Data warehousing has quickly evolved into a unique and popular business application class.
Early builders of data warehouses already consider their systems to be key components of their
IT strategy and architecture. Numerous examples can be cited of highly successful data
warehouses developed and deployed for businesses of all sizes and all types. Hardware and
software vendors have quickly developed products and services that specifically target the data
warehousing market. This paper will introduce key concepts surrounding the data warehousing
systems.
What is a data warehouse? A simple answer could be that a data warehouse is managed data
situated after and outside the operational systems. A complete definition requires discussion of
many key attributes of a data warehouse system. Later in Section 2, we will identify these key
attributes and discuss the definition they provide for a data warehouse. Section 3 briefly reviews
the activity against a data warehouse system. Initially in Section 1, however, we will take a brief
tour of the traditions of managing data after it passes through the operational systems and the
types of analysis generated from this historical data.
Evolution of an application class
This section reviews the historical management of the analysis data and the factors that have led
to the evolution of the data warehousing application class.
Traditional approaches to historical data
In reviewing the development of data warehousing, we need to begin with a review of what had
been done with the data before of evolution of data warehouses. Let us first look at how the kind
of data that ends up in today\'s data warehouses had been managed historically.
Throughout the history of systems development, the primary emphasis had been given to the
operational systems and the data they process. It is not practical to keep data in the operational
systems indefinitely; and only as an afterthought was a structure designed for archiving the data
that the operational system has processed. The fundamental requirements of the operational and
analysis systems are different: the operational systems need performance, whereas the analysis
systems need flexibility and broad scope. It has rarely been acceptable to have business analysis
interfere with and degrade performance of the operational systems.
Data from legacy systems
In the 1970s virtually all business system development was done on the IBM mainframe
computers using tools such as Cobol, CICS, IMS, DB2, etc. The 1980s brought in the new mini-
computer platforms such as AS/400 and VAX/VMS. The late eighties and early nineties made
UNIX a popular server platform with the introduction of client/server architecture.
Despite all the changes in the platforms, architectures, tools, and technologies, a remarkably
large number of business applications continue to run in the mainframe environment of the
1970s. By some estimates, more than 70 percent of business data for large corporations still
resi.
Guest Speaker in the 2nd National level webinar titled "Big Data Driven Solutions to Combat Covid 19" on 4th July 2020, Ethiraj College for Women(Auto), Chennai.
This document is about Data Warehouse Tools such as:
OLAP (On – line Analytical Processing)
OLTP (On – Line Transaction Processing)
Business Intelligence
Driving Force
Data Mart
Meta Data
● Why Databases?
● Why Database Design is Important?
● The Database System Environment and Functions.
● Managing the Database System: A Shift in Focus.
Enterprise Storage Solutions for Overcoming Big Data and Analytics ChallengesINFINIDAT
Big Data and analytics workloads represent a new frontier for organizations. Data is being collected from sources that did not exist 10 years ago. Mobile phone data, machine-generated data, and website interaction data are all being collected and analyzed. In addition, as IT budgets are already being pressured down, Big Data footprints are getting larger and posing a huge storage challenge.
This paper provides information on the issues that Big Data applications pose for storage systems and how choosing the correct storage infrastructure can streamline and consolidate Big Data and analytics applications without breaking the bank.
InfiniBox bridges the gap between high performance and high capacity for Big Data applications. InfiniBox allows an organization implementing Big Data and Analytics projects to truly attain its business goals: cost reduction, continual and deep capacity scaling, and simple and effective management — and without any compromises in performance or reliability. All of this to effectively and efficiently support Big Data applications at a disruptive price point.
Learn more at www.infinidat.com.
The universality of the genetic code provides strong support for the.pdfapleather
The universality of the genetic code provides strong support for theory of evolution since it
indicates that all living organisms are descended from common origin. If that were not so
different genetic codes most likely have evolved.
Solution
The universality of the genetic code provides strong support for theory of evolution since it
indicates that all living organisms are descended from common origin. If that were not so
different genetic codes most likely have evolved..
More Related Content
Similar to Data warehousing has quickly evolved into a unique and popular busin.pdf
Guest Speaker in the 2nd National level webinar titled "Big Data Driven Solutions to Combat Covid 19" on 4th July 2020, Ethiraj College for Women(Auto), Chennai.
This document is about Data Warehouse Tools such as:
OLAP (On – line Analytical Processing)
OLTP (On – Line Transaction Processing)
Business Intelligence
Driving Force
Data Mart
Meta Data
● Why Databases?
● Why Database Design is Important?
● The Database System Environment and Functions.
● Managing the Database System: A Shift in Focus.
Enterprise Storage Solutions for Overcoming Big Data and Analytics ChallengesINFINIDAT
Big Data and analytics workloads represent a new frontier for organizations. Data is being collected from sources that did not exist 10 years ago. Mobile phone data, machine-generated data, and website interaction data are all being collected and analyzed. In addition, as IT budgets are already being pressured down, Big Data footprints are getting larger and posing a huge storage challenge.
This paper provides information on the issues that Big Data applications pose for storage systems and how choosing the correct storage infrastructure can streamline and consolidate Big Data and analytics applications without breaking the bank.
InfiniBox bridges the gap between high performance and high capacity for Big Data applications. InfiniBox allows an organization implementing Big Data and Analytics projects to truly attain its business goals: cost reduction, continual and deep capacity scaling, and simple and effective management — and without any compromises in performance or reliability. All of this to effectively and efficiently support Big Data applications at a disruptive price point.
Learn more at www.infinidat.com.
The universality of the genetic code provides strong support for the.pdfapleather
The universality of the genetic code provides strong support for theory of evolution since it
indicates that all living organisms are descended from common origin. If that were not so
different genetic codes most likely have evolved.
Solution
The universality of the genetic code provides strong support for theory of evolution since it
indicates that all living organisms are descended from common origin. If that were not so
different genetic codes most likely have evolved..
The pus is consists of neutrophils which target the pathogen. The pa.pdfapleather
The pus is consists of neutrophils which target the pathogen. The pathogen there too try too
evade the action of neutrophils and secrete toxins that act on neutrophils and kills them. The
macrophages destroy the dead neutrophils which accumulates and form thick viscous pus.
Solution
The pus is consists of neutrophils which target the pathogen. The pathogen there too try too
evade the action of neutrophils and secrete toxins that act on neutrophils and kills them. The
macrophages destroy the dead neutrophils which accumulates and form thick viscous pus..
The least soluble gas is N2 because it is inert and cannot form any .pdfapleather
The least soluble gas is N2 because it is inert and cannot form any strong bonds with water.
The other compounds will react with water and dissolve:
CO2 + H2O => H2CO3
SO3 + H2O => H2SO4
NH3 + H2O => NH4+ + OH-
HCl + H2O => H3O+ + OH-
Solution
The least soluble gas is N2 because it is inert and cannot form any strong bonds with water.
The other compounds will react with water and dissolve:
CO2 + H2O => H2CO3
SO3 + H2O => H2SO4
NH3 + H2O => NH4+ + OH-
HCl + H2O => H3O+ + OH-.
The below stated are the Challenges and business requirements faced .pdfapleather
The below stated are the Challenges and business requirements faced by the hospital
Population health
Population health was one of the biggest ideas in healthcare this past year, and it will likely
maintain or gain momentum in the next few years to come. But despite the frequent use of the
term in the healthcare bubble, population health is a multidisciplinary concept to be shared
between public health agencies, social institutions and policymakers.
Hospitals fit in there somewhere. Defining that role is one of the ongoing challenges they will
face in 2015.
Hospitals\' demand for population health expertise overwhelms the supply. Nearly 60 percent of
health system and hospital CEOs ranked population health as the hardest skill set to find within
the broader healthcare field, according to a 2014 American Hospital Association survey. Further,
nearly half of executives polled identified community and population health management as a
talent gap within their organizations. Some health systems are filling this gap by creating new C-
suite positions: 10 percent of executives indicated their health system had a chief population
health manager.
Quantifying population health is another challenge. Although healthcare leaders need to think
creatively about how to improve the health of a geographic population, they should also maintain
a healthy sense of skepticism about population health efforts. What might seem like a much-
needed intervention on paper, such as a grocery store in a food desert, may be one small piece of
a multipronged solution. There are no silver bullets, after all. Amid excitement for population
health, systems may oversimplify problems and overinvest in solutions only to see the same
health outcomes.
To find success, hospital leaders may need to diminish their traditional reliance on \"programs\"
and instead focus more on partnerships with community organizations and nonprofits. Some
health systems still act as autonomously as they can, ignoring a wealth of expertise and
resources.
\"When we talk to other population health managers, they have unearthed a number of unique
challenges inside their populations, such as domestic violence, elder abuse and other public
health crises,\" says Jason Dinger, PhD, CEO of MissionPoint Health Partners in Nashville, the
accountable care organization affiliated with Saint Thomas Health. \"Unfortunately, most
respond by trying to implement their own unique program to respond to the issue. We usually
encourage them to first speak with the experts in their community who work on these issues
every day. In many cases these are nonprofit organizations that can add great value to the
population health effort but often have trouble engaging and integrating with a health system\'s
efforts.\"
Shifting from volume- to value-based reimbursement
The move from volume- to value-based reimbursement is inevitable. For now, it\'s a matter of
how quickly providers should make it.
Move too fast, and hospitals risk los.
Sometimes CEO can also hold the position of Chairperson, but in some.pdfapleather
Sometimes CEO can also hold the position of Chairperson, but in some instances chairperson is
different from CEO.
The board usually appoints a CEO of the organization, His role is usually very busy because of
numerous people who report to him or her. It is good to have a seperate Chairperson taking care
of regular communication with board members and organizing meetings than CEO himself
calling up for it.
The board members appoint CEO but does not necessarily mean they report to him. Some board
members are much more powerful than CEO himself. It would be wise to seperate CEO with
Chairperson.
Solution
Sometimes CEO can also hold the position of Chairperson, but in some instances chairperson is
different from CEO.
The board usually appoints a CEO of the organization, His role is usually very busy because of
numerous people who report to him or her. It is good to have a seperate Chairperson taking care
of regular communication with board members and organizing meetings than CEO himself
calling up for it.
The board members appoint CEO but does not necessarily mean they report to him. Some board
members are much more powerful than CEO himself. It would be wise to seperate CEO with
Chairperson..
SolutionInorder traversal It will consider left child root, and .pdfapleather
Solution
:
Inorder traversal: It will consider left child root, and right child.
Inorder Sequence: DHBEIAJFCGK
Explanation:
Root node is A.
left child of A is B.
It has children. So move B into stack.
stack |B|
Travel to the left child of B.It is D.
D has children. So move D into stack.
stack |D|B|
Travel to the left child of D. There is no left
child for D.
So traverse Back. pop the stack and print.
Sequence: D
stack |B|
move to the right child of D. It is H. it is a leaf.
So print it.
Sequence: DH
So traverse Back. pop the stack and print.
Sequence: DHB
stack empty
similarly process entire tree..
In a side the length of sides are same. use this property iterativel.pdfapleather
In a side the length of sides are same. use this property iteratively. its easy.
Solution
In a side the length of sides are same. use this property iteratively. its easy..
Long term capital = Common stock + shareholders equity + Retained ea.pdfapleather
Long term capital = Common stock + shareholders equity + Retained earnings
Common stock = 4.7
Shareholders equity = 14.0
Retained earnings = 10.5
Total = 29.2
Solution
Long term capital = Common stock + shareholders equity + Retained earnings
Common stock = 4.7
Shareholders equity = 14.0
Retained earnings = 10.5
Total = 29.2.
Limbs evolve so frequently that it is impossible to determine otherw.pdfapleather
Limbs evolve so frequently that it is impossible to determine otherwise if the limbs are
homologous.
Solution
Limbs evolve so frequently that it is impossible to determine otherwise if the limbs are
homologous..
Influenza A The recently raised awareness of th.pdfapleather
Influenza A: The recently raised awareness of the threat of a new influenza
pandemic has stimulated interest in the detection of influenza A viruses in human as well as
animal secretions. Virus isolation alone is unsatisfactory for this purpose because of its inherent
limited sensitivity and the lack of host cells that are universally permissive to all influenza A
viruses. Previously described PCR methods are more sensitive but are targeted predominantly at
virus strains currently circulating in humans, since the sequences of the primer sets display
considerable numbers of mismatches to the sequences of animal influenza A viruses. Therefore,
a new set of primers, based on highly conserved regions of the matrix gene, was designed for
single-tube reverse transcription-PCR for the detection of influenza A viruses from multiple
species. This PCR proved to be fully reactive with a panel of 25 genetically diverse virus isolates
that were obtained from birds, humans, pigs, horses, and seals and that included all known
subtypes of influenza A virus. It was not reactive with the 11 other RNA viruses tested.
Comparative tests with throat swab samples from humans and fecal and cloacal swab samples
from birds confirmed that the new PCR is faster and up to 100-fold more sensitive than classical
virus isolation procedures. Various Methods of Detection: Specimens. Cloacal swab specimens
were collected from ducks (widgeon [Mareca penelope], gadwall [Mareca strepera], and mallard
[Anas plathyrhynchos]) at a marshaling lake in Lekkerkerk, The Netherlands, and droppings as
well as cloacal swab specimens were collected from geese (greylag goose [Anser anser], white-
fronted goose [Anser albifrons albifrons], barnacle goose [Branta leucopsis], and brent goose
[Branta bernicla]) in Groningen and Eemdijk, The Netherlands, between 1997 and 1999. Cloacal
swab specimens and droppings were collected from shorebirds at Öland, Sweden, in the spring of
1999. Cotton swabs were used for sampling and were subsequently stored in transport medium.
Throat swab specimens collected from humans were also stored in transport medium. The
samples were stored at 4°C for a few days, at 20°C for less than a week, or at 70°C for extended
periods of time. Transport medium consisted of Hanks balanced salt solution supplemented with
10% glycerol, 200 U of penicillin per ml, 200 µg of streptomycin per ml, 100 U of polymyxin B
sulfate per ml, 250 µg of gentamicin per ml, and 50 U of nystatin per ml (all from ICN,
Zoetermeer, The Netherlands). RNA isolation. RNA was isolated with a high pure RNA
isolation kit (Roche Molecular Biochemicals) according to the instructions from the
manufacturer, with minor modifications. A 0.2-ml sample was homogenized by vortexing and
was subsequently lysed with 0.4 ml of lysis-binding buffer to which poly(A) (Roche Molecular
Biochemicals) was added as a carrier to 1 µg/ml. After binding to the column, DNase I digestion,
and washing, the RNA was eluted in 50 µl o.
I believe its named Methyl iodide. You wouldn.pdfapleather
I believe it\'s named Methyl iodide. You wouldn\'t number the C that the Iodine is
on because there is only one carbon. Also i think that because there is only one carbon the base
name is Iodide instead of the longest carbon chain. Hope this helps! Enjoy.
Solution
I believe it\'s named Methyl iodide. You wouldn\'t number the C that the Iodine is
on because there is only one carbon. Also i think that because there is only one carbon the base
name is Iodide instead of the longest carbon chain. Hope this helps! Enjoy..
Half life is the time in which the compound reduc.pdfapleather
Half life is the time in which the compound reduces to half of its concentration. t1/2
=0.693/wavelength
Solution
Half life is the time in which the compound reduces to half of its concentration. t1/2
=0.693/wavelength.
from the given reaction, order NO3=1 overall orde.pdfapleather
from the given reaction, order NO3=1 overall order=2 the reaction is bimolecular
Solution
from the given reaction, order NO3=1 overall order=2 the reaction is bimolecular.
a) What is the role of Trizol in RNA extractionTrizol reagent is .pdfapleather
a) What is the role of Trizol in RNA extraction?
Trizol reagent is used for RNA isolation from cells and tissues. This reagent is used as it helps in
maintaining RNA integrity during tissue homogenization, while at the same time disrupting and
breaking down cells and cell components. The RNA remains only in the aqueous phase(Amrita).
b) What was the purpose of performing a reverse transcription reaction. What were the products
of thesereaction?
Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), a variant of polymerase chain
reaction (PCR), is a technique commonly used in molecular biology to detect RNA expression
incontrast the traditional PCR is used to exponentially amplify target DNA sequences, (Freeman,
1999). The product of this reaction will be RNA
Solution
a) What is the role of Trizol in RNA extraction?
Trizol reagent is used for RNA isolation from cells and tissues. This reagent is used as it helps in
maintaining RNA integrity during tissue homogenization, while at the same time disrupting and
breaking down cells and cell components. The RNA remains only in the aqueous phase(Amrita).
b) What was the purpose of performing a reverse transcription reaction. What were the products
of thesereaction?
Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), a variant of polymerase chain
reaction (PCR), is a technique commonly used in molecular biology to detect RNA expression
incontrast the traditional PCR is used to exponentially amplify target DNA sequences, (Freeman,
1999). The product of this reaction will be RNA.
The French Revolution, which began in 1789, was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France. It marked the decline of absolute monarchies, the rise of secular and democratic republics, and the eventual rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. This revolutionary period is crucial in understanding the transition from feudalism to modernity in Europe.
For more information, visit-www.vavaclasses.com
Read| The latest issue of The Challenger is here! We are thrilled to announce that our school paper has qualified for the NATIONAL SCHOOLS PRESS CONFERENCE (NSPC) 2024. Thank you for your unwavering support and trust. Dive into the stories that made us stand out!
The Roman Empire A Historical Colossus.pdfkaushalkr1407
The Roman Empire, a vast and enduring power, stands as one of history's most remarkable civilizations, leaving an indelible imprint on the world. It emerged from the Roman Republic, transitioning into an imperial powerhouse under the leadership of Augustus Caesar in 27 BCE. This transformation marked the beginning of an era defined by unprecedented territorial expansion, architectural marvels, and profound cultural influence.
The empire's roots lie in the city of Rome, founded, according to legend, by Romulus in 753 BCE. Over centuries, Rome evolved from a small settlement to a formidable republic, characterized by a complex political system with elected officials and checks on power. However, internal strife, class conflicts, and military ambitions paved the way for the end of the Republic. Julius Caesar’s dictatorship and subsequent assassination in 44 BCE created a power vacuum, leading to a civil war. Octavian, later Augustus, emerged victorious, heralding the Roman Empire’s birth.
Under Augustus, the empire experienced the Pax Romana, a 200-year period of relative peace and stability. Augustus reformed the military, established efficient administrative systems, and initiated grand construction projects. The empire's borders expanded, encompassing territories from Britain to Egypt and from Spain to the Euphrates. Roman legions, renowned for their discipline and engineering prowess, secured and maintained these vast territories, building roads, fortifications, and cities that facilitated control and integration.
The Roman Empire’s society was hierarchical, with a rigid class system. At the top were the patricians, wealthy elites who held significant political power. Below them were the plebeians, free citizens with limited political influence, and the vast numbers of slaves who formed the backbone of the economy. The family unit was central, governed by the paterfamilias, the male head who held absolute authority.
Culturally, the Romans were eclectic, absorbing and adapting elements from the civilizations they encountered, particularly the Greeks. Roman art, literature, and philosophy reflected this synthesis, creating a rich cultural tapestry. Latin, the Roman language, became the lingua franca of the Western world, influencing numerous modern languages.
Roman architecture and engineering achievements were monumental. They perfected the arch, vault, and dome, constructing enduring structures like the Colosseum, Pantheon, and aqueducts. These engineering marvels not only showcased Roman ingenuity but also served practical purposes, from public entertainment to water supply.
This is a presentation by Dada Robert in a Your Skill Boost masterclass organised by the Excellence Foundation for South Sudan (EFSS) on Saturday, the 25th and Sunday, the 26th of May 2024.
He discussed the concept of quality improvement, emphasizing its applicability to various aspects of life, including personal, project, and program improvements. He defined quality as doing the right thing at the right time in the right way to achieve the best possible results and discussed the concept of the "gap" between what we know and what we do, and how this gap represents the areas we need to improve. He explained the scientific approach to quality improvement, which involves systematic performance analysis, testing and learning, and implementing change ideas. He also highlighted the importance of client focus and a team approach to quality improvement.
The Indian economy is classified into different sectors to simplify the analysis and understanding of economic activities. For Class 10, it's essential to grasp the sectors of the Indian economy, understand their characteristics, and recognize their importance. This guide will provide detailed notes on the Sectors of the Indian Economy Class 10, using specific long-tail keywords to enhance comprehension.
For more information, visit-www.vavaclasses.com
2024.06.01 Introducing a competency framework for languag learning materials ...Sandy Millin
http://sandymillin.wordpress.com/iateflwebinar2024
Published classroom materials form the basis of syllabuses, drive teacher professional development, and have a potentially huge influence on learners, teachers and education systems. All teachers also create their own materials, whether a few sentences on a blackboard, a highly-structured fully-realised online course, or anything in between. Despite this, the knowledge and skills needed to create effective language learning materials are rarely part of teacher training, and are mostly learnt by trial and error.
Knowledge and skills frameworks, generally called competency frameworks, for ELT teachers, trainers and managers have existed for a few years now. However, until I created one for my MA dissertation, there wasn’t one drawing together what we need to know and do to be able to effectively produce language learning materials.
This webinar will introduce you to my framework, highlighting the key competencies I identified from my research. It will also show how anybody involved in language teaching (any language, not just English!), teacher training, managing schools or developing language learning materials can benefit from using the framework.
Unit 8 - Information and Communication Technology (Paper I).pdfThiyagu K
This slides describes the basic concepts of ICT, basics of Email, Emerging Technology and Digital Initiatives in Education. This presentations aligns with the UGC Paper I syllabus.
We all have good and bad thoughts from time to time and situation to situation. We are bombarded daily with spiraling thoughts(both negative and positive) creating all-consuming feel , making us difficult to manage with associated suffering. Good thoughts are like our Mob Signal (Positive thought) amidst noise(negative thought) in the atmosphere. Negative thoughts like noise outweigh positive thoughts. These thoughts often create unwanted confusion, trouble, stress and frustration in our mind as well as chaos in our physical world. Negative thoughts are also known as “distorted thinking”.
Data warehousing has quickly evolved into a unique and popular busin.pdf
1. Data warehousing has quickly evolved into a unique and popular business application class.
Early builders of data warehouses already consider their systems to be key components of their
IT strategy and architecture. Numerous examples can be cited of highly successful data
warehouses developed and deployed for businesses of all sizes and all types. Hardware and
software vendors have quickly developed products and services that specifically target the data
warehousing market. This paper will introduce key concepts surrounding the data warehousing
systems.
What is a data warehouse? A simple answer could be that a data warehouse is managed data
situated after and outside the operational systems. A complete definition requires discussion of
many key attributes of a data warehouse system. Later in Section 2, we will identify these key
attributes and discuss the definition they provide for a data warehouse. Section 3 briefly reviews
the activity against a data warehouse system. Initially in Section 1, however, we will take a brief
tour of the traditions of managing data after it passes through the operational systems and the
types of analysis generated from this historical data.
Evolution of an application class
This section reviews the historical management of the analysis data and the factors that have led
to the evolution of the data warehousing application class.
Traditional approaches to historical data
In reviewing the development of data warehousing, we need to begin with a review of what had
been done with the data before of evolution of data warehouses. Let us first look at how the kind
of data that ends up in today's data warehouses had been managed historically.
Throughout the history of systems development, the primary emphasis had been given to the
operational systems and the data they process. It is not practical to keep data in the operational
systems indefinitely; and only as an afterthought was a structure designed for archiving the data
that the operational system has processed. The fundamental requirements of the operational and
analysis systems are different: the operational systems need performance, whereas the analysis
systems need flexibility and broad scope. It has rarely been acceptable to have business analysis
interfere with and degrade performance of the operational systems.
Data from legacy systems
In the 1970s virtually all business system development was done on the IBM mainframe
computers using tools such as Cobol, CICS, IMS, DB2, etc. The 1980s brought in the new mini-
computer platforms such as AS/400 and VAX/VMS. The late eighties and early nineties made
UNIX a popular server platform with the introduction of client/server architecture.
Despite all the changes in the platforms, architectures, tools, and technologies, a remarkably
large number of business applications continue to run in the mainframe environment of the
2. 1970s. By some estimates, more than 70 percent of business data for large corporations still
resides in the mainframe environment. There are many reasons for this. The most important
reason, and one that is particularly relevant to our topic, is that over the years these systems have
grown to capture the business knowledge and rules that are incredibly difficult to carry to a new
platform or application.
These systems, generically called legacy systems, continue to be the largest source of data for
analysis systems. The data that is stored in DB2, IMS, VSAM, etc. for the transaction systems
ends up in large tape libraries in remote data centers. An institution will generate countless
reports and extracts over the years, each designed to extract requisite information out of the
legacy systems. In most instances, IS/IT groups assume responsibility for designing and
developing programs for these reports and extracts. The time required to generate and deploy
these programs frequently turns out to be longer than the end users think they can afford.
Extracted information on the Desktop
During the past decade, the sharply increasing popularity of the personal computer on business
desktops has introduced many new options and compelling opportunities for business analysis.
The gap between the programmer and end user has started to close as Business Analysts now
have at their fingertips many of the tools required to gain proficiency in the use of spreadsheets
for analysis and graphic representation. Advanced users will frequently use desktop database
programs that allow them to store and work with the information extracted from the legacy
sources. Many desktop reporting and analysis tools are increasingly targeted towards end users
and have gained considerable popularity on the desktop.
The downside of this model for business analysis is that it leaves the data fragmented and
oriented towards very specific needs. Each individual user has obtained only the information that
he or she requires. Not being standardized, the extracts are unable to address the requirements of
multiple users and uses. The time and cost involved in addressing the requirements of only one
user prove prohibitive. This approach to data management assumes the end user has the time to
expend on managing the data in the spreadsheets, files, and databases. While many of these users
may be proficient at data management, most undertake these tasks as a necessity. And given the
choice, most users would find it more efficient to focus on the actual analysis and the tools
available to them.
Decision-Support and Executive Information Systems
Solution
Data warehousing has quickly evolved into a unique and popular business application class.
Early builders of data warehouses already consider their systems to be key components of their
3. IT strategy and architecture. Numerous examples can be cited of highly successful data
warehouses developed and deployed for businesses of all sizes and all types. Hardware and
software vendors have quickly developed products and services that specifically target the data
warehousing market. This paper will introduce key concepts surrounding the data warehousing
systems.
What is a data warehouse? A simple answer could be that a data warehouse is managed data
situated after and outside the operational systems. A complete definition requires discussion of
many key attributes of a data warehouse system. Later in Section 2, we will identify these key
attributes and discuss the definition they provide for a data warehouse. Section 3 briefly reviews
the activity against a data warehouse system. Initially in Section 1, however, we will take a brief
tour of the traditions of managing data after it passes through the operational systems and the
types of analysis generated from this historical data.
Evolution of an application class
This section reviews the historical management of the analysis data and the factors that have led
to the evolution of the data warehousing application class.
Traditional approaches to historical data
In reviewing the development of data warehousing, we need to begin with a review of what had
been done with the data before of evolution of data warehouses. Let us first look at how the kind
of data that ends up in today's data warehouses had been managed historically.
Throughout the history of systems development, the primary emphasis had been given to the
operational systems and the data they process. It is not practical to keep data in the operational
systems indefinitely; and only as an afterthought was a structure designed for archiving the data
that the operational system has processed. The fundamental requirements of the operational and
analysis systems are different: the operational systems need performance, whereas the analysis
systems need flexibility and broad scope. It has rarely been acceptable to have business analysis
interfere with and degrade performance of the operational systems.
Data from legacy systems
In the 1970s virtually all business system development was done on the IBM mainframe
computers using tools such as Cobol, CICS, IMS, DB2, etc. The 1980s brought in the new mini-
computer platforms such as AS/400 and VAX/VMS. The late eighties and early nineties made
UNIX a popular server platform with the introduction of client/server architecture.
Despite all the changes in the platforms, architectures, tools, and technologies, a remarkably
large number of business applications continue to run in the mainframe environment of the
1970s. By some estimates, more than 70 percent of business data for large corporations still
resides in the mainframe environment. There are many reasons for this. The most important
reason, and one that is particularly relevant to our topic, is that over the years these systems have
4. grown to capture the business knowledge and rules that are incredibly difficult to carry to a new
platform or application.
These systems, generically called legacy systems, continue to be the largest source of data for
analysis systems. The data that is stored in DB2, IMS, VSAM, etc. for the transaction systems
ends up in large tape libraries in remote data centers. An institution will generate countless
reports and extracts over the years, each designed to extract requisite information out of the
legacy systems. In most instances, IS/IT groups assume responsibility for designing and
developing programs for these reports and extracts. The time required to generate and deploy
these programs frequently turns out to be longer than the end users think they can afford.
Extracted information on the Desktop
During the past decade, the sharply increasing popularity of the personal computer on business
desktops has introduced many new options and compelling opportunities for business analysis.
The gap between the programmer and end user has started to close as Business Analysts now
have at their fingertips many of the tools required to gain proficiency in the use of spreadsheets
for analysis and graphic representation. Advanced users will frequently use desktop database
programs that allow them to store and work with the information extracted from the legacy
sources. Many desktop reporting and analysis tools are increasingly targeted towards end users
and have gained considerable popularity on the desktop.
The downside of this model for business analysis is that it leaves the data fragmented and
oriented towards very specific needs. Each individual user has obtained only the information that
he or she requires. Not being standardized, the extracts are unable to address the requirements of
multiple users and uses. The time and cost involved in addressing the requirements of only one
user prove prohibitive. This approach to data management assumes the end user has the time to
expend on managing the data in the spreadsheets, files, and databases. While many of these users
may be proficient at data management, most undertake these tasks as a necessity. And given the
choice, most users would find it more efficient to focus on the actual analysis and the tools
available to them.
Decision-Support and Executive Information Systems