What is this course about?

The course gives attendees an introduction to Microsoft's business intelligence strategy and software tools. After taking this course, attendees will have a clear understanding of the use and purpose of each of the Microsoft business intelligence components, including SQL Server database, Integration Services, Reporting Services, Analysis Services, SharePoint, Excel and PerformancePoint Server.

Who will benefit from this course?

Anyone who is involved or interested in planning, monitoring, analyzing or implementing business processes using Microsoft Business Intelligence tools benefits from this course, including technical analysts, managers, enterprise architects and system designers and developers.

What background do I need?

This is a software tools course. This course is designed for the technical analyst. Basic database knowledge with any relational database and a background in IT are assumed.

What is SharePoint Server 2007?

Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 (MOSS) is the upgraded version of Microsoft Office SharePoint Portal Server 2003. SharePoint Server 2007 offers workflow functionality, extensive integration with Microsoft Office products, ASP.NET 2.0 compatibility and many other enhanced features. It allows an organisation to organise data in a centralised, web-based application.

What is SQL Server?

SQL Server is Microsoft's full-featured relational database management system (RDBMS) with support for robust server-side development and data replication.

What is PerformancePoint Server 2007?

Microsoft Office PerformancePoint Server 2007 is an integrated performance management application that allows for monitoring progress, analysing variances, and planning from budgets to reports. PerformancePoint uses metrics, key performance indicators (KPIs), and reports delivered to every desktop through intuitive scorecards, dashboards, and the easy-to-use 2007 Microsoft Office system environment.

I have heard that Microsoft is discontinuing PerformancePoint. Will the coverage of PerformancePoint on this course have any value?

Microsoft is not discontinuing the features and functions that PerformancePoint offers, but merely integrating the features of PerformancePoint into SharePoint. PerformancePoint will cease to exist as a separate product, because its functionality will be integrated into the next version of SharePoint. This course will help you make use of those features when they become available through SharePoint.

What is the difference between this course and Course 901?

This course focuses on the specific Microsoft tools for resolving business intelligence solutions. Course 901, Introduction to Business Intelligence: Designing a Successful BI Programme, is a high level overview of why and how to implement Business Intelligence in your organisation. It is not as technical or tools-specific. Course 901 targets the business analyst and manager.

Do I need to have experience working with Business Intelligence solutions to be successful in this course?

Some experience with the tools will help, but you do not need to have specific experience implementing Business Intelligence solutions to succeed in this course. A basic understanding of your business and the type of information you would like to glean from your systems is all the Business Intelligence experience that you need.

How much time is spent on each topic?

How much time is spent on the hands-on exercises?

Approximately 40% of the course is devoted to hands-on exercises, allowing you to gain practical experience implementing Business Intelligence solutions with the Microsoft toolset. Exercises include:

• Reviewing a finished BI solution
• Creating a KPI within a cube
• Publishing an Excel workbook to SharePoint
• Building a scorecard with Dashboard Designer
• Forecasting trends with data mining techniques
• Designing a dashboard in SharePoint

Why should I take this course instead of one offered by Microsoft?

Learning Tree is dedicated to helping accelerate the careers of our clients by providing them with world-class technology and management training. Our independence from Microsoft (and every other vendor) allows us to give an unbiased view of what works and what does not. This course is objective in its approach, having been developed independently from Microsoft by industry experts who bring their real-world experience to the classroom.

How does this course relate to other Learning Tree courses?

Learning Tree offers a number of courses that will help you expand upon the knowledge gained in this course and further your skills in several key areas. Those courses include:

• 538, SharePoint® 2007 Technologies: A Comprehensive Hands-On Introduction 
• 134, SQL Server® Integration Services: Hands-On 
• 523, SQL Server® 2005 Reporting Services: Hands-On 
• 131, SQL Server® 2005: A Comprehensive Hands-On Introduction 
• 137, SQL Server® 2008: A Comprehensive Hands-On Introduction 
• 296, Project Management: Skills for Success 
• 315, Developing User Requirements: The Key to Project Success