Programming Microsoft® SQL Server™ 2008

The Importance of Data Warehousing

Today, data warehousing in some form has become a given, a must, for running an enterprise of any significant size. At its best, it enables actual competitive advantage, but even when focused more tactically or departmentally, it is now considered essential to being competitive—as basic and essential as the general ledger or payroll system. While it is often difficult to quantify the benefits of data warehousing in terms of return on investment (ROI), no one these days seriously questions its value and necessity. As a database developer, you are likely to be involved with data warehousing in one way or another—if not directly, at least in interfacing to a data warehouse. So it’s important for you to understand ...