DOLAP: Desktop OLAP
Desktop On-Line Analytic Processing (DOLAP) is single-tier, desktop-based OLAP technology. It is able to download a relatively small hypercube from a central point, usually from data mart or data warehouse, and perform multidimensional analyses while disconnected from the source. Data sets are limited to the boundaries defined by the user with no access to granular data. In general, cubes contain summarized data, organized in a fixed structure of dimensions. Therefore, it is ideal for well-understood, recurring analytic questions and reporting.
The chart below highlights advantages and disadvantages of DOLAP.
| Advantages |
User friendly - user can pivot and manipulate data locally from the returned result set stored on the desktop. |
| Excellent query performance - it collects, aggregates, and calculates data in advance of the analysis. |
| Low cost per seat and maintenance. |
| Useful for mobile users who cannot always connect to the data warehouse. |
| Easiest to deploy among all OLAP approaches. |
| Disadvantages |
Limited functionality and data capacity. |
| Major Players |
Cognos, Business Objects, Brio, Crystal Decisions, Hummingbird, Oracle |
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