How to build a data warehouse is a complex contemporary topic. The author starts by asking and answering a number of questions that one must first consider. He then discusses a number of important concepts, such as scalability and informational and operational data, before discussing the framework and methodology, which should be carefully considered beforehand. Next, he elaborates on the basic steps that a warehouse project manager should go through in choosing a framework for a data warehouse.

The paper’s main strength is that it discusses basic reasons why some data warehouse projects fail and what precautions help others succeed. This material should be useful to anyone thinking about designing a data warehouse. The paper’s main drawback is that it does not provide any technical information on how to build a data warehouse, but I realize that this is a conceptual piece and, as such, is not required to go into technical details.