Ryan - Some more thoughts for your consideration. 1. Consider studying Data Warehousing. These tools are deliberately made easy to use, so shouldn't take much effort, but understanding how to design a star schema will make data more accessible to any tool. A good start can be had at http://www.ralphkimball.com <http://www.ralphkimball.com> and http://www.billinmon.com <http://www.billinmon.com> 2. In spite of the versatility of these tools, sometimes they can't do everything, particularly in the ETL phase. Consider learning a tool like perl to fill the gap. 3. There are ways to learn about a tool without operating it. Find a group like this dedicated to the tool. Try to locate user groups. See if you can get a manual. 4. Once you've learned quite a bit about the tool, contact the local sales rep for these tools and describe your desires. Use your winning charm. Let them know you are sincere to have learned what you are able. They may have some creative suggestions for you. Maybe let you sit in the back of a training class, or slip you an old manual they are ready to toss. Offer volunteer labor. It is in their best interest to have trained technical people available
Dennis Williams DBA Lifetouch, Inc. [EMAIL PROTECTED] -----Original Message----- Sent: Saturday, January 17, 2004 10:44 AM To: Multiple recipients of list ORACLE-L informatica? Something affordable. These are hot right now and I'd like to learn how to use them. I cant find anything on the web. -- Please see the official ORACLE-L FAQ: http://www.orafaq.net -- Author: DENNIS WILLIAMS INET: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Fat City Network Services -- 858-538-5051 http://www.fatcity.com San Diego, California -- Mailing list and web hosting services --------------------------------------------------------------------- To REMOVE yourself from this mailing list, send an E-Mail message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (note EXACT spelling of 'ListGuru') and in the message BODY, include a line containing: UNSUB ORACLE-L (or the name of mailing list you want to be removed from). You may also send the HELP command for other information (like subscribing).