Frequently Asked Questions

[1.1] What is OLAP Browser?

OLAP Browser is a software application that allows you to browse data cubes. OLAP Browser is a reporting and analysis system. With OLAP Browser you can perform online analysis and create reports.

[1.2] What is a data cube?

A data cube is a multidimensional data storage unit containing related items as specified by the cube designer. Data cubes store data as measures and dimensions to provide an enterprise wide view of your organization. Data cubes have been likened to relational databases on steroids. Data cubes are very efficient for corporate reporting, decision support, and OLAP (on-line analytical process).

[1.3] Why is OLAP Browser considered a Microsoft SQL Server add-on?

Microsoft SQL Server is a world class Database Management System with cube building capabilities. Microsoft SQL Server is a great system for data management and an excellent choice for building data storage solutions.

OLAP Browser is a highly specialized application to leverage the power of data cubes built by Microsoft SQL Server. OLAP Browser is a very efficient, easy to use information delivery system and as such makes an excellent add-on to Microsoft SQL Server.

[1.4] Do I need Microsoft SQL Server to use OLAP Browser?

The Pro and AS versions of OLAP Browser connect directly to Microsoft Analysis Server cubes. For these versions, SQL Server is required, either locally or on a network.

The Standard version of the OLAP Browser does not connect to Analysis Server cubes, but opens local cubes (.cub files) so SQL Server is not required for this version.

Note: the Pro Version of OLAP Browser connects to Analysis Server Cubes and opens local cubes (.cub files).

[1.5] Do I need training to us OLAP Browser?

No. OLAP Browser was designed for ease of use. OLAP Browser uses intuitive access screens to put the right information in the hands of those that need it from Clerk to CEO. But power was not sacrificed for ease of use. OLAP Browser delivers robust analysis capabilities along with point and click reporting.

[2.1] How do I create a data cube to work with OLAP Browser?

You can create data cubes using Analysis Services within Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Excel, or any application that creates an OLAP cube (.cub). Please refer to vendor documentation for details on their cube building process and cube building wizards. You can search topics such as 'local cubes', 'OLAP cubes', 'offline cubes', and '.cub'.

*Note: In our Pro version of OLAP Browser you can take advantage of our powerful cube copy feature. This will allow you to easily copy an external cube.

[2.2] What do I need to try out OLAP Browser?

All you need is a windows environment to run OLAP Browser. The OLAP Browser application even includes a sample data cube to allow you see it in action and highlight its capabilities without your own data cube.

[2.3] How long will it take to setup?

You will be up and running in minutes. There is no setup or configuration required. Just install OLAP Browser, open a data cube, and your ready to turn your corporate data into meaningful information.

[2.4] Can I change the appearance of OLAP Browser?

You can choose a theme setting for OLAP Browser. The theme setting allows you to choose different color and shading schemes for the Grid View.

Steps

1. From Tools, select Settings
2. From Settings, select the Grid View tab
3. Choose the desired theme from the Current Theme drop-down selection list
4. Click Done

[2.5] Can I distribute reports?

Yes, you can publish reports in HTML, RTF and Excel formats. Published reports are freely distributable and the recipient does not need OLAP Browser to view them. You can distribute your published reports according to your preference via email, FTP, etc.

[2.6] Can I email reports?

Yes, you can publish reports in HTML, RTF and Excel formats. Published reports are freely distributable and, the recipient does not need OLAP Browser to view them. Your published reports can be distributed as email attachments.

[2.7] Can I print reports?

Yes, you can publish reports in HTML, RTF and Excel formats. Your published reports can be printed from these environments.

[2.8] How do I secure my cubes?

OLAP Browser can read online or offline cubes. Protecting the OLAP Browser Application and the cube files will ensure only authorized users gain access to your corporate data.

Analysis Server/OLAP Cubes (Online)

OLAP Browser uses integrated security settings for windows and Microsoft’s Analysis Server/OLAP. OLAP Browser uses the authentication mode and settings (Cube Roles) assigned in Analysis Server/OLAP.

Local cube files (Offline - .cub)

OLAP Browser uses integrated Windows security. Use Windows security and authentication to limit access to authorized users. This can be accomplished by placing the cubes in a local or network directory protected with Windows security. Consult your operating system documentation for the specific details for your version of Windows.

[2.9] I would like to use OLAP Browser at a client site or at home, can I do that?

Yes, OLAP Browser is a very portable solution. OLAP Browser can be installed on a laptop or a VPN network and, cube files are generally relatively small in size. You can easily perform analysis and reporting in the office, at home, or on the road.

[2.10] Can I filter my data?

Yes you can filter your data!
You, can easily filter your data with our powerful drag and drop functionality, just drag the business dimension to the filter area and select the data you want to filter by from our handy Tree View Dialog. You can even have multiple filters!

See "Working With The Data" > "Filters" within this help document for more information.

[3.1] Why can’t I open my offline data cubes?

OLAP Browser supports OLAP cubes in the (.cub) format. If your data cube is not in this format, it will not open. If your data cube is in this format see your systems administrator for validation.

[3.2] Why can’t I see the Grid Menu?

The 3 views (Grid Menu, Grid View, Chart View) can be individually opened, closed, or sized to suit the user’s needs. The 3 views are separated with borders that act as slider bars which can be resized by dragging to the desired location or open and closed by clicking the bar tab in the center of the slider bar.

If you cannot see the Grid Menu, it may be completely closed. Move the mouse pointer to the left edge of the viewing screen until the mouse pointer changes to 2 parallel bars with arrow indicators. Hold in the mouse button and drag to the right and release the mouse at the desired location.

[3.3] Why can’t I see the Grid View?

The 3 views (Grid Menu, Grid View, Chart View) can be individually opened, closed, or sized to suit the user’s needs. The 3 views are separated with borders that act as slider bars which can be resized by dragging to the desired location or open and closed by clicking the bar tab in the center of the slider bar.

There is a hide/show graph icon on the toolbar; selecting this should close the Chart View and open up the Grid View.

Alternatively move the mouse pointer to the upper edge of the viewing screen until the mouse pointer changes to 2 parallel bars with arrow indicators. Hold in the mouse button and drag to it to a lower position on the screen and then release the mouse at the desired location.

[3.4] Why can’t I see the Chart View?

The 3 views (Grid Menu, Grid View, Chart View) can be individually opened, closed, or sized to suit the user’s needs. The 3 views are separated with borders that act as slider bars which can be resized by dragging to the desired location or open and closed by clicking the bar tab in the center of the slider bar.

There is a hide/show graph icon on the toolbar; if selecting this does not open the Chart View, then the Grid View may be almost completely closed and not visible. Move the mouse pointer to the lower edge of the viewing screen until the mouse pointer changes to 2 parallel bars with arrow indicators. Hold in the mouse button and drag to it to a higher position on the screen and then release the mouse at the desired location.

[3.5] How do I register the software?

Registering OLAP Browser 3.0 is easily done right from the application.

Method 1 (If you have a local internet connection)
1. Click on "Help" in the main menu
2. Click "Register Application"
3. Enter your "Company Name" into the provided area
4. Click "Request Registration Code" button
5. Send the e-mail that has been auto-generated for you (You will receive a response shortly after with your registration code)
6. The Registration email you receive will contain your Company Name, which will most likely be modified for security, and your Registration Code. Enter these values, exactly as indicated, and then hit the "Register" button. This will permanently license the application.

Method 2 (If you do not have a local internet connection)
1. Click on "Help" in the main menu
2. Click "Register Application"
3. Write down your Machine Code
4. When you get a chance, compose an e-mail message with your Machine Code and your Company Name
5. Send the e-mail to sales@iqub.com (You will receive a response shortly with your registration code)
6. The Registration email you receive will contain your Company Name, which will most likely be modified for security, and your Registration Code. Enter these values, exactly as indicated, and then hit the "Register" button. This will permanently license the application.

If you have any further questions or encounter any problems during this registration process, please consult your Software Provider.