Figure 1 shows two types of data, both of which are extracted from two different source systems. The data is stored in its raw, unaltered form just inside BW in what we call the Persistent Staging Area. The BW 2.0 approach to using an operational data store. From there, the data is transformed while it is transferred to the ODS layer. This step is the most important one because the system demands convergence on one common data definition here.
Similar convergence is possible for all subject areas.
Note that the customer can define the common data definition or use SAP's definitions. Actually, SAP delivers more than just data definitions. You can use BW as an analytic platform against PeopleSoft HR data, I2 supply-chain data, or Siebel CRM data, for example. After the system consolidates the data into subject areas according to one common data definition, the data can move on to our InfoCubes or you can merge it with data from other subject areas. Figure 1 shows delivery data being merged with billing data to create one consolidated ODS file that can serve to verify that all deliveries have been invoiced, for example.