The data are not designed for a particular application but to accommodate the needs of the business. These needs include traditional query and reporting, as well as the newer technologies of multidimensional analysis and data mining. Query and multidimensional analysis use the verification approach. A question is asked and a result is presented for verification. This approach can minimize the need for additional specialized databases.
Data mining uses a discovery approach.
Data are analyzed based on sets of algorithms and user criteria rather than a question. The resulting information is presented to the user for further analysis. Data for mining could come from a data warehouse or other data sources. The results of data mining could actually be used to help populate a data warehouse. Last, and perhaps most important, is intelligent product integration.