A Dimensional Model is a database structure that is optimized for online
queries and Data Warehousing tools. It is comprised of "fact" and
"dimension" tables.
A "fact" is a numeric value that a business wishes to count or sum.
A "dimension" is essentially an entry point for getting at the facts.
Dimensions are things of interest to the business.
Dimensional Models are designed for reading, summarizing and analyzing
numeric information,
whereas Relational Models are optimized for adding and maintaining data using
real-time operational systems.
A Dimensional Model
