Together with the unique SQL access to the same multidimensional data & calculations in Oracle Database OLAP cubes (meaning that *any* tool or application capable of connecting to Oracle and issuing simple SQL can leverage the power of Database OLAP - like Oracle Application Express for example), plus the existing support for Oracle's own BI tools including
- Oracle BIEE 10g and 11g (see http://oracleolap.blogspot.com/2010/07/first-look-at-obiee-11g-with-oracle.html ) and
- Oracle BI Discoverer Plus OLAP (see http://oracleolap.blogspot.com/2010/08/discoverer-olap-is-certified-with-olap.html ),
together with the big functionality and performance improvements in 11g , there is now every reason to move to Oracle Database 11gR2 and to fully exploit the OLAP Option - whatever your choice of front end tool(s).
For Cognos fans: Here is the Video on YouTube:
More information, see the Simba website : http://www.simba.com/MDX-Provider-for-Oracle-OLAP.htm