Rating: 
Summary: Inability to communicate
Review: The ability of the author's to communicate is about the worst I've come across. Anything by Kimball is more understandable and readable. Also, by way of comparison, Ken Henderson, of SQL Server Guru fame, knows how to write. These people don't. The lack of practical application is striking, and you will not "Master Data Warehouse Design". Any concept introduced is never exemplified, and the amount of contradictory statements is off the charts. Note how I've failed to show examples from the book to back up my statements, well, they're entire book is like that. Do yourself a favor and read Kimball's texts, at least he can communicate.
Rating:
Summary: Inability to communicate
Review: The ability of the author's to communicate is about the worst I've come across. Anything by Kimball is more understandable and readable. Also, by way of comparison, Ken Henderson, of SQL Server Guru fame, knows how to write. These people don't. The lack of practical application is striking, and you will not "Master Data Warehouse Design". Any concept introduced is never exemplified, and the amount of contradictory statements is off the charts. Note how I've failed to show examples from the book to back up my statements, well, they're entire book is like that. Do yourself a favor and read Kimball's texts, at least he can communicate.
Rating:
Summary: Dimensional modeling misinformation
Review: This book claims to "be a cutting-edge response to Ralph Kimball's challenge to the data warehouse community that answers some tough questions about the effectiveness of the relational approach to data warehousing" and claims to "Address head-on the tough issues raised by Kimball in his open letter". TOTAL FICTION: the author did not respond to nor address the issues raised in Kimball's letter.Chapt 13 which claims to be a comparison of the two approaches is quite biased to the Inmon methodology. I guess that goes without saying given the author's association. A much better comparison can be found in a recent article in Intelligent Enterprise called "Difference of Opinion". In my experience, the Inmon EDW methodology on it's own does not guarantee success. It must be used as a source for a proper Kimball Dimensional Warehouse. And even then, business sponsors will either be fired, quit, or change responsibilities by the time a first increment of an Inmon data warehouse goes to production. In summary, this book adds little to the DW body of knowledge.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent Reference for Data Warehouse Design
Review: This book is a must read for anyone exploring or undertaking a data warehouse. It discusses the many issues regarding a data warehouse and balances the views authored by both Bill Inmon and Ralph Kimball. As the former publisher of DM Review magazine I have worked with many of the experts in data warehousing and have found that Claudia Imhoff is one of the best in the industry. Claudia is excellent at articulating and presenting the key issues and critical information that is essential to gain a firm understanding for data warehousing. She presents the theory behind the concepts which has been lost by many in the industry. At DM Review, I tried to get Ralph Kimball and Bill Inmon to debate the many issues behind data warehousing and data marts with little success. Bill Inmon was open to the debate but Ralph was not. Claudia is able to look at both viewpoints and separate what really matters between them. The major premise that still holds true today is that a data warehouse is essential to any organization that is trying to make tactical and strategic decisions. It should be built in an iterative fashion and should be the foundation for the creation of data marts. This book should be a key reference for anyone building a data warehouse.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Resource for all Data Warehouse Developers
Review: This is an excellent book for all Data Warehouse Designers and Devleopers. The book makes the Corporate Information Factory a reality and provides the details to build the Corporate Information Factory or Data Warehouse. This is a must read for all individuals who are involved in designing or building a Corporate Information Factory or Data Warehouse. Practical, userful information on using Relational and Dimensional Techniques for building the Corporate Information Factory or Data Warehouse. Bridges the gap between the two approaches and does it well. The Reader will see how both techniques can best be used to build Data Warehouses and Data Marts.
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