Introduction

Abstract

This first chapter sets the stage for the remainder of the book. It starts by giving a brief characteri-zation of multidimensional data management and data modeling, then covers briefly the history of multidimensional data management and defines key terms to be used throughout the book. Then it explains why related technologies, specifically, spreadsheets and relations, fall short in meeting the modeling needs of multidimensional data management. Finally, it contrasts multidimensional data management with traditional relational data management.