DIFFERENCE between Dimensional Modeling and Cube ?

[cube99]

Isnt cube part of Dimensional Modeling (Facts and Dimensions) ?

[ngalemmo]

Dimensional modeling concepts are applicable wither implementing the model in a cube or a relational database. The only differences are in physical implementation.

There are limitations in a cube (multidimensional database, or MDDB) that are not an issue in a relational implementation. Cubes tend to be more focused and at a higher level of detail. Also some MDDB implementations do not allow queries against more than one cube. As such, cubes are not suitable for an integrated enterprise repository and are typically used to address departmental analytics and are usually sourced from a relational based enterprise dimensional warehouse.

[Jeff Smith]

Isn't the traditional role of a cube to be used in analysis where as reports usually come from databases? I'm simplifying because a person can create a report from a cube and perform analysis using a relational database, but the performance of a cube is usually better than the database and creating complex reports is easier from a relational database.

Also, most cubes can't handle a lot of detail so even when using a cube for analysis there may be a need to drill back into the detailed data of the relational database.