5 Fun Facts about OLAP Technology and Databases

Jan 16, 2014

If you are unfamiliar to OLAP (Online Analytical Processing) technology it may sound very technical and confusing. OLAP technology is however a very cool technology that allows Businesses to do more with their data. At OLAP.com we believe analyzing data is fun so here is our top 5 fun facts about OLAP Technology and databases that perhaps makes OLAP more interesting:

1. Edgar Codd: OLAP term originator was a Veteran

 The Father of Relational Databases and OLAP term originator— Edgar F. Codd was a Royal Air Force Pilot during the Second World War.

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Learn More: Codd’s 12 Rules for Relational Database Management

2. The first version of SQL (Structured Query Language) used to be called SEQUEL (Structured English Query Language)

 The first version of SQL (Structured Query Language) developed at IBM used to be called SEQUEL (Structured English Query Language) but had to be changed because it was a trademark of Hawker Siddeley Aircraft Company.

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Learn More: Relational Database SQ

3. Punched cards were used not too long ago

Punched cards: One of the first means of data collection was used up to the 20th century.

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Learn More: History of Databases

4. IBM researcher Hans Peter Luhn first to publish an article using the term Business Intelligence had an interesting Career Path

IBM researcher Hans Peter Luhn— first to publish an article using the term Business intelligence–worked in the textile industry for many years.

Textile-industry.jpgSource: Wikipedia Business Intelligence History

5. A slice in OLAP simply means dividing a cube shaped item into two.

 Slicing an OLAP cube is simply selecting a rectangular section much like what you would have if you detached one side of a cubed shaped item.  A slice of an OLAP cube contains data with two views similar to a spreadsheet with rows and columns.

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Learn More: OLAP Cube

Feel Free to add on to the list!