[egeria_planning]

I don't think a multidimensional spreadsheet (like Lotus Improv) makes sense for a single user. Multidimensionality introduces a lot of complexity and it is only justified by very complex models. Apart from some special cases this complexity is only there when at least 5-10 people are entering the data. Web application is much easier to rollout in a corporate environment. And I don't see any drawbacks. I don't have MS Office for example and use only Google Sheet for a long time already.

[qubex]

As a single power user of such software, I assure you that multidimensionality is a characteristic of the data and not a feature that’s convenient only once one has multiple users.

The classic product/channel/geography relationship is one of those. There’s a myriad others.

Besides, Improv had many other positive features beyond multidimensionality (including the separation between data and formula).

[korijn]

It's usually a company-specific interpretation of software validation requirements (imposed by regulators) that software cannot be changed (ie updated) outside of the company's control. Web apps are fine as long as the company can host and perform upgrades/maintenance themselves.

[qubex]

Uhm, no. I assure you the powers-that-be in my firm would totally lose their marbles if highly reserved data were crossing out into some web-app hosted who-knows-where and viewable by who-knows-who.