The idea behind a complete separation between Data Processing and Analysis is to minimise the cost of the total solution. Data processing is normally a centralised function which is carried out by few units within an organisation. It requires co-ordination and is normally carefully scheduled. Furthermore, the complexity and variety of the IT-environments in which data processing has to be carried out make high demands on the tool to be used.

On the contrary, data analysis is performed by many individuals in a more or less ad-hoc fashion and at diverse times depending on the information needs of the particular decision maker. The technical computer environment on which the tool is utilised is also much more predictable and stable. As analysis directly depends on data processing, the operating conditions of the former are completely define by the latter and therefore shielded from technical complexities.

Consequently, the research and development costs related to the creation of a data processing tool are in general relatively much higher compared to the costs involved in the creation of a data analysis tool. The size of the intended audiences is also very different. By fully separating data processing from data analysis, the monetary cost of the investment is better distributed within the organisation according to the required functionality. Ideally, to cover the Business Intelligence needs of any organisation, it would be enough with one licence of Quella Creator and as many licences of Quella Cognitus as the number of decision makers that need direct access to the generated information.

Furthermore, the separation between Data Processing and Analysis allows the deployment of Business Intelligence Solutions using different configurations.

The One-to-One configuration is the typical desktop configuration. In this case, both Quella Creator and Quella Cognitus are installed and run on the same computer and they are operated by a single user. This type of configuration is suited for small companies, consultants and analysts.

The One-to-Many configuration is the ideal enterprise configuration. In this case, Quella Creator is installed and run on a central server with access to all the necessary data sources and it is typically only operated by IT-personnel. On the other hand, Quella Cognitus is installed and run on a number of different computers and it is operated by decision makers and/or business oriented users. This type of configuration is suited for organisations with the need to centralise data processing and report creation.

The Many-to-Many configuration is an advanced enterprise configuration. In this case, Quella Creator is installed and run on several servers and it is only operated by IT-personnel. On the other hand, Quella Cognitus is installed and run on a number of different computers and it is operated by decision makers and/or business oriented users. This type of configuration is suited for organisations where the volume or the distribution of the data makes it difficult or undesirable to centralise data processing and report creation.

See also:

• Quella Business Intelligence Solution
• Quella Creator
• Quella Cognitus