May 2012

Sponsored by MongoDB

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NoSQL databases are becoming more prevalent, but their possible bole in BI is misunderstod. This paper focuses on MongoDB, a leading document-oriented, NoSQL database, to understand how this technology can be applied to BI and positioning it in a new architectural vision of pervasive support for decision making. Two current customer examples round out the paper, showing what is currently possible. 

Abstract

Business Intelligence (BI) is traditionally associated with the relational model and SQL as a query language. This linkage is understandable from an historical perspective. It is also at best restrictive and in some cases downright misleading. SQL queries and relational databases are, without doubt, at the heart of core business data integration and consistency across the enterprise. But the emergence of big data demands that we expand our perspective.

Modern business requires flexibility and agility in its use of information. It is no longer possible in all cases to know the long-term direction and outcome of any initiative. But, data must still be managed. NoSQL databases, and the document-oriented variety, in particular, promise this desirable combination of features. In this paper, we examine MongoDB, one of the leading document-oriented databases, to understand how this emerging technology can be applied to BI. And we explore the positioning of such technology in the new architectural vision of pervasive support for decision making.

Two current customer examples round out the paper, showing what is currently possible, both in Web-centric businesses and in a more traditional telecommunications environment. The conclusion is not only that NoSQL has a role in BI; rather, that in some key areas of business need and data processing, document-oriented NoSQL offers a powerful alternative and extension to the traditional relational approach.