server: Decides whether to fetch data from the cube or the relational database based on the query
type.
Visualization:
+-------------------+ +-------------------+
| Time Dimension | | Product Dimension|
+-------------------+ +-------------------+
| |
+-----------------------------+
|
+-------------+
| OLAP Cube |
| (Aggregated)|
+-------------+
|
+--------------------+-----------------+
| |
+---------------+ +-----------------+
| Fact Table | | Detailed Data |
| (Relational) | | (Relational) |
+---------------+ +-----------------+
|
v
HOLAP Server
(Decides whether to query
the Cube or Fact Table)
 OLAP Cube stores pre-aggregated data for faster querying (MOLAP part).
 Relational Database (Fact Table) stores detailed data for drill-downs (ROLAP part).
 The HOLAP Server intelligently fetches either aggregated data from the cube or detailed data from the
relational database depending on the query.

Summary
Feature ROLAP MOLAP HOLAP
Relational tables Multidimensional cubes (pre- Hybrid: cubes for aggregation,
Data Storage
(fact/dimension) aggregated) relational tables for details
Slower (real-time SQL Balanced (fast for summary, slower
Query Speed Fast (pre-aggregated)
queries) for detailed data)
High (works with large High (balances storage and
Scalability Limited (cube size growth)
datasets) performance)
Balanced (both detailed and
Flexibility Flexible, real-time queries Less flexible (pre-aggregated)
summarized data)
Storage Low (uses existing High (stores pre-aggregated Medium (stores both cubes and
Requirement relational data) data) relational data)
ROLAP vs MOLAP vs HOLAP
ROLAP vs MOLAP vs HOLAP are the associated terminologies for data warehousing that represents logical data
models. ROLAP means relational online analytical processing for relational data. MOLAP is known as
multidimensional online analytical processing those implements through multiple data dimensions. HOLAP is known
as hybrid online analytical processing that works for both ROLAP and MOLAP concepts. The data storage and data
arrangements, designed view access in the data warehouse varies depending upon the type of the OLAP
implementation. ROLAP SQL is being the querying technique, whereas MOLAP works with the sparse matrix, and
HOLAP uses both SQL and sparse matrix technologies.
Head to Head Comparison Between ROLAP and MOLAP and HOLAP (Infographics).
Key Differences Between ROLAP vs MOLAP vs HOLAP
 ROLAP is relational OLAP where the data is arranged in traditional methods like rows and columns in the
data warehouse. It is visible and accessible to users in multi-dimensional form. To display it as a multi-
dimensional view the data is designed as the related layer of metadata which supports the collection and
storage of data. It does dynamically in handling the complex query. It is slower than MOLAP where ROLAP
deals with the enormous volume of data at a higher speed.

 MOLAP is a multi-dimensional OLAP where the data is analyzed on the registered system. The data is
arranged in a multi-dimensional array. The array carries predefined data when the data is loaded in database
management. MOLAP system is implemented on the application layer and when the user sends any request it
fetches the data with the minimum response time.

 The expressing power of the relational model does not include the topics of dimension and measure to create a
specific data type. The basic elements include integrity, attributes, relations which are mainly applied in Star
schema.
 ROLAP uses SQL as its functioning language to fetch the data and work on it, whereas the MOLAP uses the
Sparse matrix technique to get the data from multi-dimensional array in the form of dimensional data cubes.
 ROLAP has slow response time because it shows the multi-dimensional form of any data but MOLAP is very
fast since it does not show any multi-dimensional view.
 Both ROLAP and MOLAP handle complex query and it has its unique performance. If the user wants any fast
response system he can adopt to MOLAP
 ROLAP and MOLAP work on optimization techniques and created due to its sparsity.
 Here the intermediate structure HOLAP formed with a mixture of advantages of MOLAP and ROLAP. A
large amount of data handling capacity is taken from ROLAP and the query speed method is taken from
MOLAP which is fed to HOLAP which stands as a standardized model. HOLAP relies on its enormous data
should be saved in a relational database management system to get rid of flaws created by sparsity and multi-
dimensional engine which stores only the required information of the user and provide them frequent access.
But if the user request more related data to solve any complex query it provides transparent access to that
portion of a relational database. This HOLAP technique is adopted by popular MicroStrategy to increase their
 platform performance in partnership with other vendors who have already implemented this solution in their
business.
 But in this design, there are few troubles which should be overcome to have a high performance.
 The quality of the process should be enhanced to satisfy client requirements. The quality should be consistent
in data warehousing from the initial phase to the end phase. The few main areas where quality should be
considered are defining areas, measuring areas and maximizing parts.
 The important qualities are accuracy, updated data, completed data, consistency, traceability, availability, and
clarity.

Basics for comparison ROLAP MOLAP HOLAP

Acronym Relational Multi- Hybrid online

online dimensional analytical processing
analytical online analytical
processing processing

Storage methods Data is stored Data is stored on Data is stored on the

on the main the registered relational databases
data warehouse database MDDB

Fetching methods Data is fetched Data is fetched Data is fetched from the
from the main from the relational databases
repository Proprietary
database

Data Arrangement Data is Data is arranged Data is arranged in

arranged and and stored in the multi-dimensional form
saved in the form of data
form of tables cubes
with rows and
columns

Volume Enormous data Limited data Large data can be

is processed which is kept in processed
proprietary is
processed

Technique It works with It works with It uses both Sparse

SQL Sparse Matrix matrix technology and
technology SQL

Designed view It has dynamic It has a static It has dynamic access

access access

Response time It has It has Minimum It takes Minimum

Maximum response time response time
response time

 In Accuracy, the data should have the correct and real values because at the time of ETL the chances of
missing values are high and also giving nonstandard value to any attribute should be

avoided
 The data should be updated periodically and should not contain any old data
 The data cubes should not be missed. Because each data set represent unique primary keys and all the values
should be stored from top to bottom and should be available as a complete data
 The representation of data should be in a proper arrangement in an orderly manner where it gives the user a
high consistency performance.
  The data should be easily available and accessible to the user at any time
 The data pool should have the correct navigation about the sources so that the user can easily direct to that
part of data without any wastage of time
 The data should have high clarity and should be easy to understand.
Comparison Table of ROLAP vs MOLAP vs HOLAP
Conclusion
The main topic should be discussed here is Information Security which should be carried from the development stage
to the implementation stage and it is performed on its maintenance time also. Security is a key element for data
warehousing because that is a place where the solution to crucial problems is taken and a large amount of data
transaction and processing is done. The management and its auditing systems are crucial for data warehousing as
important as the security system. The enterprise takes advantage of this online analytical processing system and
implies it according to the demand.

OLAP Servers
Online Analytical Processing(OLAP) refers to a set of software tools used for data analysis in order to make
business decisions. OLAP provides a platform for gaining insights from databases retrieved from multiple database
systems at the same time. It is based on a multidimensional data model, which enables users to extract and view
data from various perspectives.
Note: A multidimensional database is used to store OLAP data. Many Business Intelligence (BI) applications rely
on OLAP technology.
Type of OLAP servers:
The three major types of OLAP servers are as follows:
 ROLAP
 MOLAP
 HOLAP
1. Relational OLAP (ROLAP):
Relational On-Line Analytical Processing (ROLAP) is primarily used for data stored in a relational database, where
both the base data and dimension tables are stored as relational tables.
 ROLAP servers are used to bridge the gap between the relational back-end server and the client's front-end
tools.
 ROLAP servers store and manage warehouse data using RDBMS, and OLAP middleware fills in the gaps.

Relational OLAP (ROLAP)

Benefits:
 It is compatible with data warehouses and OLTP systems.
 The data size limitation of ROLAP technology is determined by the underlying RDBMS. As a result, ROLAP
does not limit the amount of data that can be stored.
Limitations:
 SQL functionality is constrained.
 It's difficult to keep aggregate tables up to date.
2. Multidimensional OLAP (MOLAP):
MOLAP (Multidimensional OLAP) uses array-based storage to provide fast, multidimensional analysis. Data is
stored as a multidimensional array, where each cell corresponds to a combination of dimension values and holds a
measured fact. Unlike ROLAP, MOLAP defines all possible dimension combinations, which leads to sparsity—
many empty cells consuming space.
 To manage this, MOLAP systems use indexing and hashing for efficient data retrieval.
 All calculations are pre-computed when the cube is built, enabling quick responses to complex queries.
 MOLAP is ideal for slicing, dicing, and high-speed analytical operations.
 Multidimensional OLAP (MOLAP)
Benefits:
 Suitable for slicing and dicing operations.
 Outperforms ROLAP when data is dense.
 Capable of performing complex calculations.
Limitations:
 It is difficult to change the dimensions without re-aggregating.
 Since all calculations are performed when the cube is built, a large amount of data cannot be stored in the cube
itself.
3. Hybrid OLAP (HOLAP):
ROLAP and MOLAP are combined in Hybrid On-Line Analytical Processing (HOLAP). HOLAP offers greater
scalability than ROLAP and faster computation than [Link] is a hybrid of ROLAP and MOLAP.
HOLAP servers are capable of storing large amounts of detailed data.
 On the one hand, HOLAP benefits from ROLAP's greater scalability.
 HOLAP, on the other hand, makes use of cube technology for faster performance and summary-type
information.
 Because detailed data is stored in a relational database, cubes are smaller than MOLAP.

Hybrid OLAP (HOLAP)

Benefits:
 HOLAP combines the benefits of MOLAP and ROLAP.
 Provide quick access at all aggregation levels.
Limitations
 Because it supports both MOLAP and ROLAP servers, HOLAP architecture is extremely complex.
 There is a greater likelihood of overlap, particularly in their functionalities.
Other types of OLAP
 Web OLAP (WOLAP): WOLAP refers to an OLAP application that can be accessed through a web browser.
WOLAP, in contrast to traditional client/server OLAP applications, is thought to have a three-tiered
architecture consisting of three components: a client, middleware, and a database server.
 Desktop OLAP (DOLAP): DOLAP is an abbreviation for desktop analytical processing. In that case, the user
can download the data from the source and work with it on their desktop or laptop. In comparison to other
OLAP applications, functionality is limited. It is less expensive.
 Mobile OLAP (MOLAP): Wireless functionality or mobile devices are examples of MOLAP. The user is
working and accessing data via mobile devices.
 Spatial OLAP (SOLAP): SOLAP egress combines the capabilities of Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
and OLAP into a single user interface. SOLAP is created because the data can be alphanumeric, image, or
vector. This allows for the quick and easy exploration of data stored in a spatial database.
 Prepared By:
[Link] Sharma
([Link]/IT DEPTT.)