In this IBM Redbook we describe and demonstrate dimensional data modeling techniques and technology, specifically focused on business intelligence and data warehousing. It is to help the reader understand how to design, maintain, and use a dimensional model for data warehousing that can provide the data access and performance required for business intelligence.
Business intelligence is comprised of a data warehousing infrastructure, and a query, analysis, and reporting environment. Here we focus on the data warehousing infrastructure. But only a specific element of it, the data model - which we consider the base building block of the data warehouse. Or, more precisely, the topic of data modeling and its impact on the business and business applications. The objective is not to provide a treatise on dimensional modeling techniques, but to focus at a more practical level.
There is technical content for designing and maintaining such an environment, but also business content.
For example, we use case studies to demonstrate how dimensional modeling can impact the business intelligence requirements for your business initiatives. In addition, we provide a detailed discussion on the query aspects of BI and data modeling. For example, we discuss query optimization and how you can determine performance of the data model prior to implementation. You need a solid base for your data warehousing infrastructure . . . . a solid data model.
About the Authors
Chuck Ballard is a Project Manager at the International Technical Support organization, in San Jose, California. He has over 35 years experience, holding positions in the areas of Product Engineering, Sales, Marketing, Technical Support, and Management. His expertise is in the areas of database, data management, data warehousing, business intelligence, and process re-engineering. He has written extensively on these subjects, taught classes, and presented at conferences and seminars worldwide. Chuck has both a Bachelors degree and a Masters degree in Industrial Engineering from Purdue University.
Daniel M. Farrell is an IBM certified Professional and Pre-sales Engineer, from Denver, Colorado. In 1985, Daniel began working with Informixa® software products at a national retail and catalog company, a job that would set his direction for the next twenty or so years. He joined IBM as a result of the acquisition of Informix. Daniel has a Masters in Computer Science from Regis University and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. from Clemson in Adult Education and Human Resource Studies.
Amit Gupta is a Data Warehousing Consultant from IBM, India. He is a Microsofta® Certified Trainer, MCDBA, and a Certified OLAP Specialist. He has about seven years of experience in the areas of databases, data management, data warehousing, and business intelligence. He teaches extensively on dimensional modeling, data warehousing, and BI courses in IBM India. Amit has also been a Co-Authora® for a previous IBM Redbook on Data Mart Consolidation. He holds a degree in Electronics and Communications from Delhi Institute of Technology, Delhi University, New Delhi, India.
Carlos Mazuela is a data warehousing specialist, data modeler, and data architect from Zurich, Switzerland. He has been with IBM for eight years, and is currently working on data warehousing projects in the insurance and banking sectors. Carlos is also a DB2/UDB specialist, primarily in the areas of security, performance, and data recovery. He has skills and experience in the business intelligence environment, and has used tools such as Business Objects, Brio Enterprise, and Crystal Reports. Carlos holds a degree in Computer Science from the Computer Technical School of the Politechnical University of Madrid, Spain.
