Microsoft® SQL Server™ 2008 All-In-One Desk Reference For Dummies®

I.2.5. Business Intelligence

In the not-too-distant past, only the largest enterprises could take advantage of the proven benefits from complex business intelligence analysis. The software and hardware necessary to run these computations was simply out of reach of most organizations. The past few years have seen the price of hardware and software fall at a steady pace, bringing these kinds of solutions to a new audience. Microsoft has done its part as well, delivering highly capable business intelligence technology in conjunction with its database framework. Known as SQL Server Analysis Services, these technologies, which seamlessly integrate with the Microsoft Office suite, make it possible to develop and deliver robust analytic solutions without the need for expensive software and consulting services. Figure 2-3 highlights how, again, the Visual Studio development environment is the foundation for developing a SQL Server–related solution. In this case, designing and creating a multidimensional cube.

Figure I.2-3. Configuring business intelligence.