Anyone tasked with business intelligence and data integration will want this outstanding introduction and guidebook. No specialized knowledge or technical skills are required to follow the presented life cycle approach. It is impressive in its scope.

The 18 chapters are divided into seven parts: “Concepts and Context,” “Business and Technical Needs,” “Architectural Framework,” “Data Design,” “Data Integration Design,” “Business Intelligence Design,” and “Organization.” The reader may quickly locate areas of special interest with chapter summaries, tables, references, and a comprehensive index. The presentation is reader-friendly, with section headings and diagrams.

Read and know the distinction, for example, between data franchising and data preparation. Do you understand data architecture and data modeling? How does one engage in dimensional modeling and map to a business report? What are junk dimensions? What are six bad reasons for manual coding? These are just a few examples of the blizzard of topics addressed.

Besides the technical aspects of data integration, the author discusses the human aspects of communication, expectations, and team building. For example, an entire chapter is devoted to project management, and the concluding chapter considers the development and best practices of business intelligence and data integration centers of excellence. These materials offer excellent insights for both established and newly promoted managers. The importance of abolishing a silo approach to management and information is not only mentioned; beyond this, very practical suggestions and approaches for achieving integration are considered. All of this material is presented in a crisp, no-nonsense, quickly consumed format.

Anyone who needs to rapidly get up to speed on business intelligence will want this book. An established professional will also not be disappointed with the fresh how-to look. I highly recommend it.

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