ESTIMATING STORAGE REQUIREMENTS FOR A MULTI-DIMENSIONAL CLUSTERING DATA CONFIGURATION

A method for estimating storage requirements for a multi-dimensional clustering data configuration. The storage required for the proposed multidimensional clustering data is estimated by modeling wasted space. The amount of wasted space may be modele d by calculating the cardinality of the unique value of the clustering key for th e proposed configuration. Cardinality may be determined by estimation techniques. Specific values for wasted space and total space may be determined in response to the determined cardinality. Comparison of estimates for different proposed clustering configurations may facilitate a selection among the proposals.