Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts

Data modeling tools and techniques

• Dimension tables vs. fact tables: What's the difference?

  Fact tables and dimension tables are used together in star schemas to support data analytics applications. But they play different roles and hold different types of data.  Continue Reading

• Key issues to consider when building a data warehouse

  There are numerous issues, both technical and cultural, that organizations need to consider before building a data warehouse. Learn what they are from our data warehousing expert.  Continue Reading

• How semantic modeling will change data modeling in the future

  Find out how semantic modeling is changing data modeling and what the future holds for the use of semantic technologies in data modeling.  Continue Reading

• Role of a data architect in making data management project decisions

  Learn about the roles of data architects when it comes to making data management project decisions.  Continue Reading

• Six tips for improving data warehouse performance

  Get six expert tips for improving data warehouse performance. Learn how database engines, SSDs and MOLAP cubes can affect your data warehouse performance.  Continue Reading

• How to organize an enterprise conceptual data model development effort

  Find out why it’s important and how to organize an enterprise conceptual data model development. Learn how a data governance organization can help your ECDM effort.  Continue Reading

• Steps for converting a logical data model into a physical data model

  Learn how to convert a logical data model into a physical data model via data modeling best practices. Find out how DDL and your data modeling practices play a role in conversions.  Continue Reading

• The truth about retail data modeling software

  Find out if there are any high-quality retail data modeling software tools and if general-purpose tools in the data modeling market can help with retail data model projects.  Continue Reading

• Data modeling tools: Best practices for selection and evaluation

  Get best-practices advice and tips for choosing and evaluating data modeling tools. Also, learn how to define data modeling requirements and use your data governance council.  Continue Reading

• What are aggregate tables and aggregate fact tables?

  Here you'll see examples and read definitions of aggregate tables and aggregate fact tables. You'll also learn how to use aggregate tables in data warehouses and databases.  Continue Reading

• What's the difference between DDL and DML?

  What's the difference between DDL and DML? Get the answer and see examples of the Data Manipulation Language and Data Definition Language with help from our DBMS expert.  Continue Reading

• Data modeling software: How to choose between custom and commercial

  Should you build custom data modeling applications or buy data modeling software? Get an expert's take, plus see how using a conceptual data model plays a vital role in each method.  Continue Reading

• Understanding five major enterprise information management benefits

  Learn about the primary enterprise information management (EIM) benefits and five major problems EIM can help solve, including data quality, information management, process efficiency, security and organizational agility.  Continue Reading

• Data architect vs. application architect: Segregate the duties

  Find out the duties of data architects and application architects -- and why they should not overlap, according to a data modeling expert.  Continue Reading

• Enterprise versus project level conceptual data modeling

  Learn the differences between enterprise level and project level conceptual data modeling, and find out how both approaches are compatible.  Continue Reading