Data analysis software specialist Arbor Software Corp has introduced Version 4 of its Essbase multidimensional database which includes increased querying capabilities for decision support. It is calling the enhancements Operational OLAP, claiming it has increased facilities for ‘what if?’, ‘what happened?’ and ‘what next?’ SQL queries. Other additions include an intelligent calculator for supporting incremental data loads and interactive data input. It computes data values impacted by changes or additions. A server-based analytical processing Query Processor provides multidimensional data filtering, ranking and sorting enabling rapid targeting and retrieval of data subsets. It includes enhanced data load times, dynamic dimension building enabling ‘many-to-many’ multidimensional hierarchies and database recovery capabilities. Arbor has rounded up a bunch of independent software vendors with 25 products supporting Essbase. Including Applix Inc’s Applixware, Lotus Development Corp’s Lotus 1-2-3 and Microsoft Corp’s Excel spreadsheet; Andyne Computing Ltd’s Pablo, Cognos Inc’s PowerPlay and IQ Software Corp’s managed query environments, Comshare Inc’s Commander Decision planning, analysis and management reporting system, AppSources Inc’s Wired for analytical processing, Mobile Software Inc’s Pilot Lightship Link, Platinum Technology Inc’s Forest & Trees and tools for application development including Borland International Inc’s Delphi, Microsoft Corp’s Visual Basic and Powersoft Corp’s Powerbuilder, visualization tools including Advanced Visual Systems Inc AVS/Express, Management Science Associates Inc BusinessWeb and system management tools including BMC Software Inc’s Patrol, Hewlett-Packard Co’s Intelligent Warehouse OLAP Builder and IBM Corp’s DataGuide and DataJoiner. Essbase 4.0 comes as a 32-bit single-user or server version. The server version is up on NT and OS/2, with HP-UX, AIX and Solaris due out in the next 60 days. Prices start at $38,000 for a five- user licence. The single-user price is $2,500 per user.
