The Microsoft® Data Warehouse Toolkit: With SQL Server™ 2005 and the Microsoft® Business Intelligence Toolset

14.5. Desktop Readiness and Configuration

The initial deployment must consider issues across the entire information chain, from the source systems to the user's computer screen. Most desktop PCs can handle the rigors of querying, reporting, and analysis. They already support large spreadsheets and Access databases. In some ways, the DW/BI system should reduce the strain on the user's PC by moving most of the data management back to the servers. Don't assume that everything will work fine at the user desktop. Test this assumption well before users attend training.

Before you inspect the situation, decide how much capability a user's desktop machine will need to have. Create a minimum configuration based on the front end tools, the amount of data typically returned, and the complexity of the BI applications. This minimum configuration includes CPU speed, memory, disk space, and monitor size. It should also indicate the base computer type and operating system supported, and browser version requirements. We've been in organizations that insist on supporting multiple operating systems on users' desktops: Windows, Apple, Linux, and UNIX. Obviously, this diversity has a big impact on the architecture and tool selection steps, long before you get to deployment. Let's hope those who are implementing a Microsoft DW/BI system are less interested in supporting multiple types of operating systems, but there are still many flavors of Windows.

When you go out into the user community, consider ...