Arbor Software Announces Essbase Version 3.2; New OLAP Server Tightens Integration With Data Warehousing Solutions and Provides First Time Platform Support for UNIX

Business Wire, April 24, 1995

SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 24, 1995--Arbor Software Corporation, the fastest growing provider of multidimensional database software for complex business planning and analysis applications, today announced Essbase(R) Analysis Server Version 3.2.

The new version facilitates the deployment of enterprise data warehousing solutions by tightly linking the on-line analytical processing (OLAP) applications running in Essbase with the detailed data stored in relational database systems. Additionally, Essbase 3.2 has been ported to the UNIX platform and simultaneously internationalized for the French and German markets.

"Multidimensional databases are the analytical component of the complete data warehousing solution. By tightly linking Essbase with relational database systems, users are able to take advantage of the unique benefits provided by both systems," said James Dorrian, CEO and president of Arbor Software. "Our experience with over 400 customers has validated the strategic importance of multidimensional database technology. Tightly integrating Essbase with relational database systems increases the value of an enterprise data warehouse."

Data Warehousing Integration for Essbase Version 3.2

Tighter integration between Essbase and RDBMS systems for data warehousing solutions is achieved through the addition of two new features in this release of Essbase, Outline Mapping APIs and SQL Drill-Through Module.

Outline Mapping APIs: The Outline Mapping APIs enable corporate IS departments and system integrators to build custom applications that tightly map the data from the relational systems directly into the analytical data structure used in Essbase. The result is a streamlined, timely linkage between the two systems as well as faster creation of analytical models and easier application maintenance. This capability is delivered through 50 new APIs that provide comprehensive capabilities for application developers to create, manipulate and maintain Essbase database structures.

SQL Drill-Through Module: The SQL Drill-Through Module combines the operational benefits of both multidimensional and relational databases into a single, transparent user interface. With SQL Drill-Through on Essbase 3.2, users can now view summary data within Essbase, and then seamlessly access the associated detail-level data residing in the relational database. Essbase automatically generates the necessary SQL statement by mapping the dimensional attributes of an Essbase database to the fields of a relational table. The user simply highlights a data cell within Essbase and then selects the drill-through menu item. Essbase dynamically creates the query, submits it to the relational system and delivers the detailed data to the user.

Extended Platforms and Tools Support

Beginning with the release of version 3.2, Arbor will support the UNIX operating system. The first UNIX platform supported will be HP-UX, followed by AIX and Solaris. All three UNIX platforms will be available before October, 1995. These UNIX platforms will be added to the current Windows NT and OS/2 platforms giving Essbase customers a broad choice in server operating systems and hardware platforms.

In addition to the server platform, Arbor has increased the number of client platforms supported by the Essbase Application Programming Interface (API). Version 3.2 provides support for Windows, Macintosh, OS/2 and UNIX clients further cementing Arbor's position as the leader in open, cross-platform access for multidimensional databases.

To facilitate the development of custom OLAP applications, Version 3.2 of Essbase also includes enhancements to the Essbase Extended Spreadsheet Toolkit. Added to the toolkit are 25 VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) functions that provide capabilities critical to OLAP applications such as "zoom-in", "calculate", and "pivot."

Multilingual Server

In keeping with its commitment to serve the business analysis needs of corporations worldwide, Essbase Version 3.2 can operate as a multilingual server. This means that customers using different language versions of the Essbase client software can share the same server and receive server messages in the language of their local client. To support the multilingual server, Arbor will now offer versions of the Essbase client software in French and German.

"The extended platform and international support provided by Essbase Version 3.2 is a real advantage to a global company like Comshare," said T. Wallace Wrathall, president and CEO of Comshare. "These extended capabilities when combined with our Decision Support Applications enable us to deliver OLAP-based solutions on an international scale."

Pricing and Availability

Essbase Version 3.2 running on HP-UX, OS/2 and Windows NT operating systems will begin shipping late May, 1995. Pricing starts at $43,250 for a multi-seat, five concurrent user license. The SQL Drill-Through Module is a separately priced option at $750 for five users, and will be available in late June, 1995.