Block storage is the Essbase database storage model that categorizes dimensions as sparse or dense and stores data in blocks. Block storage is designed for applications that perform interactive planning, allocations, and sophisticated analytics:
Sales forecasting, which may be write-back intensive and require what-if analysis
Profitability analysis, which may require cost allocations across products and customers
Financial consolidation, which may require currency conversions and inter-company eliminations
Essbase also provides an aggregate storage model, which can produce dramatic improvements in both database aggregation time and dimensional scalability for certain types of applications. For an explanation of and workflow for aggregate storage, see Workflow for Working with Aggregate Storage Applications.
“Basic Architectural Elements” in the Oracle Essbase Database Administrator's Guide
“Comparison of Aggregate and Block Storage” in the Oracle Essbase Database Administrator's Guide