The Business Intelligence space is one fraught with vendors, tools, and opinions of how best to implement BI solutions. This book addresses key areas of BI such as data structure and delivery, tools evaluation, and more. The subject areas are presented from the author's point of view and experiences. At the heart of the materials are points to ponder, food for thought, and significant errors to avoid. Business Intelligence is the conscious, methodical transformation of data from any and all data sources into new forms to provide information that is business driven and results oriented. It will often encompass a mixture of tools, databases, vendors in order to deliver an infrastructure that not only will deliver the initial solution, but it will incorporate the ability to change with the business and current marketplace. The purpose of investing in BI is to transform from an environment that is reactive to data to one that is proactive. A major goal of the solution will be to automate and integrate as many steps and functions as possible. Another goal is to provide data analytics that are as tool independent as possible. Making business intelligence work: Start-to-finish guidance for managers This book offers a true enterprise view of business intelligence. IBM expert Mike Biere shows managers how to create a coherent BI plan that reflects the needs of users throughout the organization-and then implement that plan successfully. Biere explains how to objectively assess the business case for BI, and identifies proven solutions for the obstacles that lead many BI projects to fail. Coverage includes: Setting appropriate expectations and goals for your BI project - Understanding how the key components of a complete BI solution fit together - Designing effective BI solutions-including content management, handling unstructured data, and end-user segmentation - Providing effective support for BI end users - Introducing Corporate Performance Management (CPM): an executive's view of BI - Previewing tomorrow's "next wave" in BI solutions - Comprehensive checklists for planning your BI project MIKE BIERE is Worldwide Sales Specialist for Business Intelligence Analytics Tools for IBM Corporation. He has more than 20 years' experience in business intelligence-related technologies, working in every stage of the BI project lifecycle, and in every role from sales and marketing to product development and technical support.