Loading Data into Netezza Using Create External Table

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punch_card.75dpi.rgbNetezza is a super-fast platform for databases… once you have data on it. Somehow, getting the data to the server always seems like a bit of a hassle (admittedly, not as big a hassle as old school punchcards). If you’re using Netezza, you’re probably part of a large organization that may also have some hefty ETL tools that can do the transfer. But if you’re not personally part of the team that does ETL, yet still need to put data onto Netezza, you’ve got to find another way. The EXTERNAL TABLE functionality may just be the solution for you. Continue reading

Talking Numbers: What is Your Quest?

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Monty Python and the Holy Grail Bridgekeeper

What is your name?

What is your quest?

What is your favorite color?

Arguably the most difficult skill for any analyst to learn is how to effectively communicate the numbers to the business. This act of translation is the most important moment in any analysis because it is when we, as number crunchers, get the buy-in (I know, corporate-speak) of people who actually do stuff with what we’re telling them (a.k.a. decision makers) … or not.

Tip for Translation: Remember the Dependent Variable

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