Business Intelligence (BI) is the term that broadly defines knowledge-enabled decision making processes. BI is the evolution and convergence of Online Analytic Processing (OLAP), Decision Support Systems (DSS) and Executive Information Systems (EIS). The explosion of Data Warehousing over the last five years, combined with maturing of OLAP technologies, has made business intelligence a focus of most large organizations.Too often we have seen companies take the wrong approach. We see many companies undertaking technology driven "warehouse building" exercises. These projects focus on building large databases with the assumption that the "right" tool will enable business people to access the data and make decisions. Unfortunately, this approach never works. First, there's a big difference between large amounts of data and meaningful information. Second, there's no magic tool. There is a wide spectrum of tools that overlap in capability and are substantially different. In BI, there is a place for both relational query tools and OLAP tools. We believe that understanding the analytical tools spectrum is essential in selecting the proper technologies. See our BI Tools Spectrum whitepaper for insights into selecting BI technology.
Our Approach
At iStrategy, we believe that it starts with understanding key performance measures and decision processes. It's not about how big the warehouse is - it's about getting the right information to the right person. It's about understanding the "Information Value Chain". Our methodology for BI:
- Starts with understanding business strategy, key performance measures and decision making processes within your organization;
- Focuses on quality, accuracy and timeliness of information (not quantity of data);
- Incorporates a quick success, even in a large project; and
- Selects technology that supports the solution (not defines the solution).
BI and the Web
All of the key BI vendors have ever evolving web capabilities. Some vendors can deliver robust capabilities through the browser. Pure thin client interfaces are continually evolving and now a viable option to deliver analytical reporting. The next wave we see is the proliferation of Business Intelligence Portals - web-based user driven applications that make access to business information as simple as MSN or Yahoo. These products exist today and we have experience with several key vendors in this market.
- BI Portal
- BCBS Financial BIP
- SQL Server DW Template
iStrategy Services
- Design and Implementation
- Product Evaluation and Selection
- Dashboard Implementation
Case Studies
- Health Management Systems
- Empire BCBS
- Games Workshop America
Whitepapers
Key Vendor Products
- Microsoft Analysis Services
- ProClarity
- Oracle AW OLAP
- Oracle Express
Related Resources
