[.ca] The Data Warehouse Lifecycle Toolkit: Expert Methods for ... (ISBN 0471255475)

From Amazon.com:
In The Data Warehouse Lifecycle Toolkit, authors Ralph Kimball, Laura Reeves, Margy Ross, and Warren Thornthwaite present a structure for undertaking the awesome task of implementing a data warehouse. As part of a rather select group of professionals actually experienced in building data warehouses, the authors attempt to convey their expertise about how to approach the job. The book focuses on the "Star Lifecycle"--a high-level project-planning approach to evolving existing information systems into an ever-changing data-warehouse solution. --Stephen Plain

Very good, but not a one-stop shop for Data Modellers:
PROS - Offers invaluable advice based on the authors' experience so that you don't need to re-invent the wheel or make the same mistakes they made (and subsequently learned from). - Most useful for Project Managers/DBAs; less so for Data Modellers. CONS - I purchased this book on the assumption that it offered a comprehensive treatment of all stages of the Data Warehouse project lifecycle (as the cover would lead you to believe). However, it does not offer a comprehensive treatment of Dimensional Modelling. For this, the book actually assumes you have read Kimball's former book - "The Data Warehouse Toolkit - The Complete Guide to Dimensional Modeling" (which provides a full treatment and practical examples for several industry sectors). - I did not like the writing-style. If the authors would have omitted all text like "we believe.." and "in our experience..." I'm sure the book wouldn't have used 800 pages. CONCLUSION This book has remained by my side throughout the project lifecycle, giving great guidance and pointers to help manage the project optimally. However, if you are responsible for Data Modelling, you will also need to buy "The Data Warehouse Toolkit", thereby doubling the overall cost.

Too much of nothing:
I found the book too big with too much of useless text. You will go through pages and pages wondering where is the substance? The CD attached to the book is of no value. The same author has a much better book ('The Data Warehouse Toolkit"), which has no CD but a lot fewer pages and much more substance.

The definitive guide to DW Project Management!:
You won't find anything better on DW Project Management. Covers everything from introduction to the subject, essential concepts through to recommended and proven industrial practices with checklists. You MUST read this book from cover to cover before attempting to start a DW project. It could make the difference between project success and failure. If you are going to be involved in implementing a DW rather than only managing the project then it's definitely worth getting one of Kimball's other books (DW Toolkit/Data Webhouse Toolkit), which cover lower level aspects of designing and implementing a DW, although there is some overlap.

Definitely not Recommmended for Anybody:
Sorry to say! But I'm a student specializing in Data warehousing and Ralph Kimball is certainly not getting to any point in The Lifecycle Toolkit! 1. He gives to many unstructured examples! 2. He never gets to the point! 3. Ralph restates and contradicts himself again and again! 4. He could have summarized the book in 100 pages ( but then would not have made any $$$) 5. The book might just discourage most people from Data warehousing! And the list can go on and on! Sorry Ralph better luck next time

A 'must' for any corporate DW project:
This book describes a methodology (process) for building DWs - this helps in managing the project and alleviates project risk, especially in corporate settings. Many DW contractors are reluctant to follow any type of methodology ("lifecycle reluctance") - these are the ones that take twice/thrice as long to finish the projects. Being paid per diem, they make more with delays and extensions (a moral hazard). Excuses include - they have an "eclectic" or "best of breed" approach that is unique to each implementation, therefore no defined & documented process methodology. You simply cannot build complex systems without a well-defined methodology.