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Florian Friedl

Data warehouse simply explained: Definition, advantages & tools 994 537 Florian Friedl

Data warehouse simply explained: Definition, advantages & tools

DATA WAREHOUSE SIMPLY EXPLAINED: DEFINITION, ADVANTAGES & TOOLS

In this article you will find out everything you need to know about data warehouses. All information about definition, advantages, tools and application.

In this article

  1. What is a data warehouse?
  2. Data warehouse: Components and functions
  3. These are the pros and cons
  4. Data Warehouse vs. Data Lake
  5. Which data warehouse tools are available?
  6. This is how businesses use data warehouses
  7. FAQ

 

The most important in a nutshell

  • A data warehouse is suitable for processing and evaluating company-related data
  • Disadvantages include long loading times and that only structured data can be processed
  • Access to data lake is easier but the method is not useful for processing structured data

 

What is a data warehouse?

Data warehouses describe a database which was specifically optimized for analysis. The system collects and processes relevant data from a summary of sources (e. g. apps or internal departments) and provides it clearly for businesses. The goal is to get a general overview of all important data.

A data warehouse is some kind of a data management system which supports business intelligence activities as well as it collects and saves huge amounts of data. The collected data passes through a formatting- and import process which compares existing information of the data warehouse. The following saving process ensures a simple data access. From this page, companies can derive important business data and optimize decision processes.

 

Data warehouse: Components and functions

A data warehouse normally consist of the following four elements:

  • ETL solutions to prepare data for analysis
  • Data mining functions
  • Relational database to save and manage data
  • Analysis applications to evaluate data and to visualize it easily

 

This is how a data warehouse works

Data warehouses don’t have a unified architecture. Instead, the specific requirements of a business determine the structure. When the business requirements are defined, conception follows. This includes the logical design (relationship between elements) and the physical design (best method to save and retrieve data).

During the design process of the data warehouse there are some steps to consider, including the frequency of data update, the supported system environment and the relationships between the different data groups.

The following process, the so-called “data warehousing”, normally takes place in four steps:

  • Data acquisition + integration: Data is obtained from sources and loaded into the data warehouse
  • Data storage: Data is held
  • Data evaluation: Full analysis of structured data
  • Data provision: Data is made available for analysis

 

These are the pros and cons

Businesses have specific advantages when using a data warehouse. The probably biggest advantage is that huge amounts of different data can be analyzed and evaluated purposefully. The data is easily accessible, goal oriented and relevant. That improves data quality and the decision making process within a company. Hereby, flexibility doesn’t get lost and businesses can, for instance, reduce data volume for an accurate verification.

Disadvantages include long loading times for complex data and increasing data volume. Furthermore unstructured data (e. g. audio) can’t be processed and live streaming isn’t possible either.

 

→ The access through a data warehouse is principally uncomplicated but associated with high effort.

 

Data warehouse pros and cons

 

Data Warehouse vs. Data Lake

Data Lake represents an alternative to the warehouse variant for data processing. Data lakes are better for unstructured data such as pictures or live streaming because they are easier accessible and therefore don’t require any expert knowledge. Furthermore, businesses have the opportunity to analyze bigger amounts of data on different ways to win new insights regarding relevant company data.

The data warehouse on the other hand has the advantage that structured data builds a good base for analysis which matches with the predefined business goals. The evaluation also happens much faster. And through the precise data evaluating processes, businesses can trust on the results and make decisions fast.

 

Use the strengths of both methods to bypass disadvantages

You don’t have to choose either of the two methods to evaluate data. Both ways complete each other and in combination provide a goal oriented approach to evaluate data. Data lake has more storage capacity and allows the deposit of big data quantities. The processed raw data can be structured and further processed with data warehouse tools.

 

Which data warehouse tools are there?

  • integrate.io
  • Informatica
  • Oracle 12c
  • IBM Infosphere
  • Amazon Redshift
  • Ab Initio Software
  • ParAccel
  • MarkLogic
  • Cloudera

The tools belong to the ten most known and popular tools for processing data. Each of these tools has its individual advantages and was made for different application areas. For businesses it’s worth it to use at least one of these tools to make processes of data evaluation easier.

 

Cloud data warehouse: Which options do businesses have?

Cloud data warehouses become more popular to collect and process data from different sources. Data warehouses require a lot of effort in administration but cloud solutions provide a user friendly application which doesn’t even stress beginners. Furthermore, a cloud data warehouse ensures advantages regarding costs because there is no maintenance needed and businesses don’t have to invest in additional safety software.

But that doesn’t mean that internal solutions are bad. The opposite is the case. On-premise-servers ensure more safety and businesses have more control over data procession. So whether cloud-based solutions offer a better alternative is a matter of individual consideration.

 

This is how businesses use data warehouses

Businesses have many application possibilities with data warehouses. They primarily use it to provide reports to evaluate processes and to optimize them. This also results in more transparency to provide stakeholders a better insight into business processes. Processed data can also be used to determine information regarding commercial transactions.

Other application areas:

  • Determination of resources and costs
  • Getting information about business related KPIs
  • Evaluation of concrete processes
  • Structuring of data

It’s important to define goals and to know the requirements of users to use data warehouses properly. A data warehouse is a centralized collection of earmarked business data. Furthermore, changing data causes a lot of effort whereby inadequate goal planning may waste resources.

 

FAQ

Lastly, we will answer common questions regarding data warehouses.

 

What is an ETL process?

ETL consists of the individual steps Extract (E), Transform (T) and Load (L). The ETL process ensures that data from different sources is integrated into the data warehouse. It’s used primarily in scenarios with large volumes of data (e. g. big data).

What are the primary differences between a data warehouse and a data mart?

A data warehouse is normally larger than a terabyte and ranges across multiple areas. Data marts on the other hand are mostly smaller than 100 GB and are limited to a single purpose for one line business.

What does a data warehouse cost?

The costs of a data warehouse vary but typically it is between 350 and 400 euros annually. Cloud services and on-premise-solutions hardly differ in terms of costs.

What is the ultimate outcome of a data warehouse?

A data warehouse ensures precise insights into business data which makes decision making easier and therefore helps to save costs. Stakeholders get access to visualized and analyzed data which was evaluated based on business related goals.

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    Sources:

    https://www.talend.com/de/resources/was-ist-data-warehouse/

    Data Warehouse

    https://www.bigdata-insider.de/was-ist-ein-data-warehouse-a-606701/

    https://www.oracle.com/de/database/what-is-a-data-warehouse/

     

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    Cloud based solutions B2B: Advantages and more 994 537 Florian Friedl

    Cloud based solutions B2B: Advantages and more

    CLOUD BASED SOLUTIONS B2B: ADVANTAGES AND MORE

    In this article you will find out more about cloud based solutions and how b2b businesses take advantage of them.

    In this article:

    1. Cloud based solutions B2B: Digital signage and more
    2. Cloud computing simply explained
    3. Cloud computing and the advantages for businesses
    4. Cloud server digital signage
    5. How safe are cloud services?
    6. Conclusion
    7. FAQ

     

    Cloud based solutions B2B: Digital signage and more

    Digitalization makes businesses rethink their working processes and also more flexible as well as adaptive. Cloud based solutions for businesses offer many advantages and strengthen the position of a company against its competitors.

     

    Cloud computing simply explained

    The term “cloud” is defined in many different ways. Most people see it as a way to get access to content without a required internet connection. Others point out the advantage that no storage space is needed. Simply explained, cloud based solutions give the possibility to location independently save data as well as to be able to get access to them location independently.

    Many people associate cloud based solutions with services such as Google Drive but the possible applications go further. Cloud based solutions even offer a location independently application, best example: Digital signage software. The cloud based usage of digital signage pursues the goal that businesses can display video and picture content without an internet connection. Other than that, businesses take advantage of provided servers. The storage of data is a good usage as well but the main advantage lies within the uncomplicated access to content and to show it to potential customers. Therefore, cloud based solutions not only offer a good way to save data but also to overcome communication boundaries with customers.

     

    Cloud computing and the advantages for businesses

    Switching to cloud based solutions means that businesses are given more advantages in the process of using and providing digital signage solutions. As the possibilities are not exclusively limited to save data, there are also advantages regarding costs and hosting.

     

    Better organization and more flexibility

    Cloud based solutions B2B provide a flexible as well as uncomplicated execution of applications within a service. The centralized data saving offers more safety when it comes to technical problems and is followed with fixing them fast thanks to the hosting service.

     

    Save data storage

    Worries regarding the safety of cloud computing are unjustified when you rely on a serious provider. Data management happens over a professional protected data center.

     

    Competition advantages and focus on competences

    Cloud computing means to automate processes and that makes it easier to implement further processes or new applications. That comes with advantages in competition with others and the automated processes enable a better focus on the core business. 

     

    Flexible display of media

    Cloud based solutions offer more flexibility, especially for digital signage software. Once the content is created, displaying it can easily be done with the help of cloud based solutions.

     

    Less costs

    More flexibility, less costs for human resources and uncomplicated possibilities to adapt come with less costs.

     

    Breakdown safety

    Cloud based solutions require maintenance work on a regular basis and meet high safety standards. The sudden loss of important data is therefore almost impossible to happen.

    Cloud based solutions B2B not only come with advantages regarding flexibility in data saving but optimize the whole working process of a company. Businesses save money, centralize working processes and come with benefits in competition with others.

     

    Cloud server digital signage

    Cloud based solutions for businesses are diverse and are available in many different fields. With digital signage software it’s also possible to use a cloud and display content easily. Through the central data saving, you have access to content every time you need it and you get your own individual access for registration.

    Thanks to cloud based digital signage solutions you won’t have to pay for establishing your own server and important updates as well as maintenance are done by the hoster. Because of that, maximum safety is provided and your focus is on the core business of your company.

    That comes with the possibility to provide cheap license and subscription models. Your own server and maintenance work are expensive – often, unexpected problems occur and you have to pay even more. Cloud solutions for digital signage businesses create a clear cost structure to good conditions.

     

    FRAMR. EASY AND INTUITIVE DIGITAL SIGNAGE SOLUTION

    Show digital media content on common displays like consumer or professional screens or even LED walls! That’s simple digital signage, and that’s how we support your work with FRAMR. The answer for easy and intuitive management and presentation of media content.

    FRAMR uses its own and safe cloud, based in the European union. It is supported by a connected Content Delivery Network (CDN) for safe delivery. We provide maintenance work and offer central data saving in exchange for fair subscription prizes. Our products connect with different devices and come with many advantages, starting from the amount of data you can save within the cloud to high quality resolution and powerful processors. Oor products are all GDPR compliant.

    Recommended reading → 7 underestimated advantages of business digitalization

     

    How safe are cloud devices?

    Many people argue that cloud based solutions aren’t safe when it comes to protecting data but you don’t have to worry about it. The communication between internet service and local disk is cryptic. Therefore, it’s safe from hackers. Other than that, cloud based solutions mostly require passwords which provides more safety.

    But there is no guarantee that you won’t lose your data. Weaknesses in programming may lead to the loss of data and average saved registrations might leave hackers a chance for a strike. Many people can’t figure out how safe cloud services are and that makes them worried the most – especially because cloud based solutions offer such good services makes people worried that something unknown might cause a bigger problem.

     

    How safe is FRAMR?

    When using FRAMR, you won’t have to worry about such problems. Our cloud system provides safe data administration and hosting as well as crypting working processes to prevent hacker strikes. We are responsible and want to offer safe solutions as well as we hold up to standards as we regularly finish required updates and do the maintenance work for you.

     

    Conclusion

    Cloud based solutions for businesses are an important factor in competing with others. Providers have many advantages because it makes organization easier and investing for server hardware is not necessary. But even consumers have advantages because being local independently as well as not being dependent on an internet connection provides the easy and uncomplicated service potential customers want.

     

    FAQ

    Below we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about cloud based solutions.

    What is cloud storage?

    Cloud storage is a computing model which saves data in a logical pool (cloud). That gives the possibility to get access to saved data without having to have an internet connection.

    How safe are cloud services?

    Data in a cloud is safe because the communication between server and local disk is cryptic. Unwarranted access is not possible because of safety standards and password requirements.

    What is resource pooling?

    Resource pooling describes the process in which providers of cloud software give many users access to their server.

    When is a cloud based solution GDPR compliant?

    Centralized data saving is GDPR compliant when users accept the terms of services and allow the processing of personal data.

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      Content Delivery Network: Definition, usage and advantages 994 537 Florian Friedl

      Content Delivery Network: Definition, usage and advantages

      CONTENT DELIVERY NETWORK: DEFINITION, USAGE AND ADVANTAGES

      What is a content delivery network and what advantages does it offer? We have the answers to frequently asked questions and compare the best providers.

      In this article:

      1. What is a content delivery network?
      2. The history of content delivery networks
      3. How does a CDN work?
      4. Operational areas
      5. Which of the following is an advantage of a content delivery network?
      6. Which of the following is a disadvantage of a content delivery network?
      7. Which providers are available?
      8. Finding the right CDN provider
      9. How much does a CDN cost?
      10. Conclusion
      11. FAQ

       

      The most important facts in a nutshell

      • Main purpose of a content delivery network is to provide and play content in very short time
      • A main server distributes content to replication servers
      • Some advantages of CDN are savings in costs, shorter loading times and failure safety

       

      Content delivery network: The smart solution for providing data

      Server overloading, long loading times and high costs – providing content comes with many challenges. To provide content easier and to relieve companies financially, there is a good solution: Content delivery network. But what is a CDN and what are the advantages? In this article we will answer all questions about how CDN works, advantages and which providers are available for businesses.

       

      What is a Content Delivery Network?

      A content delivery network, short CDN, is a network of computers that are linked together worldwide. Through the connection with a provider, a link to all CDN servers is created. The distribution of retrieved data is carried out by a central computer which transfers the saved data to a replication server. When users retrieve specific data, a request-routing-system ensures that the data is transferred through the most appropriate replication server. The only thing that matters here is proximity to the user – data is always provided by the replication-server which is the closest to the user to ensure a fast transfer of data. Namely, the goal of CDN is to reduce loading times and to save costs.

       

      The history of content delivery networks

      The history of the content delivery network leads back to the year 1998. After the internet became publicly accessible, the company Akamai Technologies introduced the first content delivery network. Transfer of data required much more time back then and technology wasn’t as developed as in 2022. The company knew that solutions to shorten this process were necessary. Already back in this time CDN followed the goal to provide content faster and to use bandwidth more efficiently.

      Although goals of usage were similar, CDN was primarily used for e-commerce, streaming and software downloads. Only with the growing relevance of mobile computing and cloud computing the usage of CDN expanded. They enabled the delivery of complex web content. That ultimately was conditioned that there were more CDN providers and the progress in this area got bigger as well. Nowadays, CDN is used in different areas, no matter if it’s streaming, e-commerce or providing content.

      The progress is most evident in the dynamic content. In principle, it is rather difficult to save dynamic content on a server because it’s individual. A good example is the cart of online shops which differs between the buyers. That makes it difficult to provide cloud saved content. Through routing paths there is still the opportunity to provide content of such processes via a CDN. In the future, there will be even more advantages in the field of dynamic content because businesses know how important individuality and usability are.

       

      How does CDN work?

      For functionality of CDN there are two important factors to make it work, one of them being the distribution system and the other one being the replication-server. The distribution system ensures that data is always up to date and that it will be transferred to replication servers. During this process the request-routing-system comes into play to make sure that user inquiries land on the right servers and provide content as fast as possible.

      The transmission process takes place via two possibilities. On the one hand, a content delivery network can distribute data directly to replication servers. Alternatively, the main server sends a message to servers so that content is retrievable everytime. The second opportunity guarantees a more efficient use of bandwidth because the main server has to process less data.

       

      Operation areas of content delivery network

      Many people associate using a CDN with improving performance of a website but this isn’t the only operation area for which a content delivery network can be used. Depending on the provider, there are different functions available, no matter if it’s getting access to content or expanding safety infrastructures.

      Businesses use CDN for providing content, streaming, e-commerce and improving performance of mobile websites. But there is one common goal all CDN providers aim for: Fulfilling requirements of a business. CDN indeed is a competitive factor because businesses that work most efficiently, will also reach the best and measurable results and successively improve their performance.

       

      Which of the following is an advantage of a content delivery network?

      • Reduced loading times
      • Less costs
      • Caching
      • Better usage
      • Reduced amounts of data
      • Failure safety
      • Improved referencing
      • More safety

       

      Reduced loading times

      The example of pictures for websites is evident for the strengths of CDN. Loading time is a relevant ranking factor for Google and even pictures have an impact on that. The right format, proper coding and the usage of CDN improve the loading times of websites because content is provided much faster.

      All of that works as follows: Websites pull pictures (or other content) from an origin server which is mostly located far away and therefore lengthens the loading times. CDN offers a good alternative because pictures are provided by the nearest server. Users claim this data from the server which provides pictures the fastest.

      Less costs

      With the usage of CDN, the origin server has to process less data through which expensive traffic is prevented and the amount of used bandwidth is reduced.

       

      Caching

      When data is requested, the content delivery network transfers a copy from the cache server which is the nearest to the user.

       

      Better usage

      Caching and the user friendly provision of retrieved data allows fast access through which the usage is improved. A CDN recognizes which data set is the most relevant for website visitors and loads this content already before the first interaction. That promises better user interaction during the interaction with a website.

       

      Reduced amounts of data

      CDN delivers data in compressed form. Because of that, data is delivered much faster and loading times are shortened.

       

      Failure safety

      The usage of CDN reduces the load of the main server. This distribution of loads across several sub-servers reduces the risk of downtime and any kinds of failures. This saves maintenance work, for which further costs are incurred.

       

      Improved referencing

      Providing content through a CDN happens faster, because they combine requested data to packages.

       

      More safety

      An often overlooked advantage is the aspect of safety. A CDN helps to protect the main server from virus attacks and other cyber threads.

       

      Which of the following is a disadvantage of a content delivery network?

      Using a content delivery network comes with many advantages but there are also disadvantages as well as challenges which a CDN (partly) can’t handle.

       

      No control

      Managing data on your own server comes with the advantage of having control over it. Through usage of a CDN, this advantage gets lost because data of a main server is distributed to a replication-server and customers have no impact on the processes. Providers of CDN might be reliable but when the rare case of disruptions and failures occur, customers can’t do anything about it.

       

      Dynamic content limit

      Individual customized content barely can’t be provided by a content delivery network. One example is the carts of online shops. Each customer places an individual order, therefore it’s not possible for a CDN to save data in a cache server.

      But even here there are solutions available, so called workarounds. CDN accelerates the data transfer and provides routing paths through which dynamic content can be delivered.

      Dynamic Content Limit

       

      Which providers are available?

      Competition in CDN is growing and there are many different providers on the market, each with their own advantages. To give you better insights, we have compared the following five providers:

      • Cloudflare
      • Fastly CDN
      • Microsoft Azure CDN
      • StackPath CDN
      • Amazon CloudFont

       

      Cloudflare

      Cloudflare is probably the most known CDN provider. Even when you’re not too familiar with the topic, you might have heard of this company, which partly has to do with its stock performance in 2021. The company is from the USA and is focused on improving performance of websites. as well as expanding security. This CDN is, for example, safe from DDoS attacks. Cloudflare also promises shorter loading times.

      Price-wise there are three different alternatives when using Cloudflare, a free plan as well as the pro and business variant. The pro variant costs 20 euros each month, the business version is 200 euros. In case you only want regular functions, the free plan will be enough. Other than that, you can choose from many additional functions as well as you can choose the individual customized enterprise content delivery network.

       

      Fastly CDN

      Fastly CDN promises what the name insists. The provider uses edge cloud computing to analyze and process data even faster. In addition to that, fastly offers the opportunity to compress pictures. In terms of safety, Fastly CDN is a very good choice – the provider is safe from DDos attacks and offers a web application firewall.

      Fastly offers a free test phase. After that you can choose from three different packages, namely enterprise, essential and professional. Information about prices is accessible after you have registered on the website of Fastly CDN. But very important: Fastly offers individual memberships for which the prices are determined by the used bandwidth and the amount of used file requests.

       

      Microsoft Azure CDN

      Microsoft is namely the first giant of this list and that promises high performance. Microsoft Azure is safe from cyber attacks and the capacity of distribution data is almost unlimited. Because of that, the provider is especially recommended for bigger businesses. This becomes clear when you take a closer look at the price: At first, registered businesses receive a 200 US dollar gift card for using the CDN, after that the prices are determined by individual needs.

       

      StackPath CDN

      The focus of StackPath CDN is speed, safety and control. According to disclosures of the provider, StackPath reduces latency up to 60 per cent and also improves the performance of websites, apps, games and streams. The prices are a shoutout to all competitors: Only 15 euros each month. However, pricing mostly depends on your individual needs.

       

      Amazon CloudFront

      Amazon is an empire and has been involved into many projects outside of e-commerce, including building their own content delivery network. The biggest strength of Amazon CloudFront is the individuality and the opportunities in programming for developers. During the first year Amazon CloudFront is free but only for data transfers up to 50 MB and 2 million requests within a month. After the free test phase ends, pricing depends on individual needs and wishes.

      There are many other providers for CDN, one of them being Google. Competition in this field is growing but all providers consider to offer safe as well as high quality solutions which make customers happy. Whatever CDN you will choose, all of them offer their own individual strengths.

       

      Finding the right CDN provider

      Choosing the right CDN provider depends on many different factors. Usage and advantages are primarily important because the different providers are all specialized and offer holistic solutions for specific fields. When comparing providers with similar range of services, price and quality of service matter the most. The providers from our comparison all offer fair conditions but differ in the amount of transferred data and focuses. Best you can do is to compare different providers and make your decision based on individual wishes.

      In Europe, the topic of data security is important which is why businesses should always have an eye on how to execute it. The providers from our list all consider data security based on European standards but taking a second look at more unknown providers is highly recommended to be safe and avoid expensive warning letters.

       

      How much is a CDN?

      Prices of a content delivery network vary and depend on the provider. Standard tarifs begin at about 15 up to 20 euros each month, business tarifs cost up to 200 euros each month. In addition, many providers base their pricing on the locations – in other words, the monthly rate is based on the region from which you run your business. But the amount of data transferred and individual needs are also taken into account in pricing.

       

      Conclusion

      The demand for using content delivery networks has soared in recent years, especially with the growing prominence of providers such as Cloudflare. Users have many advantages with CDN, one of them being the uncomplicated access to content through which loading times are limited and working processes become more efficient.

      But you shouldn’t underestimate the effort that comes with using a content delivery network at first. Also, businesses have less control over processes which are completed by a CDN. Therefore it is recommended to take a closer look at all the available providers and to check how they treat the topic of data security.

       

      FAQ

      Lastly, we will answer the most frequently asked questions about content delivery networks.

      What is Caching?

      The cache is a buffer memory that provides access to a background medium. It makes sure that the renewed access to data is faster and thus the loading times are reduced.

      What is a replication server?

      The process of replication describes the saving of the same data on many different servers. A replication server serves as a kind of distributor of data, which is transferred via a main server and forwarded to computers. Replication gives users the ability to access data quickly.

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        Sources

        https://www.computerweekly.com/de/definition/CDN-Content-Delivery-Network#:~:text=Eine%20Vielzahl%20von%20Unternehmen%20nutzt,f%C3%BCr%20eine%20Reihe%20weiterer%20Anwendungen.

        https://www.ionos.de/digitalguide/hosting/hosting-technik/was-ist-ein-content-delivery-network-cdn/

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