Databases Reference
In-Depth Information
What is ASO
ASO is Essbase's alternative to the sometimes cumbersome BSO method of storing
data in an Essbase database. In fact, it is BSO that is exactly what makes Essbase
a superior OLAP analytical tool but it is also the BSO that can occasionally be a
detriment to the level of system performance demanded in today's business world.
In a BSO database, all data is stored, except for dynamically calculated members.
All data consolidations and parent-child relationships in the database outline are
stored as well. While the block storage method is quite efficient from a data to size
ratio perspective, a BSO database can require large amounts of overhead to deliver
the retrieval performance demanded by the business customer.
The ASO database efficiently stores not only zero level data, but can also store
aggregated hierarchical data with the understandings that stored hierarchies can
only have the no-consolidation (~) or the addition (+) operator assigned to them
and the no-consolidation (~) operator can only be used underneath
Label Only
members. Outline member consolidations are performed on the fly using dynamic
calculations and only at the time of the request for data. This is the main reason
why ASO is a valuable option worth consideration when building an Essbase
system for your customer.
Because of the simplified levels of data stored in the ASO database, a more simplified
method of storing the physical data on the disk can also be used. It is this simplified
storage method which can help result in higher performance for the customer.
Your choice of one database type over the other will always depend on balancing
the customer's needs with the server's physical capabilities, along with the volume
of data. These factors must be given equal consideration
Creating an aggregate storage
Application|Database
Believe it or not, creating an ASO Essbase application and database is as easy as
creating a BSO application and database. In case you have forgotten how to do it
from the information we've given you in earlier chapters, all you need to do is
follow these simple steps:
