Abstract: Disclosed is a system, method, and apparatus for calculating metrics by using hierarchical level metadata to describe the various structures within the database. The hierarchical level metadata permit calculation of complex metrics by an analytical server which would otherwise be difficult or impossible. As a result of the way that the analytical server calculates the metrics, slicing and drilling are supported. Additionally, dimension and fact level security are also supported.

Abstract: A computer system configured to run predefined jobs to process data. The jobs can perform tasks such as retrieving data from a back-end database, preparing report based upon retrieved data or notifying user when a particular condition occurs. The computer system presents data to user in an object called a portal page. The portal page is an object arranged in a format that is readable by a browser. The portal page is a highly configurable document that may be comprised of a plurality of modules called portal objects. Each portal object may contain a set of links corresponding to output reports, jobs, or other objects stored within a repository. One feature of the portal page is dynamically updated portal object. A dynamically updated portal object is an object that is updated on the user's portal page upon data stored in the portal system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to computer software for initiating actions in response to user input, e.g., on an Internet web page. More particularly, the invention provides an improved event model comprising software components (designated “Fidgets” herein) which use fixed-format text strings to express event actions in a content delivery subsystem. In particular, the present invention provides a method for setting the event target property for a user event without the need to recompile software.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system, method, and apparatus for calculating metrics by using hierarchical level metadata to describe the various structures within the database. The hierarchical level metadata permit calculation of complex metrics by an analytical server which would otherwise be difficult or impossible. As a result of the way that the analytical server calculates the metrics, slicing and drilling are supported. Additionally, dimension and fact level security are also supported.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system, method, and apparatus for calculating metrics by using hierarchical level metadata to describe the various structures within the database. The hierarchical level metadata permit calculation of complex metrics by an analytical server which would otherwise be difficult or impossible. As a result of the way that the analytical server calculates the metrics, slicing and drilling are supported. Additionally, dimension and fact level security are also supported.

Abstract: Improved techniques for generating multidimensional output using a relational source database are disclosed. The techniques allow generation of instructions needed to access the source database in order to produce multidimensional output. The instructions do not need to be stored and can be generated dynamically. As a result, relational databases can be accessed without requiring additional programming and/or changes to the relational database. The source database can be a relational database that is accessed by a variety of conceptual accessing techniques (e.g., SQL). A Meta-data manager can be used to access the source database, as well as interact with a Meta-data modeler and a Meta-data outliner. The Meta-data modeler can be used to define a Meta-model. The Meta-data outliner can be used to create one or more Meta-outlines.

Abstract: A database manager and a corresponding method for having a database manager extract information from a relational database having, e.g., a star configuration (i.e. having a hub table and related so-called dimension tables) in response to what is called a joining query (one that would require that dimension tables be joined to the hub table), and, in addition, a query according to the invention. The method includes the steps of: having the database manager provide an alias table for a field from at least one dimension table that would be joined to the hub table according to the joining query, the alias table including each value of the field occurring in the dimension table (the aliased field) and also including an alias for each value of the aliased field; and having the database manager transform the joining query into a reduced query in which the aliased field is replaced by the alias.

Abstract: This invention relates to storing and retrieving data from multidimensional databases. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, methods for producing multidimensional output suitable for presenting several aspects of a problem, are disclosed. The multidimensional output can be generated more quickly and efficiently without requiring normalization of data prior to creation of multidimensional output.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for managing accounting information of entities having different fiscal calendars. A memory stores accounting data for at least two entities, each of the entities maintaining the accounting data according to a different fiscal calendar. A user interface enables a user to request consolidated accounting information for the entities. Accounting data and/or calendar information of the entities is mapped to a base calendar maintained in the computer system. A processor is provided for accessing the accounting data according to the base calendar instead of the entity calendars to recover, for a specified time period, accounting information responsive to a user request entered via the user interface. The processor consolidates the accounting information for the different entities according to said base calendar.

Abstract: Retrieving multidimensional data from a data source and displaying the data in a familiar and pre-existing user interface automatically propagates user-created formulas thereby eliminating the need for users to re-enter formulas. A data representation of the multidimensional data is sent to a query processor which creates row and column structures. These structures are manipulated based on a user action, such as zoom-in, and a multidimensional data output tree showing a hierarchy of the multidimensional data. Also created is a blueprint containing instructions on insertions and deletions to be carried out by the program associated with the pre-existing user interface, such as a spreadsheet program. Once the blueprint is interpreted by the program, typically through a data representation manipulator or common spreadsheet layer, the user interface is configured to accommodate the returned multidimensional data.