Oracle Corp is to enter the on-line analytical processing market with a multi-dimensional extension to Oracle 7.X, hears InfoWorld. Oracle Multidimension will enable more complex data models than the typical two-dimensional row-and-column format of relational databases, enabling more flexible data analysis. Oracle is expected to surround the server with data access and decision support tools from third parties, positioned as analytical processing and data warehousing offerings. But the tool, developed in conjunction with the Canadian Government, was originally intended to handle map information in a geographic information system, and positioning it as an analytical processing tool has been something of an afterthought.
