Reviews for Microsoft Data Warehouse Toolkit: With SQL Server 2005 and the Microsoft Business Intelligence Toolset

1. Why the Kimble Group rocks!

   Rated 5 out of 5 stars, April 12th, 2009

   The clearly written guide describes the suite of Microsoft data warehousing technologies and tools in the context of the widely respected Ralph Kimball design techniques that are generally realised as being best practice in the field. Expert advice is provided on how to best-use these tools to build your robust B.I. solutions.
   
   This book builds on the previous Data Warehouse Toolkit, Data Warehouse Lifecycle Toolkit, and Data Warehouse ETL Toolkit books, but it stands on it's own as a self-contained and comprehensive guide. The guide's strength is keeping the explanations in MS SQL2005 context while you learn and harvest the many useful tips provided.
   
   Chain this book to your lap-top as your colleagues will be after it in no time!
   

2. Brilliantly covers the BI development lifecycle.

   Rated 5 out of 5 stars, June 12th, 2008

   I don't normally enjoy reading technical IT books, but this one was difficult to put down. It covers the whole of the Business Intellegence lifecycle using Microsoft products (namely SQL Server 2005, Inegration Services, Analysis Services and Reporting Services) to build a Kimball Dimensional model data warehouse.
   
   The initial chapters cover the design cycle and reinforce the need to drive the data warehouse design from properly researched client requirements.
   
   It then goes on to implement the design through an ETL process using SQL Server Integration Services. The coverage is complete with particular attention to handling Type 1 and 2 data changes. The Slowly Changing Dimension Task is well described and provokes significant thought about warehouse design.
   
   Designing and building the OLAP database follows with 3 chapters dedicated to Business Intelligence applications, including comprehensive coverage of the role of Reporting Services and Data Mining Modeling. I have found these 3 chapters particularly useful in deciding how to deliver the client side analysis tools.
   
   The final section explains how to setup security, how to deploy your solution, how to manage operations and maintenance and, finally, how to implement Real-Time Business Intelligence in the traditional data warehouse.
   
   A number of tools are available from the books web site, including a well written and fully working (on SQL Server 2005 - needs some small changes for SQL 2008 because the underlying AdventureWorks database is changed in SQL 2008) SSIS package.
   
   This is not a regurgitation of Books On Line, nor is it a step by step 'How To' guide to using Microsoft SQL Server. What it does, and does it brilliantly, is describe in detail the processes that you will need to go through to build a complete working Business Intelligence solution.
   
   It is clear that the authors are proper experts in their field and that many years of experience have been distilled into this book. This is the only one you will need.
   

3. Covers everything

   Rated 4 out of 5 stars, November 12th, 2006

   A very well written book covering all of the aspects of designing, building and deploying a datwarehouse using the Microsoft toolset.
   
   Some of the sections are a little brief, and I'd reccomend getting supporting material on MDX and Report Services if these technologies are to be used, as the sections in this (admittedly huge) book are a little light.
   
   The only thing it doesn't mention are some of the glaring defects in Microsofts product, but we can hardly blame the authors for that !