Data-Driven DSS Resources

This web page contains links to many sites that contain information related to Data-driven DSS, especially Data Warehousing (DW) and On-line Analytical Processing (OLAP).

Data-driven DSS is a type of DSS that emphasizes access to and manipulation of a time-series of internal company data and sometimes external data. Simple file systems accessed by query and retrieval tools provide the most elementary level of functionality. Data warehouse systems that allow the manipulation of data by computerized tools tailored to a specific task and setting or by more general tools and operators provide additional functionality. Data-driven DSS with On-line Analytical Processing (OLAP) provides the highest level of functionality and decision support that is linked to analysis of large collections of historical data. Executive Information Systems (EIS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are special purpose Data-Driven DSS.

On-line Analytical Processing (OLAP) software is used for manipulating data from a variety of sources that has been stored in a static data warehouse. The software can create various views and representations of the data. For a software product to be considered an OLAP application it must contain three key features: 1. multidimensional views of data; 2. complex calculations; and 3. time oriented processing capabilities.

Executive Information Systems (EIS) are computerized systems intended to provide current and appropriate information to support executive decision making for managers using a networked workstation. The emphasis is on graphical displays and an easy to use interface that present information from the corporate database. They are tools to provide canned reports or briefing books to top-level executives. EIS offer strong reporting and drill-down capabilities.

A Geographic Information System (GIS) or Spatial DSS is a support system that represents data using maps. It helps people access, display and analyze data that have geographic content and meaning.

Good Informational Sites

Please help me keep the information current and useful. Contact me with new links, link updates, etc. DJP.

• CIO maintains a Data Warehouse Resource Center
• Datamation maintains a comprehensive web site with information on OLAP and data warehouses.
• Datawarehouse.com A resource for Business Intelligence and Data Warehousing.

• Data Warehousing Institute is at URL http://www.dw-institute.com. It is a great site for finding information on upcoming DW events, white papers, data warehouse case studies, publications you can order, and a large directory of data warehousing vendors.
• Data Warehousing on the Internet datawarehousing.com is dedicated to documenting all data warehousing related information on the Internet.

• The Data Warehousing Information Center (http://www.dwinfocenter.org/) is a major collection of relevant information for data warehousing practioners. According to webmaster Larry Greenfield of LGI Systems, Inc., the purposes of the site are to: "help locate vendors of tools to build, access, and manage data warehousing and decision support systems, point to many other sources of information, and add my owns rants and raves about data warehousing and decision support systems."
• Data Warehousing Knowledge Center (http://www.datawarehousing.org) has good articles and information.

• DM Review (http://www.dmreview.com) covers data warehousing and business intelligence issues and solutions for executive and IT management.

• Bernard Lupin's OLAP Databases tutorial page. The "Best Foot Forward" Company example.
• OLAP Council Glossary. Definitions of OLAP terms.
• The OLAP Report site provides regularly updated information on the OLAP market and OLAP products. This site is primarily designed for people and businesses that purchase "The OLAP Report" by Nigel Pendse and Richard Creeth.
• Peter Keenan's Spatial DSS page is a resource about systems based on the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology.
• The Teradata University Network (www.teradatauniversitynetwork.com) is a premier academic resource for knowledge about data warehousing, DSS/BI, and database. The purpose of the site is to build an international community whose members share their ideas, experiences, and resources with one another. This site is open only to instructors who teach in the areas of data warehousing, DSS/BI, and database. Resources are provided by Teradata, a division of NCR Corporation, and registered users of the site.

Key Articles/White Papers

• Aberdeen Group, Inc., , Viewpoint, Volume 8/Number 8, July 7, 1995.
• Cafasso, Rosemary, , PC Week, Ziff Davis Publishing Company, February 26, 1996.
• Comp.databases.olap charter. The OLAP newsgroup.
• Darling, Charles B., , Datamation, April 15, 1996.
• Kight, Betty, , Datamation, October, 1996.
• Raden, Neil, , Information Week, October 30, 1995.