Abstract:

This paper is a short summary of the major findings of a study based upon sixty-two case studies of organizations that have successful data warehouses in use at their sites. The in-person interviews that provide the basis of the study were conducted in 1995 and 1996. The goal of the project was to examine the financial impact of data warehouses on the core processes contributing to an organization’s success. After visiting the organizations at locations ranging from New York City to Juneau, Alaska and Helsinki, Finland, the results are irrefutable: as an investment, data warehouses provide organizations with the ability to deliver astronomical benefits, and fulfill many of technology’s longstanding promises.