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Covering Business Intelligence, Integration & Analytics | Advanced Search | |||
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Business Intelligence:
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Over the last several years, the features and functionality of business intelligence (BI) applications have significantly evolved. This evolution includes greater ease of use, the ability to generate complex structured query language (SQL) statements and enhanced administration capabilities. In addition, users have greater access to information than ever before through the use of Web-enabled BI applications. The evolution of BI applications toward the Web has been rapid, and the features and functionality of those that are Web- enabled lag behind the non-Web versions. Each version serves a purpose, and understanding the differences is critical to aligning user needs with the appropriate technology.
The configuration of software applications can have a signification impact on the information systems environment of an organization. Understanding how software applications work from a technical architecture perspective can help to identify potential issues as well as which configuration would be best for the users of an organization. Most BI tools currently have two widely accepted versions of the software: full client, or non-Web, and thin client, or Web- enabled, applications.
Full Client, or Non-Web, BI Applications
A full client BI application utilizes client/server architecture. In this configuration, BI software resides on a client system (i.e., the users computer). A full client system can operate as a standalone computer and analyze the previously obtained result sets of data. Its capabilities are robust a fast processor for running applications, a large amount of available hard disk space for storing data files and a large amount of random access memory (RAM) for running concurrent applications.
A full client system contains the software application used to interact with a server. Once the data is obtained from the server, the full client system can calculate, summarize and format the data into a report without having to re- connect to the server again. Figure 1 depicts the components and interaction between the two systems.
Figure 1
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Requirements / Purpose | Client | Server |
Minimum Software |
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Function and Role of System |
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A typical full client BI application is configured using a two-tier client/server architecture. In this configuration, software applications utilize the resources of both the client and the server systems to complete a given task. The client system contains the BI application which provides an interface that enables users to interact with the BI application. The server contains the RDBMS, data and other pertinent software applications. The following is an example of the interaction between a client and a server system using a BI application:
Thin Client, or Web-Enabled, BI Applications
A thin client BI application also utilizes client/server architecture, but it requires additional configuration of hardware. In the thin client configuration, BI software resides on a Web or application server instead, and the client system does not have to be as robust as a full client system. Figure 2 depicts the components and interaction between the different systems.
Figure 2
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Note that some thin client BI applications may reside on the Web server, thus eliminating the need for an application server.
In a thin client configuration, software applications use the resources of the client and server systems to complete a given task. The client system contains a Web browser which enables users to interact with a Web site. The servers contain pertinent software applications and data. The following is an example of the interaction between the components between client and server systems using a BI application:
While the full and thin client BI applications utilize client/server architecture and provide users with the ability to gather and analyze information for decision-making purposes, each version has its benefits and drawbacks. Figure 3 summarizes some of the significant items.
Figure 3
BI Application Versions | Benefits | Drawbacks |
Full Client |
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Thin Client |
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The full client BI applications have been the foundation for the thin client version. However, as technical advances continue to occur, the features and functionality of thin client BI applications will soon rival that of the full client. So, outside of the potential cost differential, the only significant differences between the two versions will be ease of deployment and off-line analysis. Considering these differences, an organizations user community should have a significant influence on the composition of full and thin client BI applications deployed.
Jonathan Wu is a senior principal with Knightsbridge Solutions. He has extensive experience designing, developing and implementing information solutions for reporting, analysis and decision-making purposes. Serving Fortune 500 organizations, Knightsbridge delivers actionable and measurable business results that inform decision making, optimize IT efficiency and improve business performance. Focusing exclusively on the information management disciplines of data warehousing, data integration, information quality and business intelligence, Knightsbridge delivers practical solutions that reduce time, reduce cost and reduce risk. Wu may be reached at jwu@knightsbridge.com.
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