Tools Used In Data Warehousing Consulting

Summary: Data warehouse tools are an important factor in the development and implementation of a data warehouse for an organization. These management tools are basically software applications employed to extract and transform data from operational systems and loading them into the data warehouse. Here the point is to identify the correct tools that best meet the business and technical requirements based on the data warehouse architecture. The selection of the tools depends on the existing technical infrastructure of an organization. The tools should be such that the users find them easy and convenient to use. Basically, they should be user-friendly.

Data warehouse tool selection is the phase that comes afer designing and reviewing the data warehouse architecture. It is very important to identify the right tools for a data warehouse project that can help perform technical and support architecture functions smoothly. Before selecting any tool, it is also important for a data warehouse vendor to seek the approval from their customer organization. Most organizations often favor the use of tools for the data warehouse applications that they already have in their stock. However, when it comes to using the existing tools proper evaluation regarding feasibility of their reuse should be done. The existing tools may fit the data warehouse, but sometimes they may not serve in the best possible way. In such cases, the customer organization may need to be convinced that new tools would better meet their needs.

Before selecting or deciding which tools to be employed for your data warehousing project it is very important to weigh your options carefully. Data warehouse management tools may be categorized according to various data, technical, application and support functions. Some of these functions include:

● Source Data Extraction and Transformation

● Data Cleansing

● Data Load

● Data Refresh

● Data Access

● Security Enforcement

● Version Control/Configuration Management

● Backup and Recovery

● Disaster Recovery

● Performance Monitoring

● Database Management

● Platform

● Data Modeling

● Metadata Management

Data warehousing is a complex process, which involves some complicated phases. Tool selection is one of those phases that demand your attention. A number of vendors are offering data warehouse management tools now days. When purchasing these tools the cost and complexity involved should be taken into account. Organizations or companies considering the implementation of data warehouses should spend a great deal of time in reviewing and understanding the technology involved with the tools. They must consider a tool if they know how to use it. This is because, a company can reap the advantages of having a data warehouse only when they understand and acquire the technology properly.

This article has been written by a data warehouse expert.

Tags: Data Warehouse Consultant

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