Final answer:
The principal tools and technologies for accessing information from databases to improve business performance and decision-making are data warehouses, data marts, Hadoop, in-memory computing, and analytical platforms. Data warehouses and data marts provide centralized repositories of integrated data, while Hadoop enables distributed processing of large datasets. In-memory computing allows for faster data access, and analytical platforms provide advanced analytics capabilities.
Step-by-step explanation:
Data warehouses: Data warehouses are centralized repositories of integrated data from different sources. They store large amounts of historical and current data that can be used for analysis and reporting. Data warehouses are designed to support decision-making activities and improve business performance.
Data marts: Data marts are subsets of data warehouses that focus on specific business functions or departments. They contain a smaller, more focused set of data and are designed to provide quick and easy access to specific information for decision-making purposes.
Hadoop: Hadoop is an open-source framework that allows for the distributed processing of large datasets across clusters of computers. It is designed to handle big data and provides scalable and reliable storage and processing capabilities.
In-memory computing: In-memory computing refers to the storage of data in the main memory (RAM) of a computer, rather than on traditional disk storage. This allows for faster data access and analysis, which can significantly improve the performance of business applications and decision-making processes.
Analytical platforms: Analytical platforms are software tools and technologies that provide advanced analytics capabilities. They enable organizations to analyze large amounts of data, uncover patterns and insights, and make data-driven decisions. Analytical platforms often include features such as data visualization, predictive analytics, and machine learning.