They can be viewed in two dimensions rows and columns or width and height. OLAP is connected to data sources directly. As data changes a user can refresh the data and as a result the output will change due to the change in data input. OLAP and data mining are closely related. Data Mining relies on statistical correlations and neural networks.
Neural networks require a large amount of information.
Think of a black box with algorithm inputs performing correlations between the differing data inputs. With enough inputs the algorithms begin to learn and therefore, can make predictions. On-Line and Internet are not synonymous in this case. On-line just means you are sitting in front of a terminal. OLAP is not used in day to day decisions, but rather major business decisions.