Chapter 1. Introduction to Multidimensional Data Model Design
In this chapter we will discuss the differences between Multidimensional databases (cubes) and Tabular Models in order to help you decide which is best for meeting your particular needs. More details on how to implement each of these will be covered in the rest of this cookbook. In this chapter we will explore the following concepts:
- The business value of Business Intelligence
- The challenges and barriers faced when implementing Business Intelligence
- Strategies for overcoming these challenges and barriers
- Choosing multidimensional or Tabular Models
- Star- and Snowflake-relational schema
- A sample scenario for choosing the Snowflake schema