Data warehouse and business intelligence strategy

A data mart fed from the data warehouse.

The key is getting the data platforms that are going to be retained to play their real, architected roles in the environment. I've worked on many consolidation projects as well as projects that require consolidated data. Sometimes this is enough, but often times you need the performance and usage benefits of physical consolidation. You could just add virtualization over the top or a common semantic layer. This could be done in anticipation of multiple projects or it could be done as a cost-reducing (and opportunity-enhancing) consolidation project.ДЇocusing on the latter, you could consolidate at different levels. Putting labels aside, the shared data approach is worth pursuing. Allowing concurrent use of data at the data warehouse layer or creating a mart off the data warehouse is a lot less work, reduces risk, and lowers overall costs than does building from uncultivated, original source data. It means multiple business projects can use the data without having to build separate robust data layers. It's a 'build once, use many times' strategy. That's understood, but what is data warehousing in this business/financial context? It's a shared platform. However, because these projects can make and save the company money, they are having a strong resurgence.ДЇurthermore, it's a great excuse to take advantage of cloud database offerings.Дata warehouses have a lower total cost of ownership than data marts. It's borne of expediency.Дata platform consolidation may not be as sexy as starting a big data or IoT project. Of course, this is not a good idea that anyone would openly advocate. This is not just an application-first approach it's an application-only approach, with the data being secondary. Once this is done repeatedly over the years and made the default go-to approach, the 'data architecture' can become accidental. In these shops, databases are often built relatively quickly to expedite projects and applications. Many shops experience database spread - the existence of far too many databases, often with redundant data, and often for very discrete needs. Platform consolidation can save you money and headaches. Strategies for Data Platform ConsolidationДata platforms must play their real, architected roles in your environment.

Data warehouse and business intelligence strategy