Database Reference
In-Depth Information
While developing and uploading videos are outside the scope of this topic, we recommend that if you choose
this method, also ensure that the audio is clear and that the steps you take are easy to follow. Keep in mind that
you may want to keep your videos short to solve connection speed and playback issues.
Say Thank You
One last personal touch that we recommend to help you stand out is to send a thank-you to your client. This can
be simple and generic and very cheap, such as an email or a thank-you card. If you really want to keep working
for that client and prefer to make it more special, you may want to step it up and give your client a gift such as a
gift basket, some chocolates, or even a bottle of wine.
Order it in advance with your company name and/or logo, and not only do you have an additional
professional touch, but the expense is now a tax write-off!
Moving On
The final step to completing your BI solution is to take what you have learned from the current version and apply
it to your future versions. Make sure you consider items such as testing bug reports, questions that users are
asking, and any other feedback that you have collected.
In this topic, you have seen how to design and implement a BI solution from start to nish. Along the way,
you have been introduced to a number of technologies that are included with Microsoft SQL Server. What
happens now is up to you.
You might decide to take what you know about SQL Server, SSIS, SSAS, and SSRS and expand that knowledge
by reading the books that we have referenced in each chapter. There certainly is a lot more to learn about each
one of the servers, and most developers will find that specializing in only one of them keeps them quite busy.
You might realize that you are more interested in the overall process of creating and managing a BI solution
and want to hire developers to help you with the implementations. If that is the case, you now know the basics
about how the different servers operate, which will make you more effective in working with those developers.
You also might find that you still need more practice before you venture out into the real world of BI
solutions. In that case, make sure you try the “Learn by Doing” exercises we have included on the companion
Be aware that the world of business intelligence is one of constant change. Just as you have completed
one version of a BI solution, you will find that the needs of the user, and possibly the technology that supports
the solution, have changed. Although this can be one of the most frustrating aspects of being a BI solutions
developer, it is also the most exciting. In the world of BI, the development cycle never truly ends.
What's Next?
After reading this topic and performing its exercises, you now have enough knowledge to create your own BI
solutions. If you have not done so already, we recommend working through the “Learn by Doing” exercises
included at the end of each chapter.
It can be difficult to break into a new area without experience, but you cannot get experience if you
cannot perform the work! For this reason, we recommend gaining experience and recognition by working
on department-level BI solutions. A department-level BI solution is a smaller solution specific to a single
department or a small company that you already work for, or it may be a gift to a local social group, organization,
or church. This type of experience is often enough to get you started. This is especially true if you are not currently
considered a BI professional.
No matter what your situation, to become more proficient at creating BI solutions, you must continue
building them.
