• Oracle Data Integrator ODI
• Informatica Power Center
• IBM InfoSphere DataStage

The existing traditional mainstream ETL tool and the previous one have been functioning without problems but the concept of a self-documenting tool that provides a common framework and shared metadata repository was a compelling alternative. This tool was already in use in our shop in a limited way so it begged the question on whether it could serve an expanded role.

Advice: Before choosing any tool it is best to do your homework and compare features to competitors and test the tool in a real life volume scenario. Software is never what its advertised from any vendor. Don't take other's word for it, especially if they have a vested interest in you using the tool. I know of testimonials about this tool and others that are based on wishful thinking and not reality. Caveat Emptor my friends. So the real question is how far off is it and does it have show stoppers that will prevent it's use in your environment? Fail to take this precaution at your and your organization's peril.

I have used SSIS, Information Builders' Data Migrator and home grown SQL Server stored procedures. If I was to order these solutions in terms of ROI they would be:

1. WhereScape RED

2. SQL Server stored procedures

3. SSIS

4. Data Migrator

Yes, we evaluated Ab Initio and Informatica as well, but chose RED for its ease of use and the portability it offered. Several members of our team had a wealth of Ab Initio experience, and yet still recommended selection of WhereScape RED for our project.

SSIS, BO Data Services, Oracle stack, Cognos

No.

Yes, we looked at various traditional ETL packages as well as other Data Warehouse automation tools. We chose WhereScape over traditional ETL for reasons noted previously and chose WhereScape over other automation tools because it appeared to be the most mature of these solutions.

We considered many alternatives including only using SSIS and SQL Server to build the entire warehouse.