Today's business environment is much more computer-based than it was in recent years, and as such, the technology and systems used by businesses large and small require frequent updates and improvements. One of the services that is needed by many companies, particularly in today's increasingly technology-dependent commercial environment, is a data warehouse. Most companies handle vast amounts of raw data, and a data warehouse is an important tool to allow users to consume this data in a form that is useful to them. In order to make informed decisions about various aspects of their business, administrative personnel need to see the information they require presented in a concise, organized format. Data warehouse services are crucial not only for information storage, as the name implies, but also to organize raw data and send it to various decision support systems for consumption by end users.One important provider of data warehouse services in South Africa is Business Connexion.

Their SQL data warehouse administrators are able to help clients to improve the manner in which they organize data, and create meaningful data cubes and reporting engines. Data reporting is only useful if the data is organized in such a way that it makes sense to those who are consuming it, and companies need effective reporting to increase their revenue, reduce their costs, increase profit margins, and ensure the satisfaction and loyalty of their customers. For example, if data regarding a specific ad campaign is compiled into a useful format, it can help administrative personnel determine whether the campaign was worth the expense, how customers reacted to it, and whether it had a direct effect on revenue. Effective data warehouse services include data visualization, such as graphs and charts, which everyone in the company should be able to understand. Clear, concise and simple representations of data, whether graphical or verbal, enable decision-makers within the company to gain a better understanding of key performance indicators; this in turn creates an environment in which decisions are made more quickly and effectively, and everyone understands why a specific decision was made.

Business Connexion also stores data in a security-enhanced web environment, where chosen administrative personnel can access, create and monitor reports, and analyze data according to new or existing parameters. Business Connexion was founded over thirty years ago; now, they are one of the primary providers of information and communications technology (ICT) in South Africa. In addition to data warehouse services, they provide a wide variety of other ICT solutions including data centres, human capital management (human resources and payroll-related solutions), optimization services and more. Though they started in South Africa, their client base is expanding to include countries in Africa and Europe, and an ever-increasing number of people rely on it for business each day; for example, in December of 2010, Business Connexion processed just over 160 million recharges for their telecommunications clients, and their software supports 138 South African car-rental companies, with a total of approximately forty thousand customers per month. More information about the products and services they offer can be found at their website, www.bcx.co.za.