Data Integration Myth #5: Because this project will benefit the business users, there's no need to market it to them.

It's tempting to ignore this. However, the promise of business results is what gets a project staffed and implemented; therefore, an internal awareness and marketing campaign is essential. Even after the project is approved and budgeted, it's important to get business sponsors, users and IT staff excited and involved. Your data warehouse might be viewed as successful, but the budgets can still be cut because of the business perception that it is "good enough."

Meet with your business users and sponsors to determine the perception of your data warehouse program and future expectations. You may need to deliver presentations, workshops or training sessions that sell the business benefits of the data warehouse program in the context of your industry and company.