rka (4/14/2013)
Someone from my company's strategy has said that the Data Warehouse model needs to be:- Atomic
- 3rd NF
- Relational
But I disagree. I always considered DW models to be:
- Dimensional
- Data has to be very granular (represents 3NF atomic data)
- Subject Oriented
Both are correct.
Your strategist's definition is aligned with Inmon's definition of a Data Warehouse while your own definition is aligned with Kimball's definition.
Over the years, most DWH have developed as a collection of dimensional (Kimballistic) datamarts making this the "standard" from most people out there.
Either way, both models are as good as the DWH Architect designing a particular DWH is.
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Pablo (Paul) Berzukov
Author of Understanding Database Administration available at Amazon and other bookstores.
Disclaimer: Advice is provided to the best of my knowledge but no implicit or explicit warranties are provided. Since the advisor explicitly encourages testing any and all suggestions on a test non-production environment advisor should not held liable or responsible for any actions taken based on the given advice.