Aggregate storage is the Essbase database storage model that supports large-scale, sparsely distributed data that is categorized into many, potentially large dimensions. Selected data values are aggregated and stored, typically with improvements in aggregation time. Aggregate storage is an alternative to block storage (dense-sparse configuration).
A sample application (ASOsamp), which is installed with Essbase, demonstrates aggregate storage functionality. For the sample application, a data source file (dataload.txt) and a rules file (dataload.rul) are installed in the database directory (ARBORPATH\app\ASOsamp\sample).
“Comparison of Aggregate and Block Storage” in the Oracle Essbase Database Administrator's Guide