What are 'Essbase' cubes used for in Oracle Analytics Cloud?

Essbase cubes in Oracle Analytics Cloud serve a primary function of analyzing data and enabling complex calculations. These multidimensional data structures allow for the organization of data in a way that supports fast query performance and insightful analysis.

By utilizing the cube paradigm, it becomes possible to slice and dice data across various dimensions, making it particularly effective for operations requiring complex mathematical computations, aggregations, and interplay between different data sets. This flexibility to navigate through multidimensional data makes Essbase cubes a powerful tool for financial modeling, forecasting, and other data-intensive tasks.

While data storage is a function of these cubes, the distinction lies in their ability to facilitate advanced analytical capabilities rather than merely serving as a place for data retention. Similarly, creating user reports and monitoring system performance are functions that could involve Essbase cubes, but they are not the core purpose of these cubes. The primary emphasis is on the analytical advantages and the intricate calculations that Essbase cubes enable, defining their role within Oracle Analytics Cloud effectively.