Two main options exist in terms of bringing WhereScape RED into an existing data warehouse environment:
- Rebuild tables and procedures with WhereScape RED.
- Integrating existing tables and procedures into WhereScape RED.
Both options require manual coding changes to stored procedures. The main advantages and disadvantages of these two options are discussed below, and in detail in the following sections.
Rebuild
The rebuild option is essentially a redevelopment of the existing data warehouse utilizing the knowledge acquired in the initial development and the rapid development capabilities of WhereScape RED. A rebuild will take more time and effort than just integrating existing tables and procedures but will provide a better platform on which to extend the data warehouse. Refer to Rebuilding for details.
Integrate
Existing data warehouse tables can be identified to WhereScape RED. The tables are seen and can be managed to a degree. The main disadvantage is the increased difficulty in utilizing these tables when trying to extend the data warehouse. This option is however significantly quicker and easier than a rebuild. Refer to Integrating for details.
The decision as to which option to choose will depend on the size and complexity of the existing data warehouse. Another important factor is the degree to which the existing data warehouse is to be extended. If future enhancements revolve around new analysis areas that have little overlap with the existing environment then a integration may be the best answer. If the data warehouse is small and relatively simple than a rebuild may be worth considering. In any event, the best plan may be to do a test integration and then re-evaluate the situation.