DATA WAREHOUSING FUNDAMENTALS: A Comprehensive Guide for IT Professionals

7.5. TECHNICAL ARCHITECTURE

We have already reviewed the various components of the data warehouse architecture in a few different ways. First, we grouped the components into the three major areas of data acquisition, data storage, and information delivery. Then, we explored the distinguishing characteristics of the data warehouse architecture. We examined the architecture and highlighted the distinguishing characteristics of the data warehouse architecture in comparison with that of any operational system. We also traced the flow of data through the data warehouse and linked individual architectural components to stations along the passage of data.

You now have a good grasp of what the term architecture means and what data warehouse architecture consists of. Each component of the architecture is there to perform a set of definite functions and provide a group of specific services. When all the components perform their predefined functions and provide the required services, then the whole architecture supports the data warehouse to fulfill the goals and business requirements.

The technical architecture of a data warehouse is, therefore, the complete set of functions and services provided within its components. The technical architecture also includes the procedures and rules that are required to perform the functions and provide the services. The technical architecture also encompasses the data stores needed for each component to provide the services.

Let us now make another significant ...