Simba Technologies, the leading supplier of MDX and SQL connectivity solutions, recently announced that it will release a client-side MDX provider for the Oracle 11g OLAP Option. This driver will allow business users to use Excel 2007 to query Oracle OLAP Option cubes using Excel’s multi-dimensional query capabilities.

 

This FAQ provides information about this innovative solution.

 

Use these quicklinks, or simply scroll down

 

 

I’m an Oracle sales representative. How can I access the MDX Provider for Oracle OLAP for demonstrations?

 

Contact Simba. Email Amyn Rajan at .

 

 

How can I purchase MDX Provider for Oracle OLAP?

 

MDX Provider for Oracle OLAP is licensed directly by Simba Technologies and its partners. For purchasing information, please click here.

 

 

How much does the MDX Provider for Oracle OLAP cost?

 

For pricing and purchasing information, please click here.

 

 

What versions of the Oracle database does the MDX Provider for Oracle OLAP support?

 

The MDX Provider for Oracle OLAP supports Oracle 11gR1.07 and later. Oracle "OLAP Patch C" is required for production servers. (Evaluation on unpatched servers is ok, but the C patch provides a number of performance enhancements.)

 

 

What versions of Microsoft Excel does the MDX Provider for Oracle OLAP support?

 

MDX Provider for Oracle OLAP supports Microsoft Excel 2007 / 2003 / XP.

 

 

Will the MDX Provider for Oracle OLAP work with other MDX-based applications like Business Objects and Cognos?

 

Since Excel is by far the most common MDX client, Simba has chosen to focus on building a first class Excel – Oracle OLAP Option solution first. Later versions will support other products from vendors like Business Objects and Cognos.

 

We invite you to contact us with priority suggestions regarding certifying with other client software.

 

 

Does the MDX Provider for Oracle OLAP support value-based hierarchies?

 

Yes, the MDX Provider for Oracle OLAP supports value-based hierarchies.

 

 

Does Excel support ragged (ship level) hierarchies?

 

It does with some minor modification of your cube.

 

 

Does the MDX Provider for Oracle OLAP support write-back?

 

MDX Provider for Oracle OLAP does not currently support write-back, as Excel 2007 does not support it.

 

 

Is there an API for the MDX Provider for Oracle OLAP that is accessible via VBS or another language?

 

The easiest accessibility would be provided using ADOMD (not ADOMD.NET). This doesn't preclude use of .NET for applications that might want to connect to MDX Provider for Oracle OLAP, only that they must use the ADOMD interface.

 

 

Who can I contact for more information?

 

Amyn Rajan within Simba Technologies () and Bud Endress within Oracle ().

 

Additional information is also available here.

 

 

What software do I need to install?

 

MDX Provider for Oracle OLAP uses a stand-alone Windows installer. No separate Oracle client install is needed; an Oracle 'Instant Client' is included in the MDX Provider for Oracle OLAP installer.

 

 

Why did Oracle choose to partner with Simba Technologies?

 

Simba Technologies is the de facto independent expert on the MDX query language. Simba is the only company that offers data connectivity solutions for both SQL and MDX.

 

Founded in 1991, Simba worked on both the ODBC specification and the OLE DB for OLAP (ODBO) and MDX specification with Microsoft. Simba also was a founding member of the XMLA Council, chairing its Interoperability SIG and hosting its InterOp events.

 

Simba assisted Hyperion in building its MDX and XMLA interfaces. SAP’s MDX interface is also built upon Simba’s technology. Simba is the only independent company with knowledge and technology encompassing Microsoft’s newest MDX enhancements. More than half of all MDX providers in use today were built using Simba’s MDX technology.