Databases Reference
In-Depth Information
Pros and cons of BSO
The Essbase BSO is the original format of the Essbase database technology. The BSO
is also the mainstay for Essbase as it offers robust, full-featured functionality. Here
we will describe what we feel are some of the positive features of the BSO as well
as some of the not so positive features for you.
Pros
Listed below are just a few high-level features that we feel makes the Essbase BSO
a good choice:
• Several databases stored in one application.
• No reserved names for application and database names.
• Account dimension supports all types of calculations and attribute members.
• Calculation scripts are supported.
• Uncomplicated write back ability.
• Formulas are allowed in all dimensions with no restrictions.
• Outline changes do not automatically clear data values, even if a data source
is used to both modify members and load values. Therefore, incremental data
loads are supported for all outlines.
• Currency conversion is supported.
Cons
Listed below are a few high-level features that we feel you may need to be wary
of when using the Essbase BSO:
• For better performance, the outline dimensions must be deined as
Dense
or
Sparse
, based on data density, which can sometimes be difficult to get
exactly right.
• Database calculation—calculation script or outline consolidation.
• Calculation order will need to be deined in the calc scripts and is
predetermined in a default outline calculation.
• Unrestricted write back ability which can be dangerous if care is not exercised.
• No automatic update to values after data load. Necessary calculation
scripts need to be specially executed, including any default calculations.
• Sometimes requires large amounts of resources.
