The next release of Analysis Services, coming in SQL Server Yukon, will combine the best aspects of traditional OLAP-based analysis and relational reporting into one dimensional model—the Unified Dimensional Model (UDM)—that covers both sets of needs. Compared to direct access of a relational database, OLAP technology provides many benefits to analytic users. OLAP's dimensional data model makes it easy to understand, navigate, and explore the data. And OLAP's precalculation of aggregat...