1. A method for performing an operation based on multidimensional data in a relational database, wherein the multidimensional data that is stored in the relational database includes a plurality of dimensions and at least one dimension of the plurality of dimensions includes a hierarchy having two or more levels of granularity, the method comprising the computer-implemented steps of: submitting a first query to a relational database engine to cause a cube to be generated, wherein: the first query includes instructions to select a portion of said multidimensional data for inclusion in the cube, the first query includes instructions to cause said cube to contain multidimensional data aggregated at each of said two or more levels of granularity of said at least one dimension, and the first query includes instructions to generate a materialized view; receiving a request for the operation; and based on the request, submitting a second query to the relational database engine for execution against the cube, thereby causing the operation to be performed.