Qlikview vs. OLAP TOOLS

[#1]

Hi at all, there is any document that explain the differences/ advantages about Qlikveiw vs. OLAP Tools ?

Thanks in advance !!!

[#2]

Hello,

interesting question in a QlikView forum ... 😉

You could check www.olapreport.com .... despite the name it provides vendor/ technology independent information.

hth,
Thilo

[#3 · Accepted solution]

Hey the_bud,

I don't have a document for you, but one of the main advantages of QlikView over traditional OLAP-based tools is the fact that you do not have to create queries before analysis; you can effectively "build cubes" instantly by clicking (dare I say "qliking") through the dimensions on the screen. Check out the Getting Started with QlikView videos section (specifically the OLAP vs. New Rules and Multiple Dimensions videos) below:

http://community.qlik.com/gettingstarted/videos

Hope this helps!

[preminqlik]

Traditional OLAP technology was good enough at the time it was developed, but it has some major disadvantages. OLAP-based Hypercubes limit users to a small number of dimensions. Measures have to be defined when the application is developed and redefinition of a measure is time-consuming. The user interface is complicated for non-IT people to understand. Bottom line is that OLAP-based Hypercubes and Data Warehouses are expensive and time-consuming solutions to install.

QlikTech's patented AQL (Associative Query Logic) technology works in a different way, by building and maintaining a non-relational, associative and highly space efficient database that resides in RAM. The advantage of the AQL architecture is that the source data is retained and immediately available offline for analysis, all the way down to the source transactions. The result is powerful analytical capabilities provided through a highly intuitive user interface that encourages exploration and creativity.

Here is a quick comparison between QlikView and traditional OLAP technology:

	QlikView	Olap Technology
Learning Curve	Most QlikView users have less than four hours of training.	OLAP technology requires several days and even weeks of training.
Target Users	QlikView is a true "BI Tool for the Masses".	OLAP ends up in the hands of specialists.
Installation	A solution based on QlikView is installed in less than a week in most cases.	A solution based on Data Warehouse and OLAP technology is rarely installed in less than three months. In many cases it's up to a year.
Customization	Customization is done in minutes or hours, and in most cases by the end user.	Customization takes several days, often even weeks, and has to be done by a specialist.
Application Development	New applications can easily be developed as the needs evolve. A couple of weeks is normally enough, even for complex applications, such as Balanced Scorecard.	Development of new applications is expensive and time-consuming, since OLAP technology limits its users to a small number of measures and dimensions.