A BI Architecture has the following components,
Source System ( Raw Data ) –> ETL –> DWH ( DMart ) –> BI Platform ( MicroStrategy )
Source System:
The source system could be an OLTP ( Online Transactional Processing ) system or other systems or files that capture or holds the data. The key point of BI is to provide the end users an analysis from the data/information that we have.
ETL:
Extract –> Extract the raw data from source to a staging area. Cleanse/Profile the data.
Transform –> Transform the data ( if any transformation/calculation to be done )
Load –> Load the data into the DWH or Datamarts
DWH:
Typically an Online Analytical Processing (OLAP) system where we do analysis with the data that we have. Making use of the data that we have ( in short )
BI Platform:
BI platform could be of any tool ( MicroStrategy / Actuate / Qlikview / Business Objects / Crystal Reports ). But MicroStrategy being a leader in market for several years & they spend lots of money on Mobile based solutions ( iPad / iPhone / Androind / Blackberry / Etc ) which is far far better than any of the tool that they offer. Quite flashy and appealing to the end users is what i would say than the other BI tools.
This is how the Business Intelligence Architecture is all about. Hope it helps!!
Have a Good Day!!