Developing Essbase Applications: Hybrid Techniques And Practices

What is Essbase?

Essbase is an Online Analytical Processing (OLAP) database management system that provides multi-dimensional analysis and reporting capabilities. It is widely used by organizations for budgeting, planning, forecasting, and financial reporting. Essbase applications consist of multidimensional cubes that store data in a hierarchical structure, enabling users to perform complex analysis and gain valuable insights.

Challenges in Developing Essbase Applications

Developing Essbase applications can be challenging due to various factors. Some of the common challenges faced by developers include:

Developing Essbase Applications: Hybrid Techniques and Practices

by Xiaoming Chen(2nd Edition, Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	59226 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	505 pages

FREE

• Complexity of data models
• Performance optimization
• Data integration
• Security
• Version control

Hybrid Techniques and Practices

Hybrid techniques involve utilizing other tools and technologies in conjunction with Essbase to enhance application development and overcome its limitations. Here are some commonly used hybrid techniques:

1. Data Integration with ETL Tools

ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) tools like Informatica or Oracle Data Integrator can be used to extract data from various sources, transform it into the required format, and load it into Essbase cubes. This approach enables developers to automate the data loading process, improve data quality, and reduce development time.

2. Custom Calculations with Calculation Scripts

Calculation scripts in Essbase allow developers to define custom calculations and formulas. However, complex calculations can be challenging to implement solely using Essbase. By combining Essbase with programming languages like Java or Python, developers can perform complex calculations externally and then import the results into Essbase. This hybrid approach improves performance and flexibility.

3. Visualization with Business Intelligence Tools

Essbase provides basic reporting and charting capabilities, but for more advanced visualizations and dashboards, integrating with Business Intelligence (BI) tools like Tableau or Power BI is beneficial. BI tools offer a wide range of visualization options, interactive features, and advanced analytics that enhance the user experience and enable deeper insights.

4. Security Integration with LDAP or Active Directory

To enhance security and user management in Essbase applications, integration with LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) or Active Directory is recommended. This allows users to authenticate using their existing credentials and simplifies the administration of access rights and privileges.

Best Practices

While integrating various tools and techniques with Essbase, it is essential to follow best practices to ensure smooth application development. Here are some recommended practices:

1. Maintain Documentation

Document each step of the development process, including data integration, calculations, visualizations, and security configurations. This documentation will serve as a valuable reference for troubleshooting, maintenance, and future enhancements.

2. Optimize Performance

Regularly monitor and optimize Essbase performance by fine-tuning database settings, optimizing calc scripts, and managing indexes. Performance optimization techniques vary based on the specific application requirements, so thorough analysis and experimentation are essential.

3. Version Control

Implement version control practices to track changes, maintain a history of code modifications, and facilitate collaboration among developers. Using version control systems like Git or SVN ensures proper governance and offers the ability to rollback changes if required.

4. Test and Validate

Rigorously test Essbase applications after implementing hybrid techniques to ensure correctness and reliability. Validate the accuracy of data integration, perform test calculations, and thoroughly review visualizations to avoid any potential errors or discrepancies.

Developing Essbase applications using hybrid techniques and practices significantly enhances application development capabilities and overcomes the limitations of Essbase. By utilizing ETL tools for data integration, custom calculations with external languages, integrating with BI tools for visualization, and ensuring security integration, organizations can create robust and scalable Essbase applications. Following best practices such as documentation, performance optimization, version control, and thorough testing further ensure the success of Essbase development projects.

Developing Essbase Applications: Hybrid Techniques and Practices

by Xiaoming Chen(2nd Edition, Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	59226 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	505 pages

FREE

Maintaining the advanced technical focus found in Developing Essbase Applications, this second volume is another collaborative effort by some of the best and most experienced Essbase practitioners from around the world.

Developing Essbase Applications: Hybrid Techniques and Practices reviews technology areas that are much-discussed but still very new, including Exalytics and Hybrid Essbase. Covering recent improvements to the Essbase engine, the book illustrates the impact of new reporting and analysis tools and also introduces advanced Essbase best practices across a variety of features, functions, and theories.

Some of this book’s chapters are in the same vein as the previous volume: hardware, engines, and languages. Others cover new ground with Oracle Business Intelligence Enterprise Edition, design philosophy, benchmarking concepts, and multiple client tools. As before, these subjects are covered from both the technical and best practice perspectives.

This updated volume continues in the tradition of its bestselling predecessor by defining, investigating, and explaining Essbase concepts like no other resource. It also includes use cases that transform abstract theory into practical examples you can easily relate to your own Essbase environment.

Illustrating the recent expansion of Essbase functionality, this book provides the up-to-date understanding you need to explore the full depth of the Essbase technology stack. Although the book presents detailed tutorial chapters that can be read on their own, reading the entire book will provide you with a similar understanding as some of the most experienced Essbase practitioners from around the world.