Consider how users will work with the data

As part of your decision to develop either an ASO or BSO Essbase cube, ask yourself questions about the expected user workload.

Ask whether users will primarily:

• Explore existing data from different dimensional perspectives.

• Roll up large volumes of detailed data into summarized business views.

• Run reporting and analytical queries across large hierarchies.

If those activities describe most of the workload, ASO is often a natural choice.

If users will also need to enter, update, or work interactively with business values as part of applications such as planning, budgeting, or forecasting, BSO may be a better starting point.