Business Intelligence Overview

Integrated platform. Building on SQL Server 7.0 and SQL Server 2000, SQL Server 2005 delivers an end-to-end business intelligence platform with integrated analytics including online analytical processing (OLAP); data mining; extract, transformation, and load (ETL) tools; data warehousing; and reporting functionality. This comprehensive, integrated approach helps enable organizations to seamlessly build and deploy robust business intelligence applications while controlling costs.

Improved decision making. Advancements to existing business intelligence features, such as OLAP and data mining, and the introduction of a new reporting server provides enterprises with the ability to transform information into better business decisions at all organizational levels, from the information worker to the CEO.

Security and availability. Scalability, availability, and security enhancements help provide users with uninterrupted access to business intelligence applications and reports.

Enterprise-wide analytical capabilities. An improved ETL tool enables organizations to more easily integrate and analyze data from multiple heterogeneous information sources. By analyzing data across a wide array of operational systems, organizations may gain a competitive edge through a holistic understanding of their business.