Data Warehouse

Thanks to Dr.Zheng's suggestions on our presentation! And we will be able to focus more on a new topic on Data Warehouse. I did some preliminary researches on Data Warehouse and found that Data Warehouse is closely related to an important component of ERP systems - Online Analytical Processing (OLAP). Luckily, one of the groups provided us a vivid presentation on ERP system at the beginning of this semester. Based on this knowledge, we will be able to expand further on OLAP.
OLAP includes decision support, modeling, information, retrieval, ad hoc reporting/analysis, and what-if analysis. Data Warehouse plays an important role in supporting business analysis applications. It is called a meta-database constructed for quick searching, retrieval, ad hoc queries, and ease of use. The data are normally extracted periodically from an operational database or from a public information service. Data Warehouse is a relational or multidimensional database that may consume hundreds of gigabytes or even terbytes of disk storage. Once the data is loaded into the warehouse, data are accessible via various query and analysis tools that are used for data mining.
The primary reason for using a data warehouse is to optimize business performance. By providing customers and suppliers with the information they need when they need it, the company can improve its relationships and provide better service, e.g. a responsive and efficient supply chain. Hope we will find a good example to explain the importance of Data Warehouse in our presentation.
Implementing a successful data warehouse involves installing a process for gathering data on an ongoing basis organizing it into a meaningful information, and delivering it for evaluation.
Dr.Zheng's links are also added here for sharing:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extract,_transform,_load
http://www.information-management.com/infodirect/2009_109/10014988-1.html