A view of BI (part 2)

Ask a group of IT specialists (especially BI specialists) what is meant by Business Intelligence and you will probably get a different answer from each person. Some will take a very narrow view and focus on, perhaps, the backend database technology, a single reporting application, or even a specific way to analyse data. Others take such a broad remit in their definition of BI they include everything that could conceivably put information into the hands of the workforce irrespective of where the information comes from.
Ask business leaders what they want of BI (a subtly different question) and they have a much more focused set of requirements:
A single view of the truth
All of the information needed to manage a business when and where it is required
Low (perceived) complexity of solution, that is, a ‘single’, integrated solution.
And low-cost!
Business is looking for a swan solution, something to glide majestically past, looking the business and delivering the goods, but they do not necessarily care that below the water there is a pair of ugly feet kicking for all they are worth.
One of my tasks for 2006 is to design a better swan, one with nice legs.