An architecture for modular on-line analytical processing systems: supporting distributed and parallel query processing using co-operating CORBA objects

During the last few years, online analytical processing (OLAP) has emerged as a valuable tool for the analysis, navigation and reporting of hierarchically organized data from data warehouses. Still, it remains a challenging task to implement and deploy an OLAP system, since no standardized architecture exists, which describes the common components and functionality of OLAP systems. Additionally the formal models in use disregard the need for easily implemented and clearly defined interfaces between these components. The paper presents a model for OLAP engines, which permits the development of modular systems based on a simple data representation using sets and vectors. The functional units of the query processor are implemented in CORBA as independent modules with firm interfaces and exchange data and messages communicate across a software bus.