SAP BW InfoCube is a type of InfoProvider on which queries can be defined or

executed. SAP BW InfoCubes can physically store the data in real database tables or
they can just virtually collect the data without storing it permanently.

SAP BW InfoCubes consist of a set of relational tables that are joined logically to
form the extended star schema. Basically, multiple dimension tables are joined
through a fact table.

SAP BW InfoCubes have three SAP predefined dimensions. They are P (Data Package
Dimension), T (Time Dimension), and U (Unit Dimension). SAP BW InfoCube should have
a minimum of 4 dimensions (this includes the three predefined dimensions).
Similarly, SAP BW InfoCube can have a maximum of 16 dimensions, which means we can
define 13 dimensions in addition to the three predefined dimensions. Each dimension
can have up to 248 characteristics.

SAP also delivers InfoCubes through the BW Content. They start with a number
usually 0. SAP BW InfoCubes that you define should start with a letter (A to Z). It
should also have a minimum of three characters and a maximum of nine characters.

In SAP BW, we have three types of InfoCubes. They are given below:

Standard SAP BW InfoCube

Real-time SAP BW InfoCube
Virtual SAP BW InfoCube
A brief overview of each of these types of InfoCubes is given below.

Standard SAP BW InfoCube

In a Standard InfoCube, data is physically stored. There would be one fact table
surrounded by multiple dimension tables.

Real-time SAP BW InfoCube

This type of InfoCube is primarily used to support parallel write access. They are
predominantly used for planning purposes. Unlike Standard InfoCubes which can just
load the data, Real-time InfoCubes can load the data as well as write the data into
the cube. So, it should be noted that planning is not allowed when you’re loading
data into the Real-time InfoCube. Similarly, while you write the data (while you do
the Planning), loading data into the Real-time InfoCube is not allowed.

Virtual SAP BW InfoCube

This type of InfoCube needs to be used when you don’t want to maintain the data
physically. The data just gets fetched from the source system directly when you run
the query. These types of InfoCubes are primarily used for performing data
reconciliation (to reconcile the BW data with the source system data). There are
various types of Virtual InfoProviders based on the data loading techniques. They
are given below: