Data Virtualization for Business Intelligence Systems: Revolutionizing Data Integration for Data Warehouses

by Rick Van Der Lans

Data virtualization can help you accomplish your goals with more flexibility and agility. Learn what it is and how and why it should be used with Data Virtualization for Business Intelligence Systems . In this book, expert author Rick van der Lans explains how data virtualization servers work, what techniques to use to optimize access to various data sources and how these products can be applied in different projects. You’ll learn the difference is between this new form of data integration and older forms, such as ETL and replication, and gain a clear understanding of how data virtualization really works. Data Virtualization for Business Intelligence Systems outlines the advantages and disadvantages of data virtualization and illustrates how data virtualization should be applied in data warehouse environments. You’ll come away with a comprehensive understanding of how data virtualization will make data warehouse environments more flexible and how it make developing operational BI applications easier. Van der Lans also describes the relationship between data virtualization and related topics, such as master data management, governance, and information management, so you come away with a big-picture understanding as well as all the practical know-how you need to virtualize your data.

296 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Drikus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rick van der Lans goes into great detail on Data Vritualisation. He makes the statement, at the onset, that the book is written with a Business Intelligence slant. I think that does not matter much, as he covers the extra applications of Data Virtualisation, with quite sufficient detail.

He gives practical advice, sound reasons, and makes sure that both the pro and con sides of the coin, is treated equally.

I just love the fact that he is not presumptuous. He does not assume the reader's knowledge, yet he also does not insult the reader, but defines every term that he uses, in the context of the subject, industry and the book. In my opinion, getting the terms and conditions right, puts you on the winning track of understanding right-away.

Business Intelligence today, is a technology or idea that has been failing for many organisations. To me it is quite clear as to why. It is complex, and involves a lot of data, as well as proper architecture, from the start. Because of business and budget pressures, companies "thumb the peach ripe", by cutting corners, and consequently botch the design, as well as the implementation.

With Data Virtualisation, there is much alleviation on delivery pressures, because a lot of the modelling can be done in the DV, and and existing BI solution augmented by the DV. Design and implementation have suddenly become much more flexible. You can almost massage the solution into shape.

Rick explains all of these concepts very adequately in this book.

I thought also, that he represented the future of this technology/ concept well, by adding sections by CTO's of Informatica, Composite, and Denodo, as well as his own ideas.

All-in-all, this was a pleasant read, and in my opinion worth the read.

[Sireesha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A succinct book on the topic. Provides the necessary framework and directions.

[Bruno · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not convinced...