What is a custom data warehouse?
A data warehouse is a database that is structured in a particular way so that it
is very efficient in generating reports. The term data warehouse can mean anything
from just the database itself to the entire application, which includes a tool for viewing
reports. For the purposes of the information below, the type of data warehouse being explained here
is called a multi-dimensional data warehouse, and data is stored in a structure called a cube.
Why do I need a data warehouse?
If you need to be able to look at reports in a flexible and user friendly manner,
then you may be interested in a data warehouse. The reports allow you to look at
your data by multiple dimensions. So lets say you sell 10 different products and
you have 3 brands. You can generate a report very quickly that will show you gross
sales and net sales by product by time AND by brand, all in the same report.
Sounds complicated, how difficult is this to use?
The report generator we usually use is Microsoft Excel. There are no special add-ins
or additional software to install, just plain Excel. If you are familiar with Excel,
then you will be able to start generating reports from a data warehouse very quickly. You just
need to learn how to use pivot tables efficiently.
How big is a data warehouse?
The size of the database can be as big or as small as your data requirements call
for. The great thing about a data warehouse is that it is very scalable. You can
start small and grow from there.
What platform is used for the database?
Business Edge Services & Technologies (BEST for short) has chosen Microsoft
as the platform for most of the services we offer. Therefore, in the case of data
warehousing, we utilize Microsoft SQL Server and Microsoft Analysis Services as
the platform of choice.
I already have a database, can that be converted into a data warehouse?
In most cases, the data warehouse is a separate database that is not intended to
be used for other purposes, such as supporting your line of business applications
or your website. The structure of the data warehouse database is very different
than the structure you probably have in your current database.
We are currently using Oracle for our existing database. Is that compatible with
your data warehouse?
Yes! One of the great things about Microsoft SQL Server is that it can import data
from a vast majority of the other popular database platforms out there. And since
your data warehouse should be a separate database anyway, there's no need to worry
about integration issues.
Is there a custom data warehouse company you would recommend?
Glad you asked. Yes, if you are looking for an expert data warehouse company,
you should head on over to Business Edge Services & Technologies
and talk to them about creating your own custom data warehouse.
You can also find documentation on Microsoft Analysis Services at Microsoft.com.