What is online analytical processing (OLAP) primarily used for?

Online Analytical Processing (OLAP) is primarily used for analyzing large amounts of data from various perspectives, which is reflected in the correct answer. This approach enables users to perform multidimensional analysis of business data, providing the ability to view and analyze data across multiple dimensions.

OLAP systems facilitate complex calculations, trending analysis, and sophisticated data modeling, which empower users to derive insights from data in a way that considers various facets such as time, geography, and product lines. The ability to slice and dice data, drill down into details, and roll up summaries is essential for strategic decision-making and provides a comprehensive view of the organization's performance.

In contrast, restricting data analysis does not align with OLAP's purpose, which inherently encourages flexibility in querying and analyzing data. Detailed operational reporting is more characteristic of Online Transaction Processing (OLTP), focusing on routine transactions rather than complex analytical queries. Managing real-time transaction processing pertains to operational systems rather than the analytical capabilities that OLAP offers. Therefore, option C accurately captures the essence of OLAP's functionality in the realm of data analysis.