Not only will these servers allow the user to access immense pools of data, but they will also allow them to do so in a fraction of the time (ICFAI, 2004).

Finally, it is also very likely that in the near future the very "number driven" data warehouses (numbers being the de facto definition of data), may become capable of "recognizing" text and even multi-media as data (Orr, 2000). Clearly, the implications of this are enormous -- both theoretically, as well as in the practical realm.

Conclusions:

Data warehouses are without question one of the most powerful technologies to impact the world of data management. The simple fact is that knowledge is power -- especially in the business world. Without a good way to access all of the available data produced or related to a given enterprise, many key decisions and operations may be made in grave error. Although most data warehouses have yet to fully exploit the world of "real time" data, or even today's expanding definition of data, they are still tremendously powerful, if not indispensable. One can only imaging that even smaller companies may soon be able to utilize this amazing technology as development prices eventually fall. It may even be possible one day for data to be accessible by any authorized individual at any time. Should that day come, data warehouses would have definitely paved the way.

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