About XLTable¶
Excel meets Big Data.
XLTable is an OLAP server that allows you to connect Excel Pivot Tables directly to modern analytical databases without exporting data to files or using traditional BI tools.
XLTable acts as a semantic and security layer between Excel and databases, providing centralized control over data models, access rights and performance.
It is designed for organizations that want to keep Excel as the main analytics tool while working with large datasets stored in modern data platforms.
What is XLTable¶
XLTable enables business users to analyze large datasets using familiar Excel Pivot Tables, while IT teams define and manage analytical models centrally.
Unlike classic BI tools, XLTable does not replace Excel. Instead, it extends Excel with enterprise-grade OLAP capabilities:
Dimensions, measures and hierarchies
Calculated fields and reusable metrics
Fine-grained access control
Query result caching
Integration with Active Directory
XLTable is typically used by finance teams, analysts, controllers and managers who require both flexibility and governance.
How it works (Architecture)¶
XLTable is positioned between Excel and analytical databases and serves as an OLAP and semantic layer.
Excel connects to XLTable using the standard XMLA protocol. XLTable receives MDX queries from Pivot Tables and translates them into optimized SQL queries executed directly in the database.
Architecture flow¶
Excel sends analytical requests (MDX)
XLTable applies semantic model and security rules
SQL queries are generated and executed in the database
Results are cached and returned to Excel
This approach ensures that: - All heavy computations stay inside the database - Excel remains fast and responsive - Business logic is defined once and reused consistently
Comparison with SSAS¶
The table below lists the main features of Microsoft SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) and indicates which of them are available in XLTable.
Feature |
SSAS |
XLTable |
|---|---|---|
Data Modeling |
||
Multidimensional cubes (dimensions, measures, hierarchies) |
✓ |
✓ |
Tabular models (in-memory columnar) |
✓ |
|
Calculated members and calculated measures |
✓ |
✓ |
Named sets |
✓ |
|
KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) |
✓ |
|
Perspectives (virtual cube subsets) |
✓ |
|
Translations (multilingual metadata) |
✓ |
✓ |
Query Languages |
||
MDX (Multidimensional Expressions) |
✓ |
✓ |
DAX (Data Analysis Expressions) |
✓ |
|
XMLA protocol |
✓ |
✓ |
Performance & Storage |
||
In-memory (VertiPaq) caching |
✓ |
✓ |
Partitions |
✓ |
✓ |
Pre-computed aggregations |
✓ |
|
Proactive caching |
✓ |
✓ |
DirectQuery (pass-through to source database) |
✓ |
|
Security |
||
Role-based access control |
✓ |
✓ |
Row-level / cell-level security |
✓ |
✓ |
Dimension security |
✓ |
✓ |
Active Directory / LDAP integration |
✓ |
✓ |
Client Integration |
||
Excel PivotTable connectivity |
✓ |
✓ |
Power BI connectivity |
✓ |
|
Management tools (SSMS) |
✓ |
✓ |
Drillthrough (cell to detail rows) |
✓ |
✓ |
Administration |
||
Full data processing (ETL-like refresh) |
✓ |
✓ |
Incremental processing |
✓ |
✓ |
Admin / monitoring interface |
✓ |
✓ |
Deployment steps¶
A typical XLTable deployment consists of several simple stages. Most installations can be completed in less than one hour.
1. Prepare infrastructure¶
Prepare a Linux or Windows server according to system requirements. XLTable can be deployed on-premise or in the cloud.
2. Install XLTable¶
Install XLTable service and configure basic system settings.
3. Configure database connections¶
Define connections to analytical databases such as ClickHouse, Trino or Greenplum. Connection settings are stored centrally.
4. Define OLAP cubes¶
Create OLAP cube definitions using SQL-based configuration files. Define dimensions, measures, calculated fields and access rules.
5. Connect Excel¶
Connect Excel Pivot Tables to XLTable using XMLA and start analyzing data immediately.
System requirements¶
XLTable is designed for enterprise environments and supports both physical and virtual deployments.
Operating systems¶
Linux (Ubuntu 22.04+ recommended)
Windows Server 2019+
Hardware requirements¶
Minimum: - 4 CPU cores - 16 GB RAM - 50 GB disk space
Recommended: - 8+ CPU cores - 32 GB RAM - SSD storage
Network requirements¶
Stable network connection between XLTable server and analytical databases
Network access for Excel clients to XLTable server by 80 or 443 ports
Access to Active Directory (optional)
System requirements may vary depending on data volume, number of users and complexity of OLAP models.
Testing and purchasing¶
For testing and purchasing, contact us by email help@xltable.com or Telegram https://t.me/XLTable