What is "molap"

MOLAP (multidimensional online analytical processing) is an alternative to the ROLAP (relational OLAP) technology. While both ROLAP and MOLAP analytic tools are designed to allow analysis of data through the use of a multidimensional data model, MOLAP differs significantly in that (in some software) it requires the pre-computation and storage of information in the cube—the operation known as processing. Most MOLAP solutions store these data in an optimized multidimensional array storage, rather than in a relational database (i.e. in ROLAP).

There are many methodologies and algorithms for efficient data storage, aggregation and implementation specific business logic with a MOLAP Solution. As a result, there are many misconceptions to what the term specifically implies.