This topic explains how the elements discussed in the Oracle Essbase Technical Reference apply to aggregate storage databases.
Consider using the aggregate storage storage model if the following is true for your database:
The database is sparse and has many dimensions, and/or the dimensions have many levels of members.
The database is used primarily for read-only purposes, with few or no data updates.
The outline contains no formulas except in the dimension tagged as Accounts.
Calculation of the database is frequent, is based mainly on summation of the data, and does not rely on calculation scripts.
Note the applicability of the following elements for aggregate storage databases:
MDX—Used for querying on block storage and aggregate storage databases. Additionally, MDX numeric-value expressions can be used for developing formulas on aggregate storage outlines. For more information, see Aggregate Storage and MDX Outline Formulas.
Calculation commands—Not supported in enterprise analytics databases, because calculation scripts are not relevant to aggregate storage storage.
Calculation functions—Not supported in enterprise analytics databases. Instead, MDX formulas can be written using MDX numeric-value expressions. Only the Accounts dimension can have formulas in aggregate storage databases.
Report Writer commands—All Report Writer commands (except <SPARSE) are supported for aggregate storage databases.
MaxL statements—Some MaxL grammar is applicable to aggregate storage mode, and some MaxL grammar is not relevant. To learn which statements are supported in aggregate storage application and database operations, see MaxL Statements (Aggregate Storage).
ESSBASE.CFG configuration settings—Some ESSBASE.CFG configuration settings are applicable to aggregate storage mode, and some are not. To learn which settings are supported in aggregate storage mode, see Aggregate Storage and Block Storage Settings Comparison.
For more information about aggregate storage storage, see the Oracle Essbase Database Administrator's Guide.