Wednesday October 2009

Integration of information from diverse sources in support of business needs is one of the key challenges currently faced by information services groups. Historically, data have been stored in stand-alone databases designed to support specific information requirements. While this strategy was optimal for the core user groups, it limits the re-use of the information and prevents the realisation of synergies obtainable from combining diverse data sources. If we are to obtain the maximum value from our data we need to develop both dynamic and static strategies that support the integration of data sources. The established approach to data integration traditionally involves some form of data warehousing and the building of formal ontologies, taxonomies, indexes, etc. This presentation illustrates with case examples a number of different approaches that have been used at Pfizer. In addition, it considers whether there may be an alternative approach and what we can learn from Web2.0 culture.