1.3 An Alternative Approach

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Overview of the benefits of an agile approach and how it succeeds over the traditional approach (particularly when coupled with open source).
Include: early feedback, lower risk, better ROI estimation, stake-holder involvement etc

The Advantages of an Agile Approach

An agile BI methodology is suitable for using on all kinds of BI projects. This

When used with an open source toolset an agile approach makes it possible to get feedback from a much large population of users and stakeholders.

A Methodology for Seasoned BI Practitioners

An agile BI methodology is suitable for using on all kinds of BI projects. This methodology uses the same tools, technologies, and concepts used all BI projects.

Is an agile BI methodology suitable for all BI projects? Almost certainly not. For example the concepts of agility do not mix well with fixed-price contracts. This methodology does not replace the traditional approach to BI projects but is a useful tool to be used when appropriate.

Nor does this methodology suggest that a data warehouse is not the most appropriate solution for a given situation.

A Methodology for Fresh BI Practitioners

In addition to the appropriate use of an agile BI methodology by seasoned BI practitioners there is another audience that will appreciate this methodology: people who are unfamiliar with any BI methodology.

This group of people includes those who work at companies that use BI tools but who were not deeply involved with the implementation because the outside services of the BI vendor or a systems integrator were brought in to implement the project.

It also includes people using open source BI tools. Open source BI tools are lowering the barrier to entry for many organizations, both large and small. Open source BI tools also bring BI capabilities to geographies and economies that cannot be served competitively by the companies behind the tools available in North America and Europe.