About PerformancePoint Expression Language

  • Article

PerformancePoint Expression Language (PEL) is a unique language that is designed to create business rules and work with multidimensional information in Planning Server.

PEL is similar to Multidimensional Expressions (MDX) language in many ways. PEL provides a rich and powerful syntax for retrieving and manipulating multidimensional data, such as the data that is stored in cubes on the computer that is running Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Analysis Services.

PEL provides offers the following significant advantages:

  • The PEL compiler can generate Structured Query Language (SQL) or MDX. In fact, from the same PEL source, you generate both and then compare the results.

  • Input data can reside in Online Analytical Processing (OLAP) cubes or in relational databases.

  • Rule calculations can be performed in the cube by using MDX, in a relational database by using SQL, or in main memory by using one of the Planning Business Modeler specialized components.

  • Results of calculations can be returned without storage, written to fact tables in the relational database, or written to cells in the model.

In This Section

  • PEL basics
    Gives a basic overview of the construction of a simple PerformancePoint Expression Language business rule.

Related Sections

  • PEL syntax elements
    Describes the fundamental elements that make up PerformancePoint Expression Language.
  • PEL reference
    Provides detailed reference information about PEL statements, operators, and functions.