

Knowledge of relational and multi-dimensional database schemas.Experience using Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS).Experience using the SQL Server 2008 Business Intelligence Development Studio (BIDS).Six months to one year of experience using SQL Server 2008.Two to three years of experience using SQL Server 2005 BI components.One to two years of experience working with the Microsoft.The prerequisites that Microsoft recommends for those who want to take this exam are: The availability of this set of tools transforms the role of a student from a programmer of data mining algorithms (doing low level IT) to a business intelligence analyst.The 70-448 exam is meant to be taken by those who are responsible for creating business intelligence (BI) solutions by using Microsoft SQL Server 2008 for their organizations. Such a platform allows faculty to provide a comprehensive coverage of the topic with practical hands-on experience. As a result, students are expected to gain a conceptual understanding of data mining and the application of data mining algorithms for the purpose of decision support. The platform allows faculty to focus on teaching the analytical aspects of data mining and the usage of algorithms through practical hands-on demonstrations, homework assignments and projects.

Our intention is to highlight the capabilities of the platform to faculty currently teaching a business intelligence course and are interested in expanding their teaching portfolio to the data mining area with hands-on exercises and projects. The purpose of this tutorial is to provide a hands-on approach on how to utilize SQL Server 2008 Business Intelligence platforms to teach a senior level data mining methods class in an Information Systems program. Data mining is an emerging field of study in Information Systems programs.
