Fusing Storage and Computing for the Domain of Business Intelligence and Analytics -- Research Opportunities

With the growing importance of external and shared data, the set of requirements for Business Intelligence and Analytics (BIA) is shifting. Current solutions still come with shortcomings, esp. In multi-stakeholder environments where sensitive content is exchanged. We argue that a new level in the evolution of BIA can be unlocked by tearing down the barriers between storage and computing based on upcoming storage technologies. In particular, we propose a revitalization of ideas from object-oriented databases. We present results from a joint project that aimed at delineating design options for BIA solutions built upon this idea. The paper outlines the interplay of various architectural layers from storage to business with an object-oriented platform at its core. By doing so, we mark the way for further research, outline a novel design of BIA solutions, and illustrate the consequences of low-level infrastructure innovations on the business layer.