The Data Warehouse Toolkit: Practical Techniques for Building Dimensional Data Warehouses

Amazon.com

Ralph Kimball's The Data Warehouse Toolkit translates the author's extensive real-world design experience into a truly useful guide to building data warehouses for today's corporations. Written in a no-nonsense prose style, the author gives developers and managers the basics of designing, building, and running data warehouses that are effective and useful to upper management.

This book begins with the fundamentals of what data warehouses are and how they differ from traditional databases used in online transaction processing (OLTP). (Basically, data warehouses look at trends in millions of database records drawn from across organizations.) Once the author establishes this foundation, he solidly introduces the issues of data-warehouse design, using samples drawn from a wide variety of industries, including grocery stores, inventory warehouses, shipping, financial services, cable TV subscriptions, insurance, and travel. The author succinctly describes the relevant "dimensions" of each industry. (These are the values or features that management will most likely want to track for each industry. The data warehouse must be prepared to answer these "questions.")

The last section of the book covers the process of actually designing a data warehouse, from conducting user interviews to planning for the hardware needed to run a data warehouse (where databases easily run in gigabytes and include millions of records). This text also includes a discussion of how to create effective front ends for users (which will report the results of data-warehouse queries).

For its scope and intelligence, The Data Warehouse Toolkit is required reading for any developer or manager who wants to get a perspective on data warehouses before building one. --Richard Dragan

Customer Reviews:

Dimensional Modeling Made Easy.......2003-09-26

Data warehosuing is a difficult subject to grasp. There are many disciplines that have to come together to make data warehousing work : database design, business understanding, management expertise, data mining, creating reports, project management, OLAP and more.

Finding a book that can full explain the full data warehousing picture is not possible, what one must look for is a series of books or materials that will together paint the full picture.

Building Dimensional Data Warehouses is one of the books that can help readers in the process of painting the whole data warehousing picture. Ralph Kimball is an experienced data warehousing leadder who has stayed away from hype and concentrates on facts.

The focus of this is book is creating the data structure for repositories in the data warehouse set-up. This is a highly recommended book for technical readers looking to enhance on their database design skills for building large data repositories that are optimized for providing analysis.

Business readers may obtain more value from reading some of the other of Mr. Kimball's books.

Please let me know if you have found this review helpful.

Great Starter.......2003-02-26

Great place to start learning about DW. The author builds the concepts layer upon layer. Very easy to follow the progression. Once you'e finished this book, then move on to Ralph's Lifecycle Toolkit for some nitty-gritty examples and much more about building data marts into datawarehouses.

A must read.......2002-11-14

This is the best book on dimensional modeling by the master himself.Equally useful for beginners as well as experts.

Data Warehousing by example.......2002-06-29

The real life implementation examples for different types of Data Warehouses from simple to the more complex, make this book one the better of the Data Warehousing books. Kimball is an leading authority in Data Warehouses since its beginnings, and the explanations and examples are very easy to understand. I took a Master's course in Data Warehousing and read Kimball's book and Ponniah's book(Data Warehousing fundamentals). Kimball's book was the better book of the two in how useful it was and easier to understand. The version I bought had a program to run reports based on the Data Warehouse structure for each type of example. It is an antiquated program (DOS based), but it is useful in learning and helps implement some actual Data Warehousing concepts. The program needs to be installed through the command line interface of the newer versions of Windows (2000 and XP).

Get the fundamentals of Dimension modeling from this book.......2002-05-01

This book contains concepts and implementation methodology associated with building and deploying a data warehouse.

To understand data warehouse, it is important to understand the difference between an OLTP system and a data warehouse (an OLAP system). The author first emphasizes this difference before getting into the nitty gritty of data modeling.

The author is a leading advocate of Dimension modeling. He gives clear reasons for doing so and then jumps into the techniques for dimension modeling, also called as Hub-and-Spoke architecture.

Book contains examples (in the form of chapters) of data warehouse models for many verticals such as shipping, insurance, banking, subscriptions, inventory. Going through these examples will help anyone to understand data modeling and to create a dimension model based on specific requirements.

Book Description

Vernacular architecture amidst the California landscape is captured eloquently by David Stark Wilson's appreciative and knowledgeable eye. Using a large format view camera, Wilson has elevated vernacular structures of pure utility and highlighted their consequence, meaning, and haunting beauty. Grain elevators, gold rush buildings, tank houses, greenhouses, covered bridges, barns, silos, stamp mills, Quonset huts, water flumes and other rural structures are presented in this daringly designed book.

Customer Reviews:

A Rich Way of Seeing.......2004-06-24

This unusual book may actually leave readers and viewers with not only enriched visual abilities but also a broader concept of buildings and of the nature of beauty. Wilson does this by showing us pleasing patterns to be found in everyday structures. He recognizes the utility and the aesthic qualities of sheds and barns and tanks, offering photographs and texts to illustrate and explain why we, like him, find his examples so pleasing: The texture of a wall that catches light just so...the slope of a roof that blends with the landscape...the sensuous angle of a doorway.
The text is crisply written and mostly jargon free--yet not oversimplified--a fitting complement to the original vision that led to these illustrations. This is a surprising and surprisingly satisying book. Hats off to Mr. Wilson.

The antidote for soulless design.......2004-05-13

Among countless books of beautiful photographs, I've found few that change the way I look at the world. What Ansel Adams did for the sights of Half Dome and El Capitan in Yosemite, David Stark Wilson has done for the lowly silo, the aging mine complex, the agricultural shed. After looking over his photos of those structures-the `structures of utility' of his title-I will never take a drive in rural America with the same old eye again. Wilson has ground a new lens for all of us that could and should impact the design of what he terms the "built environment", the spread of buildings that has become a texture on the landscape in so many areas outside of cities. Wilson makes a strong case for examining structures largely overlooked until now to rescue us from the endless expansion of tilt-up warehouses or soulless stucco cartoons. We have an incredibly rich tradition of utilitarian design, Wilson shows us, that should be drawn upon to help make the structures we build worthy of the landscapes they occupy. Every county planner, every mall designer, every architect, every student of design should own a copy of his important book.

Roughshod Symmetry.......2004-05-12

Beautifully printed, the entire book is consistent and engaging in its design. The pages alternate between large full-bleed spreads and smaller collections of photos which complement one another, or photos offset by text, all of which lead the eye nicely through the book.

I appreciate how the book features just enough text to tell the story behind these photographs. The text itself is reflective and articulate, written by Wilson himself, and stops well short of becoming overbearing. Lots of room is left over for the viewer to simply meditate on the quiet and strange beauty in these utilitarian structures of the past.

Not a single person is seen in any of Wilson's photograph's here, but the human imprint on and within the land is the photographs' nexus. It helps, of course, to already be interested in this stuff. But even if you've never pulled off the side of the road in the middle of nowhere to look at an ancient grain silo or collapsing sheets of rusty corrugated metal walls, the photos and accompanying text offer some engaging food for thought about where we've come from and where we're going, and what will change in between.

I feel that book could have done away with a few of the photographs in order to better focus on the best of the best, but overall this is a nice comprehensive spread of Wilson's work that I know I'll come back to again and again.

Average customer rating:
Electricity Markets: Pricing, Structures and Economics (The Wiley Finance Series)
Chris Harris
Manufacturer: Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Popular Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Oil & Energy | Industries & Professions | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
General | Finance | Accounting & Finance | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Business & Investing | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Professional | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Electricity Market Reform: An International Perspective (Elsevier Global Energy Policy and Economics Series) (Elsevier Global Energy Policy and Economics Series)

Energy and Power Risk Management: New Developments in Modeling, Pricing and Hedging

Modeling and Forecasting Electricity Loads and Prices: A Statistical Approach (The Wiley Finance Series)

Understanding Today's Electricity Business

Power System Economics: Designing Markets for Electricity

ASIN: 0470011580

Book Description

Understand the electricity market, its policies and how they drive prices, emissions, and security, with this comprehensive cross-disciplinary book. Author Chris Harris includes technical and quantitative arguments so you can confidently construct pricing models based on the various fluctuations that occur. Whether youre a trader or an analyst, this book will enable you to make informed decisions about this volatile industry.

Reliability-Based Design of Utility Pole Structures: Prepared by Reliability-Based Design Committee of the Structural Engineering Institute (SEI) of t ... Manual and Reports on Engineering Practice)

Average customer rating:

Reliability-Based Design of Utility Pole Structures: Prepared by Reliability-Based Design Committee of the Structural Engineering Institute (SEI) of t ... Manual and Reports on Engineering Practice)

Manufacturer: American Society of Civil Engineers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Science | Subjects | Books

General & Reference | Technology | Science | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
ASIN: 0784408459

Product Description

Reliability-Based Design of Utility Pole Structures provides state-of-the-art technical information on the design of utility pole structures. Among other useful features, this manual demonstrates how poles differing in material can be designed to equivalent reliability levels, provides means for quantifying adjusting reliability, offers design incentives for more reliable poles, and facilitates innovation and introduction of new material. With its technically innovative subject matter and detailed design examples, this manual will benefit pole manufacturers as well as electrical, structural, and transmission and distribution engineers.

AS/400: System, Utilities, Database, and Programming (2nd Edition)

Average customer rating:

Not technically a technical book
A great text and manual!
Very useful for a new comer working on AS/400
Excellent book without the hipe
An essential text-book for learning the AS400

AS/400: System, Utilities, Database, and Programming (2nd Edition)
George Lin , Gayla Stewart , and IBM Books
Manufacturer: IBM Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Mainframes & Minicomputers | Hardware | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Programming | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

Databases | Microsoft | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Databases | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Operating Systems | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Software | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Computers & Internet | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Professional | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Look Inside Computer Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
ASIN: 0130830674

Customer Reviews:

Not technically a technical book.......2002-01-03

If you want to know how to use or develop on an AS/400, this is definitely not your book. If, however, your goal is to develop a basic understanding of what an AS/400 actually is and what it does, it's not a bad choice.

This is a book that I think would sit well in the office of a manager who has only peripheral involvement with the management of an AS/400 system. It's also not a bad introduction to the AS/400.

I still keep this one in my office along with my other related books, but I've never been happy with what I got for the money.

A great text and manual!.......2001-06-24

This book is an excellent training reference and is structured much like a classic school text. It's printed nicely, large pages, good diagrams, and enough white space to off-set the important points in each section. This is very easy to study and scan for answers when you need a quick reference in fundamental AS/400 areas. Much of the contents are presented by IBM in their manuals, but we all know how stimulating they are! George Lin presents the lessons in a methodical manner. I have tons of highlighted sentences and dozens of bookmarks. This is a necessary text for anyone beginning in AS/400 operations. As I write this, the newer OS/400 dates this text somewhat. Perhaps George will refresh this for OS/400 V5R1? I'd buy it!

Very useful for a new comer working on AS/400.......1999-11-04

A very useful book giving an overview of AS/400 system and commonly used utilities/programming tools.

The concepts are explained in simple terms. There are many examples, lab excercises etc to make the reader comfortable with the system.

An essential book for any person who is just getting in to As/400 system.

Excellent book without the hipe.......1999-10-16

I have read a few AS/400 books that have been more cryptic than the system itself. This books goes into perfect detail when necessary and points out various illustrations using simple screen shots. It also covers today's vital internet integration along with Java applets.

A recommended book for begining AS/400 users, and an excellent refresher/reference for more advanced users.

An essential text-book for learning the AS400.......1999-08-19

This comprehensive volume covers the AS400 from soup to nuts. The beginning chapters clearly outline the basics and history of the AS400. Subsequent chapters gently guide the learner through the many features of the computer.

Each of the features of the AS400 are clearly detailed and walked through by Lin and Stewart. Tutorials and lab assignments are included at the end of most chapters, giving you the opportunity to try your newly learned material.

Customer Reviews:

I am expected the next edition since this book is terrific!.......1999-08-10

As a matter of fact, I have read many books about Designer/2000 and I have never found a book as this, it made me to make money teaching step by step the whole Oracle Designer workshop included.

Excellent Book for starters.......1999-04-07

The book is excellent. I went through the brief tutorial and it tells you the step by step procedure to do all things. The only drwaback is that the version of designer that I work in and that in the book are different so it is difficult when you come to final part to create database etc. The authors need to write a new book. Otherwise an excellent book.I definately recommend this one for new users.

Good for providing a sense of how the tool flows.......1999-01-21

I use this book in training classes and for people trying to "pick up" Designer on their own. It's most valuable assets are a quick, down-to-earth language style and a tutorial that gives new users a quick sense of the what happens to all the information they're entering into the tool through the generation of Forms and Reports.

In general, a good, basic place to start - especially since other books are really aimed at more advanced users - or at the functional side of CASE development.

Good book!.......1999-01-01

I have read this book, it definitely helps for making rapid application with Designer 2000 as match with the title and helpful for the beginners. I am looking forward for similar book for Designer V.2.1.1

A very good book........1998-10-17

I highly recommend this book for the beginers of the Designer/2000.

Book Description

China has reduced the energy intensity of its economy dramatically. This book explores how this reduction was achieved and determines the major sources of energy savings. Using extensive data, the author examines the impacts of technological and structural changes on energy consumption and identifies the factors that were primarily responsible for the energy-efficiency improvements. It is an interesting work that will be useful for policy makers in assessing the energy consequences of development strategies and for economists in analyzing the relationship between energy use and economic growth.

Sustainable Ecosystems : and the Built Environment

Average customer rating:

Sustainable Ecosystems : and the Built Environment
Guy Battle , and Christopher McCarthy
Manufacturer: Academy Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

Urban & Land Use Planning | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

Ecology | Environment | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

Renewable Energy | Technology | Science | Subjects | Books

Oil & Energy | Industries & Professions | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0471500070

Book Description

Sustainability is arguably the most vital concern in architectural design today. As the world becomes ever more densely populated, with the majority of people now living in cities, it is essential for architects, engineers and urban planners to be fully aware of the impact of their activities on the natural environment, as well as the effects of buildings on their occupants.
Sustainable Ecosystems and the Built Environment offers guidelines for professional practice and highlights the potential of radical new technologies to increase and maintain the quality of life on this planet. Compiled from a series of articles which appeared in the cutting-edge journal Architectural Design, it examines topics related to the effect of buildings on both their immediate environment and the global ecosystem, as well as methods of making buildings healthy places to live and work - from heating, lighting and air circulation to the use of colour and odour to affect mood. All the key issues of sustainability are discussed, and backed up with evidence from 'green' projects in which the authors' sustainable engineering firm Battle McCarthy has been involved.
This book offers an informative, practical and thought-provoking read for anyone involved in the design of the built environment.

TVA: Fifty Years of Grassroots Bureaucracy

Average customer rating:

TVA: Fifty Years of Grassroots Bureaucracy
Paul K. Conkin
Manufacturer: University of Illinois Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Public Affairs & Administration | Government | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Federal Government | Government | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Federal Jurisdiction | Administrative Law | Law | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0252010868

Building Web Database Applications with Visual Studio 6

Average customer rating:

Beautifully Edited
Confused about Web development? Start with this book.
Not for beginners - Good information for Advance users

Building Web Database Applications with Visual Studio 6
Dan Rahmel
Manufacturer: Osborne Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Database Design | Databases | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Databases | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Programming | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Software | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

Amazon.com

Much of advanced Web development involves database access, and one of the best tool sets around is Microsoft's Visual Studio. Building Web Database Applications with Visual Studio 6 offers hands-on training in this development platform and gives readers the techniques to build powerful and elegant applications, as well as a solid understanding of the IIS architecture.

Author Dan Rahmel puts his years of Visual Basic experience to good use in this targeted yet comprehensive book. The focus is database access, which translates into in-depth coverage of ActiveX Data Objects (ADOs), but it also explores such important topics as browser capability detection and security. The book begins with nice overviews of IIS, VBScript, and ADO. Code examples immediately illustrate how to establish connections and access data. To explore the various techniques you'll need to use in real-world development, the author walks the reader through the construction of a drill-down interactive report. This example, which enables users to search for orders and view order details, is applicable to almost any commercial Web site.

This isn't just a nuts-and-bolts title, however--it also shows how to design sites smartly by using Visual Modeler and Database Designer. Advanced topics such as distributed computing and DHTML intranet development give it real depth. Anyone venturing into the wooly world of database-driven Web development should consider this book. --Stephen W. Plain

Topics covered: IIS overview, VBScript overview, ActiveX Data Object (ADO), ADO application design, interactive drill-down reports, sessions, browser capabilities, Database Designer, CDO e-mail, security, ActiveX DLL design, IIS applications, DCOM, MTS, Visual Modeler, DHTML, Windows 2000 Active Directory, advanced ADO data types, Java-based charting, SQL primer, and team development.

Book Description

Everything professional developers need for real-world solutions. Provides an explanation of the key technologies used to create web database applications. Examples will show real-world solutions such as catalog product display. Also, each technology will be followed by an implementation so the explanation can be seen to work instantly. Robust diagrams will be provided for user reference as they create their own solutions.

Customer Reviews:

Beautifully Edited.......2003-04-26

This was an incredible display of technical editing wizardry. It's a shame that this is his best edited book.

Confused about Web development? Start with this book........2000-04-18

Being a Visaul Basic and Visual C++ developer and confused about how the different web tools, technology and terminology relate in today's software world, I was looking for a book that would introduce me in a systematic fashion to Microsoft's way of developing on the web when I came across this book at a bookstore. I have read almost half of it and have looked through remaining of the pages and I find this book EXCELLENT. I cant wait to read the remaining of it.

Not for beginners - Good information for Advance users.......2000-04-06

I purchased this book for one reason, to learn how to use Visual Studio in a fasion to reduce my development time. This book is packed with good information, but I fear a novice would lose himself. The books author covers large amounts of material very quickly and the layout could be better. At particular pionts in the book where I was following the examples, I became confused on what the author wanted me to do. Inspite of the errors in the way the examples flow and explain themselves. I found the book to be full of information that I had never been explained in other books. I would recommend this book too moderate/Advanced users looking to speed up there development time with Visual Studio.

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books