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Blog: Richard Hackathorn

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Single Version of the Truth?

Neil Raden once again rubs a raw nerve of our BI/DW industry! As a long-time proponent of Single Version of the Truth, I have seen the tangible business value of data integration that produces some type of single version of what is happening in a complex enterprise. I have preferred to call it a 'Consistent View of Business Reality'.

But, Neil is right! There is this emerging chasm that is unhealthy between the DW folks striving toward a single version the present and the BI folks striving for alternative versions of the future. Neil advocates that we strip DW of its BI credentials.

A more constructive way is to recognize the inherent conflict and turn it into a challenge for both parties. Business executives should adopt the following mantra: DW give me a consistent view of who I am. And, BI give me consistent views of who I can be.

Posted by Richard Hackathorn on Tuesday, 3 April 2007 |

Comments

Richard
I have to say that I disagree - BI today only really gives a consistent view of who I WAS and only does so to the extent that this information is in the DW. Neil's point that we need to focus on the future and on operationalizing this is a good one, I think. Of course, I worked on the book with him so perhaps I just being "stupid" :-)

Posted by: James Taylor | April 3, 2007 3:43 PM

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