MDC File – What is .mdc file and how to open it?

MDC File Definition

A Multi Dimension Cube (MDC) file is a proprietary data format developed by Cognos, a software company specializing in business intelligence and data visualization. MDC files store multidimensional data cubes, which are essential for creating reports, dashboards, and other analytical applications. These cubes organize data in a hierarchical structure, allowing for efficient analysis and exploration of data from multiple perspectives.

MDC files contain both the cube’s structure, including dimensions, hierarchies, and measures, as well as the actual data values. The dimensions define the different categories or classifications of data, while the hierarchies organize the dimensions into logical groupings. The measures represent the numerical values that are analyzed and summarized. MDC files leverage this structured format to support complex data analysis operations, enabling users to drill down, slice and dice data, and perform calculations to extract meaningful insights.

Opening MDC Files Using Cognos Software:

MDC (Multi Dimension Cube) files are primarily used by Cognos, a business intelligence and data analytics software suite. To open an MDC file, you will need to have the appropriate Cognos software installed on your computer. Once installed, follow these steps:

1. Launch the Cognos application (e.g., Cognos Analytics, Cognos PowerPlay).
2. In the File menu, select Open.
3. Navigate to the location where the MDC file is saved.
4. Select the MDC file and click Open.

Cognos will now open the MDC file and display its contents. You can explore the data within the cube, create reports, and perform analysis using the built-in tools.

Opening MDC Files Using Third-Party Tools:

In addition to Cognos software, there are several third-party tools that can open and work with MDC files. These tools typically provide a range of features for data analysis and visualization. Some popular third-party MDC file viewers include:

• Dundas Data Visualizer: A data visualization tool that can import and display MDC files.
• MicroStrategy Desktop: A business intelligence software suite that includes support for MDC files.
• QlikView: A data visualization and analysis tool that can load and manipulate MDC files.

When using third-party tools, you may need to install additional plugins or converters to ensure compatibility with MDC files. Refer to the documentation for the specific tool for detailed instructions on how to open and work with MDC files.

MDC File Format

Developed by Cognos, the MDC (Multi Dimension Cube File) format is a proprietary data storage format used for storing multidimensional cubes. These cubes are designed for efficient storage and retrieval of multidimensional data, such as financial, sales, or marketing data. MDC files typically contain a hierarchical structure of dimensions and measures, allowing users to analyze data from various perspectives. The data within an MDC file is organized in a way that facilitates fast and efficient queries, making it suitable for business intelligence and data analysis applications.

Additional Features of MDC Files

Beyond its hierarchical storage structure, MDC files offer several additional features. They support data compression, reducing file size without compromising data integrity. Additionally, MDC files can handle sparse data efficiently, where many data cells may be empty or contain null values. This efficient handling of sparse data ensures optimized storage and performance. MDC files also support security features, allowing administrators to control access to specific data elements or dimensions within the cube. These features make MDC files a valuable tool for storing and analyzing large and complex multidimensional data, enabling businesses to gain insights and make informed decisions.

Other Extensions