Arbor Ships First Microsoft Office Compatible OLAP Server New Release of Essbase Expands Open Architecture With ODBC

Business Wire, Dec 5, 1994

SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 5, 1994--Arbor Software Corporation, the leading provider of On-Line Analytical Processing (OLAP) database products, today introduced the first Microsoft Office compatible OLAP server: Essbase Analysis Server 3.1.

In addition to incorporating the look and feel of the Microsoft Office suite, the new release provides easy access to multiple SQL relational databases, including Oracle, Sybase, and Microsoft's SQL Server through the integration of Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) technology. Essbase 3.1 also features powerful enhancements that enable users to automate multiple analytical processes directly from their desktops.

With Arbor's Essbase Analysis Server, users can combine and simultaneously share diverse, enterprise-wide data and rapidly analyze it from any perspective and at any level of detail directly from a spreadsheet or custom application. Essbase is commonly used by managers and analysts who need multi-user access to consolidated enterprise information, immediate response regardless of query complexity, ease-of-use through popular spreadsheets as front-ends, and powerful multidimensional analysis of enterprise performance data.

"An open server architecture is essential to serving customer needs and supporting our growing base of alliance partners," said James Dorrian, Arbor president and chief executive officer. "By connecting to the leading SQL databases on the back-end, and using off-the-shelf spreadsheet programs as the client interface on the front-end, customers can take advantage of the analytical power of Essbase without learning new skills or buying proprietary tools."

Essbase 3.1 now supports the Windows NT 3.5 operating system in addition to Windows NT 3.1 and OS/2 2.1. It also includes a server-based audit trail for data entries made from any Essbase Spreadsheet client -- either Microsoft Excel or Lotus 1-2-3 -- and the ability to create dynamic data server snapshots for direct input into Excel pivot tables.

Microsoft Office Compatible Certification

With Essbase 3.1, Arbor has enhanced its Microsoft Excel spreadsheet client add-in software to be compatible with Microsoft Office. The Microsoft Office Compatible Program recognizes Windows products that achieve a user look and feel consistent with the Microsoft Office suite. Certification in the program requires passing a battery of interface tests conducted by an approved, independent test facility.

"Arbor's philosophy is to deliver effortless analysis of enterprise data," said Kirk Cruikshank, Arbor vice president of marketing. "Achieving office compatible certification ensures that business analysts can seamlessly combine the familiarity of the Microsoft Office suite with the analytical power and data capacity of Essbase."

More Connectivity

By integrating ODBC technology in Essbase 3.1, Arbor has simplified the direct connectivity between Essbase and the leading SQL databases. Direct access to data stored in OLTP and data warehouse systems combined with Essbase's dynamic structure building and rules object technology means that customers can effortlessly build and update analytical models.

Pricing and Availability

Essbase Analysis Server 3.1 is now available for Windows, DOS and Macintosh clients and Windows NT and OS/2 servers. Pricing for Essbase 3.1 starts at $43,250 for a five-port server and unlimited copies of the Microsoft Excel or Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet client add-in software.

About Arbor Software

Arbor Software Corporation develops and markets On-Line Analytical Processing (OLAP) database products for mission-critical analysis of current and projected enterprise performance data.

The company's flagship product, Essbase Analysis Server, is used by more than 200 corporations spanning a broad range of industries and business analysis applications. Customers include Bank of America, Chemical Bank, Emery, Fidelity, Los Angeles Times, Neutrogena, Pennzoil, PEPSICO, and Prudential.

Arbor's products are sold direct, as well as through systems integrators and VARs worldwide. Sales offices are located in Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, Sunnyvale, and London.

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Note to Editors: Essbase is a registered trademark of Arbor Software Corporation. All other product names are trademarks of their respective companies.

CONTACT: Arbor Software

             Amy Bauer, 408/727-5800
             GCI Jennings
             Julia Scarisbrick, 415/974-6200