Consider where users need to enter data

ASO and BSO cube types both support data updates, but they differ in where data can be written.

In an ASO cube, writeback is limited to level-0 members—the lowest-level members in a hierarchy. BSO provides more flexibility for applications in which users work with entered values at different levels of the model.

For example, in the hierarchy illustrated below, the level 0 members are at the bottoms of the branches of the Product dimension.

If your Essbase application has data that is refreshed or loaded at the lowest level, then the distinction may not matter. Regardless, if user input is an important part of the application, consider it carefully when choosing the cube type.