The New Business Intelligence
To make the right decisions, businesses need to digest huge quantities of historical and real-time data. New data processing technologies – and new architectures that push useful analysis to managers on the front line – are spreading the benefits of business intelligence across the enterprise.
Big Data
Business intelligence systems typically operate on SQL data. So-called Big Data consists of unstructured stuff, such as Web clickstreams
or system logs. Often, domain experts – rather that BI experts – use data visualization tools to interact with Big Data and determine
whether patterns exist that might justify further analysis via conventional BI means. 
Conventional Business Intelligence
The heart of most businesses' intelligence systems is the data warehouse, where extract, transform, load processes bring in data from
transaction systems and enterprise applications. In most cases, a BI specialist translates user requirements into the reports and
analysis users need.
Operational Business Intelligence
Business intelligence reports, packed with historical information, frequently help guide long-term business strategy. Operational BI has a
shorter horizon – tapping into real-time transaction systems to provide a clear view of what's happening right now and allow
line-of-business managers to react quickly as part of the business process.
