Databases Reference
In-Depth Information
The dynamically calculated member is a measure typically derived from other
data elements in the database. It is not physically stored in the database. Instead,
it is only created (calculated) at the time you ask for it. There are three great
benefits for building your database with dynamically calculated members:
1.
There is a huge potential to create many new measures without adding
new sources of data or writing expensive programs to derive the values.
2.
While the dynamically calculated member occupies a place in the database
outline, it does not affect the block size in the database, therefore, it does
not affect performance.
3.
The resultant measure is always accurate to the other measures in the
database and will always
tally
(the derived number will always equal
the result of the stored component numbers). There is never a question
of "where did this number come from?".
Types of Essbase applications
A nice feature of Oracle Essbase is that it allows you to create high level
umbrella applications under which you can group similar databases.
The similarity in databases means they are either similar in function or purpose.
When we speak of an Essbase application, it must be noted that all
databases are created under an umbrella application. You may have one
or many databases under an application, but you cannot create a database
without a parent application. Likewise, an application is virtually useless
without dependent databases.
Oracle recommends that we have only one database for an application.
The reason for this is that when you restructure a database, the entire
application is locked and you will not be able to perform any other
actions on the application or dependent databases.
This Application|Database structure allows for a more organized layout
and design and also allows for better data and security management.
As mentioned, an Essbase application can be one of two types:
1. Aggregate Storage Option
2. Block Storage Option
Let's discuss them in detail.
