Definition

in-memory database

Part of the Database glossary:

An in-memory database (IMDB, also known as a main memory database or MMDB) is a database whose data is stored in main memory to facilitate faster response times. Source data is loaded into system memory in a compressed, non-relational format. In-memory databases streamline the work involved in processing queries

Next Steps

  • More resources

    (SearchBusinessIntelligence.in)
  • Exadata

    Exadata (also called Oracle Exadata Database Ma...

    (SearchOracle.com)

An IMDB is one type of analytic database, which is a read-only system that stores historical data on metrics for business intelligence/business analytics (BI/BA) applications, typically as part of a data warehouse or data mart. These systems allow users to run queries and reports on the information contained, which is regularly updated  to incorporate recent transaction data from an organization’s operational systems.

In addition to providing extremely fast query response times, in-memory analytics can reduce or eliminate the need for data indexing and storing pre-aggregated data in OLAP cubes or aggregate tables.  This capacity reduces IT costs and allows faster implementation of BI/BA applications.

Three developments in recent years have made in-memory analytics increasingly feasible: 64-bit computing, multi-core servers and lower RAM prices. 

 

See also: big data analytics, association rules (in data mining), ad hoc analysis, unstructured data, data scientist, noisy data, descriptive modeling, opinion mining -sentiment mining, deep analytics

 

This was last updated in August 2012
Posted by: Margaret Rouse

Related Terms

Definitions

Glossaries

  • Database

    - Terms related to databases, including definitions about relational databases and words and phrases about database management.

  • Business intelligence - business analytics

    - Terms related to business intelligence, including definitions about business analytics and words and phrases about gathering, storing, analyzing and providing access to business data.

  • Data and data management

    - Terms related to data, including definitions about data warehousing and words and phrases about data management.

Ask a Question. Find an Answer.Powered by ITKnowledgeExchange.com

Ask An IT Question

Get answers from your peers on your most technical challenges

Ask Question

Tech TalkComment

Share
Comments

    Results

    Contribute to the conversation

    All fields are required. Comments will appear at the bottom of the article.