United we stand, divided we fail!

Data warehouse and data mart are frequently misunderstood terms with many having strong beliefs regarding their use and benefits. From a technology stand point there really is no difference in that both are databases tasked with processing, combining and structuring data in order that its use will benefit the business. Probably the most distinctive attribute of a data warehouse or mart is its architecture and design and these are heavily influenced by the business requirements. A balance must therefore be struck between an infinite ability to load any data with little or no recourse to technical rework versus an adaptable "business focused" design that reflects the corporate structures and processes and most importantly is recognisable by the people who will use it. 

There has been much debate about whether the business or IT should lead information provision. IT is unlikely to be in a position to fully appreciate how the business could take advantage of the data because they are not involved in the daily process of sales and marketing of their company’s products and services. But equally, the business not really wanting IT to be involved in analysis and reporting, do not fully comprehend the nature and nuances of the data that is available to them, after all it was IT that designed the systems in the first place!

Without a thorough understanding of the data it is highly likely that irrespective of who performs the analyses the wrong conclusions will be reached.  Despite some product vendors exploiting this divide of opinion to their own advantage, it has been proven beyond doubt that the greatest successes come from those organisations that have created a culture where business and IT truly work together with complementary objectives and common business goals.

This is by no means an easy recipe for success with possibly years of divided working practices and politics to overcome but with strong leadership and active project sponsorship at the highest-level of an organisation success will be inevitable.