Sun and Sybase set reference architecture for 25-plus terabyte data warehouses

The iForce Enterprise Data Warehouse Reference Architecture focuses on 25-plus terabyte enterprise data warehouse applications with benefits that include reduced system complexity, low-risk, rapid deployment and highest possible performance through the optimal integration of best-of-breed Sun and Sybase system elements. This Reference Architecture has been demonstrated with Sybase Adaptive Server IQ Multiplex on a mix of Sun's UltraSPARC II and UltraSPARC III-processor based servers, specifically, the new Midframe Sun Fire servers and the Midrange Enterprise servers, as well as the StorEdge T3 arrays and the new Sun StorEdge 9900 series storage systems and the Solaris 8 Operating Environment, providing investment protection for Sun's existing customers.

Specific proven performance highlights for the iForce Enterprise Data Warehouse Reference Architecture include:

• Scalability: largest known data warehouse benchmark - 25 terabytes, 56 billion rows
• Storage cost reduction: 25 terabytes vs.100 terabytes if stored by other databases
• Faster query speed: 10 to 1,000 times faster than traditional databases
• Reduced deployment time: 25-plus terabyte data warehouse set up in days rather than weeks

This radical boost in data warehousing capability significantly expands the ability of data warehouse users to base queries on years, rather than months, of data. A large European telecommunications service provider, for example, has informally estimated that this Reference Architecture would enable it to analyse customer data collected over two years as opposed to six months compared to other solutions currently under consideration.

Sun and Sybase developed the iForce Enterprise Data Warehouse Reference Architecture as an extension to a customer proof-of-concept project undertaken for Nielsen Media Research. Nielsen Media Research, most widely known for its television programme viewer ratings, is specialised in providing consumer behaviour and demographic information to advertisers, broadcasters and consumer product marketers. The ability to deliver customer value from their vast, ever-growing warehouses of data is the very essence of Nielsen's business.

Reference Architectures are part of Sun's iForce Initiative, which brings together Sun systems, software, services and leading iForce partners to create and deliver solutions that help customers leverage open systems and network-based technology to improve business processes. The main benefit of the programme lies not so much in specific hardware and software product combinations, but in documentation and real-world test bed systems that give Reference Architecture customers proof of how an architecture will meet their needs, either as is, or though integration of alternative hardware and software elements.

By defining optimal solutions in advance, Reference Architectures help customers speed deployment, provide the maximum achievable performance, and reduce service and maintenance costs over the life of the infrastructure. Each Reference Architecture includes detailed sizing and implementation guides, which simplify design, buying decisions and implementation.