The analysis layer is key to addressing business questions that users must answer. File Management Collaboration requires interactive analysis and knowledge sharing. A report requested by one user is valuable when it is shared with other users to gain their insight and ideas. The recipients should be able to continue the analysis initiated by the original author. In this way, the analysis process becomes an interactive exchange.
Many users can pursue different analysis paths from a common starting point.
To meet the challenge of providing interactive analysis of a data warehouse, users must have access and be able to change their copy of the logic used to create the report. A sophisticated server-based file management system is required to support user collaboration at this level. The liberal sharing of information and collaboration among users on the Intranet immediately raises data security issues. The data warehouse should be viewed as one of the enterprise's most valuable assets. Data must be secured, but if too tightly controlled, the value of the warehouse will never be fully realized.