24 Tools in One?
Everyone needs a hand from time to time working with SQL Server. There are a lot of things to keep track of, and when things happen that you need to investigate, you need tools that will help you dig down into the system and see what’s up. This is where the Idera SQL Server Toolbelt comes in. Have you seen this? It’s an amazing array of tools – from moving databases to managing jobs to re-indexing, managing logs and a lot more, the tools are all there – and for less than $500, you get them all. It’s a great way to be prepared and ready for anything with SQL Server. Get more information here.
Development Methodologies Applied to BI Situations?
How do you work through BI-oriented projects? I was talking with Scot Reagin today and he was talking a good deal about how they approach working through projects with customers, figuring out what’s needed and how they get going on a new (or modifications to an existing) project.
Something that struck me as we were talking was that the methodology they use is much like several of the code development project methodologies out there. Iterative development cycles as you circle, refine, update, deploy… (sort of like lather, rinse, repeat). Scot was saying that, essentially, it was important to not bite off more than you can digest on each pass through your reporting or overall BI projects. It makes more sense to roll-out a basic solution, then refine, tune and update that project.
How do you approach these types of more end-user oriented projects? Do you find yourself trying to define and deploy "the whole enchilada" or are you more of a "start here, then we’ll go through a process of continual improvement/updates…" type of person? I think we tend toward over-exuberant expectations for BI projects, expecting to get so much out of the initial project that the data pulled out and the presentation of that data gets goofed up because there’s just too much there. Stepping back, trimming back and focusing on things piece by piece can really make a difference.
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