Distinguish between DBMS and OLAP systems?

Answer 1

The issue is, what distinguishes relational database systems and multidimensional data base systems. It is certainly possible to have an OLAP DMBS, and indeed a number of them have been on the market in the past. The defining difference is how the data is stored. An OLAP system has specialized data structures for optimizing performance with multidimensional data. A relational system uses data tables and SQL to store data. An native OLAP system (a.k.a MOLAP) does not store the data in relational tables. ...At least not directly. For example Oracle embeds their MOLAP system into relational tables. That can make it confusion, but for simplicities sake, just consider, a conventional, relational DBMS stores data in tables and uses SQL, an OLAP system uses something else and a different language, depending on the vendor. Examples are store data in variables, use Oracle OLAP DML, store data in Microsoft Analysis Services, use MDX, Store data in Essbase, use MDX, etc. For detailed information on using a native OLAP system see "The Multidimensional Data Modeling Tool Kit" on Amazon.

Answer 2

DBMS (Database Management System) is software that manages and organizes data in a structured way for efficient storage and retrieval. OLAP (Online Analytical Processing) systems are used for complex data analysis and reporting by providing multidimensional views of data for decision-making purposes. DBMS focuses on data storage and retrieval, while OLAP focuses on data analysis and reporting.