On The Market:

Kalido Dynamic Information Warehouse Version 7

Kalido Group, the global information integration software provider, has launched KALIDO Dynamic Information Warehouse Version 7 (KALIDO 7) to enable a real-world global view of enterprise management information in a changing business environment. The information integration software features state-of-the-art business modeling, new reference data management capabilities, Internet-based remote control, and extended support for e-business standards such as J2EE, SOAP, .NET, XML and Web services.

According to IDC: "The world of today is characterized by constant change, and getting data that is correct, complete, current and consistent is becoming increasingly difficult. In order for a company to have an efficient and successful business intelligence and reporting system in place, having a unified perspective of the company's data is imperative. Without an overview of the entire business, the ability to make sound decisions is lost." [Source: "Information Integration in the Global Enterprise," by Christina Steensboe, published on www.kalido.com/products/whitePapers/whitepaper.asp?wpID=33

The KALIDO 7 solution delivers a global view of the business for performance management through two major information integration functions. The software provides a flexible data warehouse capability that integrates data from operational systems and it manages a master set of definitions of the operational data (reference data management). These capabilities enable the software to provide a unified perspective of products, customers and organizations without having to standardize on any one coding structure across the enterprise.

With its new, state-of-the-art business modeling tools, KALIDO 7 software provides unlimited perspectives of the operational data for business analysis. This feature provides a more in-depth view of the enterprise's complex business models than standard analytical tools, which are restricted to the finite perspectives that OLAP (online analytical processing) provides.

With its adaptive architecture, KALIDO 7 software allows data structures to be changed as often as business structures do, without the costly re-engineering that would be required with traditional integration attempts. Kalido Group's independently-audited models show that a KALIDO installation can deliver an initial manpower cost saving of 35 per cent, plus a further 55 per cent saving in ongoing annual maintenance costs when compared to similar costs for a standard data warehousing solution.

The new reference data management features in the KALIDO 7 solution includes multiple versioning capabilities combined with new security and audit controls. This means users can run now reports based on the information views they need without affecting the published version of the master reference data. Furthermore, a new 'future publication' facility allows changes to reference data hierarchies in advance of the 'go live' date, avoiding the significant downtime that would be required in alternative integration approaches.

Additional features in KALIDO 7 software include Internet-based remote management from any PC for improved control and lowered costs. KALIDO 7 software uses the most up-to-date standards including SOAP, XML, J2EE, COM, XML and .NET to facilitate ease of access across the world. This flexibility enables the software to be managed from any location in the world. The use of open standards also allows it to be extended or customized as a definitive source of information for other business applications, such as Web services.

Chris Broe, head of Information Applications and Architecture Group at Unilever, said: "The reference data management and data modeling capabilities of KALIDO Dynamic Information Warehouse have helped us to significantly improve the quality and consistency of brand, supplier and customer information. We have been pleased to offer our input to these enhancements, which we expect to give us even greater insight into Unilever's international business."

Cliff Longman, chief technology officer of Kalido Ltd, added: "KALIDO 7 software enables companies to operate effectively on a global playing field by giving them accurate, top-level management information to optimize business performance. The KALIDO 7 solution provides in-depth views of customers, products and suppliers from multiple perspectives, affording detailed insight into the real world in which business operates. This represents a major step forward for corporate intelligence."

"Managing a consistent view of information about business entities such as customers and products is critical for global organizations," said Henry Morris, vice president of Applications and Information Access at IDC. "KALIDO Dynamic Information Warehouse Version 7 incorporates significant innovations for managing this key reference data, preserving the changes in versions over time. This consistent view of information can be leveraged not only by business intelligence tools for improved reporting, but also for driving consistent policies across operational systems."