Excel Blog - Introduction to the Data Model and Relationships in Excel 2013

Check the full post for an overview of new multi-source data model capabilities in Excel 2013

"I have highlighted a new option in the create PivotTable dialog which is to “Add this data to the Data Model”. So what is this Data Model I speak of?
“A Data Model is a new approach for integrating data from multiple tables, effectively building a relational data source inside the Excel workbook. Within Excel, Data Models are used transparently, providing data used in PivotTables, PivotCharts, and Power View reports“. Read more here…
In other words, the new Data Model allows for building a “model” where data from a lot of different sources can be combined by creating “relationships” between the data sources. For those of you with some database knowledge this is similar to creating joins between tables, except all the tables live in Excel."

Excel Blog - Introduction to the Data Model and Relationships in Excel 2013