Author: Nigel Pendse Released: 2005 Pages: 70 This major article on OLAP and spreadsheets includes examples from 15 products and mini reviews of four Excel add-ins for Analysis Services: IntelligentApps, MIS Plain, Visual OLAP and XLCubed. Contents: IntroductionBackgroundProblems with spreadsheetsMultidimensional formulasProblems with OLAP serversThe best of both worlds?ConvergenceHow widely used are spreadsheets as OLAP front-ends?The perfect add-inNot as easy as it seemsCostsWhen to use (or not to use) an Excel add-inWhat to look for in Excel add-insGetting OLAP data into ExcelDealing with dynamic grid sizesComplex report formatsHybrid OLAP and relational reportsAdvanced queriesVisualizationDrilldownDrill-throughAutomated report distributionCompatible Web and Excel reportsLanguagesData entryModel buildingAutomation, application control and workflowExcel add-ins for Analysis ServicesSuccess rate with different types of client toolsIntelligentAppsMIS PlainVisual OLAPXLCubed |
