Forecasting with RAM/Express and general advantages of ROLAP approach to data warehousing

If I understand correctly, in order to allow what-if analysis, Express uses variables that can be modified, which once modified are reflected by changes in custom measures or formula.

RAM maps/converts RDBMS facts to formula and not variables, does this mean that forecasting or what-if analysis cannot be performed?

From the broader perspective I am trying to understand the advantages of using a MOLAP tool to those of using a straight datawarehousing/RDBMS approach. Initially I imagined three advantages of the MOLAP approach, Forecasting (what-if analysis), speed and improved analytical functionality.

The impact of the latter is lessened by the improvement of analytical function built-ins/extentions to SQL. If what-if analysis is not available I can see
minimal benefits in using a ROLAP approach to a simple data warehouse.
(A guess speed is only a product of summarisation and reduction of
volumes of data)

However, I am just beginning to use Express and therefore the possibility that I am overlooking something important is a high one - any enlightenment to additional advantages will be gratefully received
(Especially with reference to Oracle product offerings)

Thanks

Richard Received on Thu Sep 27 2001 - 15:22:27 CEST