Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts

• What comes first -- the data mart or the data warehouse?

  Data mart or data warehouse -- which does your company need? Learn the difference between a data warehouse and a data mart and find out what problems data marts and warehouses address in this tip.  Continue Reading

• How to get data/database independence with a three-tier architecture

  Discover how to attain database and data independence in this tip. Find out what database independence is and learn the benefits of a three-tier data warehouse vs. a two-tier data warehouse.  Continue Reading

• Project management tips for a decision-support system implementation

  Learn the keys to project management when implementing a decision- support system and find out some steps to follow for the implementation process in this tip from a systems, data and project management expert.  Continue Reading

• Five key factors for successful management of a system implementation

  Learn about five factors that are key for successful management of system implementations, including how to set up end-user training and get the necessary consulting help.  Continue Reading

• What is the role of data quality tools in MDM?

  Learn what data quality tools do and find out the role data quality tools play in master data management (MDM) software and MDM solutions in this tip from an MDM expert.  Continue Reading

• Tips for planning a data governance strategy and MDM strategy

  Read a data governance definition, learn about data governance and MDM and how data governance strategy plays an important role in master data management (MDM) strategy.  Continue Reading

• How important are the different styles of MDM architecture?

  Learn how to compare different MDM architecture and learn about strengths and weaknesses of different styles such as persistent MDM hubs. Also discover how to communicate the value of MDM architecture to business users.  Continue Reading

• Four must-have master data management project skills

  There are four important master data management project skills needed for MDM projects and development efforts. Discover what they are and learn about MDM job roles and responsibilities in this tip.  Continue Reading

• How to get MDM pricing from a third-party before evaluating MDM vendors

  Find out how to get master data management (MDM) pricing and independent cost estimates on MDM software and products. Learn how to create an MDM vendor shortlist with advice from an MDM expert.  Continue Reading

• Is an Inmon-modeled BI system, like Madison, the future of data warehousing?

  Learn the future of data warehousing, read an expert's take on Microsoft Madison, read about data warehousing concepts and methodologies and find a comparison of the core relational and dimensional data warehouse.  Continue Reading

• What are the top database management systems (DBMS)?

  Learn about the top best database management systems and most commonly used database management software are in this tip from a data warehousing and DBMS expert.  Continue Reading

• What is the role of DBMS in RDBMS?

  Find out about the definition of RDBMS, learn about role of DBMS in RDBMS and find out the difference between the database management system and a relational database management system in this tip.  Continue Reading

• What are the benefits and disadvantages of a RDBMS?

  Find out about the benefits and disadvantages of RDBMS are and get examples of when relational database management systems are the best database system tools to use in this tip.  Continue Reading

• How to estimate SOA costs and design an SOA strategy for integration projects

  Before getting started with a service oriented architecture (SOA) integration project, it's important to estimate SOA costs and design an SEO strategy. Learn how in this tip.  Continue Reading

• What are some SOA risks and challenges and how can we mitigate risks?

  Learn about SOA risks and challenges common when transitioning to a service-oriented architecture (SOA). Take steps to reduce risks with these SOA initiative best practices.  Continue Reading

• Tips for evaluating top database management systems and choosing a small DBMS

  There are three major players in the DBMS market: Oracle, DB2 and SQL Server. Learn how to evaluate these top database management systems and choose a DBMS for a small business in this tip from Mark Whitehorn.  Continue Reading

• Are there benefits to using both Teradata and a DB2 database?

  Many companies use DB2 to run an operational database and use Teradata for analysis. Find out why this is an effective approach and why it makes sense to use both Teradata and DB2 databases in this expert Q/A with Mark Whitehorn.  Continue Reading

• What is the main use of a DBMS and what is the main use of a data warehouse?

  There are distinct functions for a database management system (DBMS) and a data warehouse. Learn how to use a DMBS and how to use a data warehouse to manage data in your organization.  Continue Reading

• Defining dimensional vs. normalized database design, dimension vs. fact tables

  Find out if your existing database is in dimensional style or normalized database design style, learn the benefits and drawbacks of fact-dimension and normalized database schemas and read a comparison of dimension tables vs. fact tables.  Continue Reading

• What are the most common system implementation mistakes?

  Learn about some of the biggest mistakes in system implementation and why successful implementations are few and far between. Find out how to avoid these pitfalls with careful planning and more tips from our project management expert.  Continue Reading

• What are the advantages/disadvantages of database abstraction layers?

  Discover the advantages and disadvantages of using database abstraction layers, as opposed to database-specific coding, and learn why abstraction layers offer maximum flexibility.  Continue Reading

• What level of data accuracy standards do we need for master data?

  Find out how to establish data accuracy standards and discover what level of accuracy is necessary for your organization, depending on your business and data requirements.  Continue Reading

• Designing the MDM team for an SAP MDM implementation project

  Get tips for creating an MDM team for an SAP MDM implementation project, including how to staff positions like MDM project managers, MDM administrators and developers, in this Q/A.  Continue Reading

• Tips for the MDM evaluation process and vendor selection

  Discover tips for the MDM evaluation process, including how to evaluate data warehouse vendors vs. more general-purpose MDM vendors, in this Q/A.  Continue Reading

• How to complete the MDM requirements-gathering analysis process

  Learn why it is important to complete the MDM requirements-gathering analysis process before evaluating MDM vendors -- and how to involve end users in the discussion.  Continue Reading

• How to estimate customer data cleansing costs

  How much on average does it cost to clean one customer record? Do you know if there been any specific reporting or analysis done on this area of customer data quality?  Continue Reading

• Definition of operational data store vs. persistent staging area

  Discover the definition of operational data store vs. persistent staging area, including how to use the operational data store and the persistent staging area effectively.  Continue Reading

• How to choose between the Inmon vs. Kimball approach for data warehouse design

  Get an overview of Inmon v. Kimball approaches to data warehouse design and business intelligence and find a checklist to help you decide on an architecture approach.  Continue Reading

• Tips for choosing a DBMS to meet your company's needs

  Learn tips for choosing a DBMS to meet your company's needs and how to evaluate database management system (DBMS) software based on cost and investment.  Continue Reading

• What's the difference between SOA and Web services?

  How are Web services and service oriented architecture (SOA) different? Find out in this expert response.  Continue Reading

• Benefits of ERP systems vs. PIM systems

  What can PIM systems do that ERP systems can't? Find out in this expert response.  Continue Reading

• What are the components of service-oriented architecture (SOA)?

  What are the components that make up service-oriented SOA? Find out in this expert response.  Continue Reading

• What business intelligence (BI) skills are required for a successful career?

  A successful business intelligence (BI) career entails developing both business and technical skills. Find out which BI skills are worth expanding.  Continue Reading

• Definition of data abstraction and data abstraction layers

  Data abstraction simplifies database design. Learn the definition of data abstraction and find out the three formal kinds of abstraction layers, from a database expert.  Continue Reading

• Should we buy product information management (PIM) software?

  Product information management (PIM) software has benefits, sure. But find out if PIM software is necessary on top of a master data management (MDM) system.  Continue Reading

• Seven tips for successful customer data integration (CDI) implementations

  To avoid common customer data integration (CDI) system implementation mistakes, follow these seven CDI tips from Jill Dyché.  Continue Reading

• How to calculate MDM ROI using business problems

  To calculate the return on investment (ROI) for master data management (MDM) systems, focus on the business problem, according to Jill Dyché.  Continue Reading

• Three data warehouse project management metrics

  Data warehouse project management requires careful planning. So learn three data warehouse project management metrics that just might make things run smoother.  Continue Reading

• Before buying product information management (PIM) software, think master data management (MDM)

  Buying product information management (PIM) software requires consideration of master data management (MDM) requirements. Learn more from a PIM/MDM expert.  Continue Reading

• Who should manage a master data management (MDM) software implementation?

  Determining who should manage a master data management (MDM) software implementation can be tough. Find out how to approach an MDM implementation, from an expert.  Continue Reading

• Understanding the benefits of product information management software

  There are benefits of product information management (PIM) software -- if you identify what problems need solving, according to an expert.  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

• Software developer career growth

  Learn how to maximize career growth as a software developer.  Continue Reading

• SOA governance best practices

  Get two service-oriented architecture (SOA) governance best practices -- one for IT and one for the business side.  Continue Reading

• How to evaluate data warehouse software in five steps

  Get five steps to evaluating data warehouse software from a data warehouse expert.  Continue Reading

• Data integration certifications: Finding the value

  Learn two instances when data integration certifications are most valuable -- and find out an easy way to increase their equity.  Continue Reading

• Data quality management for data warehouses

  Learn how to evaluate the risks of poor data quality in data warehouses -- and how good data quality management practices help mitigate risks.  Continue Reading

• Three master data management trends

  Learn three master data management (MDM) trends that could affect your MDM strategy and implementation.  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

• XML schema definition versus conceptual data model

  Learn the differences between XML schema definition (XSD) and a conceptual data model (CDM) -- and the basic functions of each.  Continue Reading

• Data model conversion: Conceptual design to logical design using an ER model

  Learn two common approaches to converting a data model from a conceptual design to a logical design.  Continue Reading

• Top three database management system (DBMS) trends

  Let three database management system (DBMS) trends that may surprise you.  Continue Reading

• Can a dimension table be a fact table for another data mart?

  Find out if a dimension table can be a fact table for another data mart -- and get an explanation of the answer.  Continue Reading

• Four guidelines for enterprise conceptual data model (ECDM) entity selection

  Get four guidelines for deciding what entities to include in an enterprise conceptual data model (ECDM).  Continue Reading

• Chief Compliance Officer: Top three responsibilities of a CCO

  Learn the top roles and responsibilities of a Chief Compliance Officer (CCO).  Continue Reading

• GRC tools for business intelligence security

  Find out if business intelligence (BI) security issues can be addressed with governance, risk and compliance (GRC) security tools.  Continue Reading

• Sarbanes-Oxley compliance: GRC technology vs. spreadsheets

  Learn why Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance technology, such as GRC management platforms, is better than spreadsheets for meeting Sarbanes-Oxley requirements.  Continue Reading

• Can I have two data warehouses?

  Considering two data warehouses? Learn what a data warehouse expert suggests thinking about before you start.  Continue Reading

• Database administrator job roles: Organizing the DBAs

  Learn how to organize database administrators (DBAs) and determine roles when there are multiple DBAs.  Continue Reading

• Data modeling for data warehouse projects

  Learn how to begin a data warehouse project and why creating a data model is an important step.  Continue Reading

• Data warehouse testing

  Learn why data warehouse testing may not be that different from testing software and hardware, according to a data warehouse expert.  Continue Reading

• What is high quality information?

  Learn a definition of high quality information, and find out what it means for overall data quality.  Continue Reading

• Data warehouse development: Four strategic steps

  Learn the basics of data warehouse development in four strategic steps, from expert William McKnight.  Continue Reading

• Logical database design

  Logical database design involves two distinct processes, according to DBMS expert Mark Whitehorn.  Continue Reading

• The ETL process and MySQL

  Get advice on the ETL process and ETL tools for transforming raw data in MySQL.  Continue Reading

• Centralized database systems vs. data silos for master data storage

  Learn when it may be best to have master data in a centralized database system vs. stored in data silos, according to DBMS expert, Mark Whitehorn.  Continue Reading

• The latest database management system (DBMS) trends

  Learn what several of the latest database management system trends are, as suggested by our DBMS expert Mark Whitehorn.  Continue Reading

• Data architecture vs. information architecture

  Learn about the differences between data architecture and information architecture, as well as the relationship between the two.  Continue Reading

• What are the benefits of a conceptual data model?

  Learn the functions and potential benefits of a conceptual data model, from data modeling expert Pete Stiglich.  Continue Reading

• ERP reporting tools' advantages and disadvantages

  Learn about the benefits and drawbacks of enterprise resource planning (ERP) reporting tools.  Continue Reading

• ETL tools and EDR tools: What's the difference?

  Learn the difference between extract, transform and load (ETL) tools and enterprise data replication (EDR) tools -- from data integration expert Jill Dyché.  Continue Reading

• Data architect careers: The benefits of working at a System Integrator

  Working as a data architect at a consultancy or System Integrator can be challenging, but has benefits. Find out the career value of working at a System Integrator, as advised by William McKnight.  Continue Reading

• Off-site data storage: How far away is far enough?

  Learn what factors are involved in determining how far away off-site data storage should be, from storage expert Greg Schulz.  Continue Reading

• Data quality management tools: Where to get unbiased information

  Find out where to go to get unbiased assessment and analysis of data quality management tools.  Continue Reading

• Information architect: Career path, skills and experience

  Learn about the career path of an information architect, as well as what type of experience is optimal for career development.  Continue Reading

• Career growth of a software developer

  Career growth depends on how well you do your job, who you work for and the cost of replacing and outsourcing what you do.  Continue Reading

• Why you should build a data warehouse

  Learn the argument for building a data warehouse, why building one takes time and how to sharpen your data warehousing skills.  Continue Reading

• Roles and salaries of data quality and governance analysts

  Learn where to go for information about the roles and salaries of data quality and data governance analysts.  Continue Reading

• Data warehousing tools for industry-specific data warehouses

  Learn the most important things to consider when selecting a data warehousing tool for an industry-specific data warehouse project.  Continue Reading

• Responsibilities of the information architect

  Learn the core responsibilities of the information architect beyond the scope of the business intelligence (BI) team.  Continue Reading

• The role of data governance in unstructured data

  Data governance has a role in unstructured data -- and it involves enterprise search and semantics.  Continue Reading

• How to maintain data quality and provide high quality information management and analysis

  Data quality and governance expert David Loshin says maintaining data quality and providing high quality information management and analysis are based on a mutual data governance model.  Continue Reading

• Data-as-a-service, explained and defined

  Data integration expert Jill Dyche defines data-as-a service (DaaS) and offers her view on outsourcing data.  Continue Reading

• ETL tools defined

  ETL tools offer functionality to extract, transform and load data from one system into another system, but our expert advises they're not optimal for application-to-application communication.  Continue Reading

• Data quality management pitfalls: Three common mistakes to avoid

  Data quality expert David Loshin addresses three common data quality management mistakes to avoid. Read what areas to keep an eye on while implementing your data quality management initiative.  Continue Reading

• Building a customer data integration business case: Project specifications

  Building a customer data integration business case requires some basic knowledge of the project's scope and specifications. Our CDI expert discusses general expectations for CDI implementation times and costs.  Continue Reading

• SAP BW certification: Tips, advice and skepticism

  Our expert suggests that the best way to pass the SAP BW exam is to have hands-on job experience. But that's not all he has to say about certification.  Continue Reading

• Storage device: Before you purchase

  Before purchasing a storage device, there are many items to consider. Our storage expert recommends asking these questions before making your selection.  Continue Reading

• Business intelligence and data warehousing team structure

  Business intelligence and data warehousing teams are constructed differently, but most are placed within the IT department and include some basic, common roles.  Continue Reading

• Operational data stores: ODSs join the debate between data marts and data warehouses

  The main feature of operational data stores is the real-time nature of the data. However, our expert advises that ODSs are not for everyone.  Continue Reading

• SOA starts with the data

  Even though SOA is about offering standardized business processes as services, the concept of data as a service is actually more viable for companies just beginning to think about SOA. If you're thinking about an SOA, our expert says start with the ...  Continue Reading

• Data export command: Migration from a DB2 table to a flat file

  To export data from a DB2 table to a flat file, you need to run an export specifying the proper file format. The export utility exports data from a database to an operating system file, which, our expert explains, can be in one of several external ...  Continue Reading

• Resources on creating and supporting BLOBs in DB2

  Craig Mullins recommends two specific resources for learning how to create and support Binary Large Objects (BLOB) in DB2.  Continue Reading

• Data center power consumption: Tips and options for assessment

  There are several ways to assess data center power consumption besides meter testing. Find out what alternative options our storage expert recommends for calculating power usage.  Continue Reading

• MDM and business rules management

  Expert Jill Dyche explains the role of master data management (MDM) in business rules management. Business rules, she says, should leverage master data when they need to.  Continue Reading

• Data mart vs. data warehouse

  Craig Mullins explains various definitions of a data mart and sheds some light on the complexity of its relation to a data warehouse.  Continue Reading

• VSAM to DB2: Before you convert

  There are reasons to convert from VSAM to DB2 -- and there are reasons not to. Find out what Craig Mullins has to say about a VSAM to DB2 migration project.  Continue Reading

• Data governance: Tips for techies and managers

  Craig Mullins breaks down the top three things IT techies and business managers should know about data governance.  Continue Reading

• Data cleansing: The business impact of dirty data

  Look at the business impact of leaving less-than-ideal data in place to help you determine what data should be cleansed.  Continue Reading

• Data quality management begins with data governance

  Data quality management begins with data governance -- that means having the right strategy, people and application.  Continue Reading