DATA WAREHOUSING FUNDAMENTALS: A Comprehensive Guide for IT Professionals

3.1. CHAPTER OBJECTIVES

• Review the continued growth in data warehousing

• Learn how data warehousing is becoming mainstream

• Discuss several major trends, one by one

• Grasp the need for standards and review the progress

• Understand Web-enabled data warehouse

In the previous chapters, we have seen why data warehousing is essential for enterprises of all sizes in all industries. We have reviewed how businesses are reaping major benefits from data warehousing. We have also discussed the building blocks of a data warehouse. You now have a fairly good idea of the features and functions of the basic components and a reasonable definition of data warehousing. You have understood that it is a fundamentally simple concept; at the same time, you know it is also a blend of many technologies. Several business and technological drivers have moved data warehousing forward in the past few years.

Before we proceed further, we are at the point where we want to ask some relevant questions. What is the current scenario and state of the market? What businesses have adopted data warehousing? What are the technological advances? In short, what are the significant trends?

Are you wondering if it is too early in our discussion of the subject to talk about trends? The usual practice is to include a chapter on future trends towards the end, almost as an afterthought. The reader typically glosses over the discussion on future trends. This chapter is not so much like looking into the crystal ball for possible future ...