ADO MD Fundamentals

Microsoft ActiveX Data Objects (Multidimensional) (ADO MD) provides easy access to multidimensional data from languages such as Visual Basic, Visual C++. ADO MD extends Microsoft ActiveX Data Objects (ADO) to include objects specific to multidimensional data, such as the CubeDef and Cellset objects. With ADO MD you can browse multidimensional schema, query a cube, and retrieve the results.

Like ADO, ADO MD uses an underlying OLE DB provider to gain access to data. To work with ADO MD, the provider must be a multidimensional data provider (MDP) as defined by the OLE DB for OLAP specification. An MDP presents data in multidimensional views instead of tabular views, which is how a tabular data provider (TDP) presents data. Refer to the documentation for your OLAP OLE DB provider for more information about the specific syntax and behavior supported by your provider.

This document assumes a working knowledge of the Visual Basic programming language and a general knowledge of ADO and OLAP. For more information, see the ADO Programmer's Guide and OLE DB for Online Analytical Processing (OLAP).

This section contains the following topics.

• Overview of Multidimensional Schemas and Data

• Working with Multidimensional Data

• Using ADO with ADO MD

• Programming with ADO MD

See Also

ADO MD Object Model
ADO Programmer's Guide
ADO Extensions for Data Definition Language and Security (ADOX)
Overview of Multidimensional Schemas and Data
Programming with ADO MD
Using ADO with ADO MD
Working with Multidimensional Data