Features

Features

• Tableau or Qlik: What separates the data visualization tools?

  While leading data visualization vendors Tableau and Qlik may seem similar, there are substantial differences. Understanding the differences is key to making the right decision.  Continue Reading

• NLP makes augmented data discovery a reality in analytics

  BI vendors are increasingly using NLP technology to make their products work more like a web search, with simplified user interfaces and improved ease of use for customers.  Continue Reading

• Salesforce acquisition of Tableau likely to bring changes

  Since Salesforce's Tableau acquisition, many have wondered what will happen to Tableau's on-premises customers. Find out what industry experts have to say.  Continue Reading

• AI for BI at the heart of third-generation analytics

  Doug Henschen, analyst at Constellation Research, details in a Q&A some of the findings of his recent report on augmented capabilities in BI platforms.  Continue Reading

• AI at the core of next-generation BI

  AI is part of BI platforms, but this is only the start of a new analytics generation. In a Q&A, Constellation Research analyst Doug Henschen discusses AI tools in BI platforms.  Continue Reading

• NLP progress in BI and analytics slowed by language barriers

  Natural language processing shows potential in simplifying data access and deriving deeper insights, but NLP's strengths can be its weaknesses in reaching the Promised Land.  Continue Reading

• Intelligence as a service is key to nonprofit's urban planning

  Cobalt Community Research, a nonprofit organization based in Michigan, uses data collected and packaged by TruFactor for urban planning projects.  Continue Reading

• Data science storytelling emerges as top analytics skill

  Storytelling in data science is emerging as a critical skill to have in analytics. Without it, data-driven insights have a tendency to wither on the vine.  Continue Reading

• Flowhub provides cannabis industry with tailored BI platform

  With marijuana now legal in some form in more than 30 states, Flowhub is selling business intelligence software to an industry still in its early stages.  Continue Reading

• Data integration problems a hurdle companies must overcome

  Relevant data is hard for organizations to find, Talend CEO Mike Tuchen says. So is mining the right data amid the complexity that large data stores have created.  Continue Reading

• Talend CEO discusses importance of mining relevant data

  Enterprises can't do good business intelligence without good data. In the first part of a two-part Q&A Talend CEO Mike Tuchen talks about how hard mining the right data can be.  Continue Reading

• Domain-specific BI vendors gain foothold with expertise

  While leading BI vendors target large audiences with their analytics tools, many other companies target a single specialized industry and use their expertise to best serve users.  Continue Reading

• Tableau vs. Qlik Sense: Pros and cons of the BI tools

  Products from the two top data visualization vendors are starting to resemble each other as the need for strong visualizations and scalability in self-service BI has crystalized.  Continue Reading

• Museums and data: A powerful combination

  With more and more museums using data to inform their decision-making processes, visitors are reaping the benefits by enjoying a better user experience.  Continue Reading

• 5 augmented analytics examples in the enterprise

  Here are the top examples of augmented analytics uses that BI vendors support and enable, including data preparation, NLP-based querying and automated insights.  Continue Reading

• Phocas BI tool proves its value for manufacturers, wholesalers

  With its focus on the manufacturing and wholesale distribution industries, Phocas Software has carved out a niche for itself among other BI software vendors.  Continue Reading

• What's behind the Domo machine learning tool Did You Know

  Domo's Did You Know feature uses machine learning algorithms to automatically pull analytics information out of data sets for business users. Here's how it works.  Continue Reading

• Analyst forecasts the next big things in BI

  In a Q&A, Wayne Eckerson looks at the state of the business intelligence industry, and self-service analytics, and discusses what new innovations excite him about the future.  Continue Reading

• Enterprises that use data will thrive; those that don't, won't

  A data divide is growing between enterprises that embrace business intelligence and those that don't. It's the data elite that will survive, analyst Wayne Eckerson says in a Q&A.  Continue Reading

• Howard Dresner talks business intelligence trends

  In this Q&A, analyst Howard Dresner talks about trends in the business intelligence software market, industry consolidation and what excites him about analytics.  Continue Reading

• Today's top data pipeline management challenges

  IT executives say pricing models, agility and auditability are some of the biggest challenges they have faced in managing today's increasingly complex data pipelines.  Continue Reading

• AI in digital marketing powers hidden advertisements

  With AI in advertising and marketing, companies can provide potential customers with more personalized results, while also increasing engagement rates.  Continue Reading

• The direction of business intelligence is changing to forward

  Predictive analytics will be one of the key trends shaping the next generation of business intelligence platforms, as will the ability to share data.  Continue Reading

• Tableau vs. Power BI vs. Qlik: Comparing BI software choices

  Tableau, Power BI and Qlik Sense offer similar self-service BI functionality, consultant Rick Sherman says. But he points to some of their strengths and weaknesses.  Continue Reading

• Social media analytics best practices tempered by privacy laws

  Social media provides a fertile landscape of information and insight into consumer behavior, but collecting and analyzing that data carries all sorts of privacy pitfalls.  Continue Reading

• 6 tips for effective customer data mining

  Digging into customer data can improve sales opportunities -- but how do you balance that against data privacy concerns? Get insights from data professionals.  Continue Reading

• A future data scientist needs business, deep learning skills

  As automation grows, data scientists will focus more on business needs, strategic oversight and deep learning and less on model creation and other routine tasks.  Continue Reading

• Augmented BI tools speed insights with less manual labor

  Through AI, machine learning and NLP, augmented analytics reduces the manual labor of traditional BI work to more quickly and accurately locate and analyze relevant data.  Continue Reading

• Most in-demand data science skills include ML, Python

  Experts detail the skills employers want most in data scientists -- notably machine learning and programming languages -- and why often the most valuable expertise comes with time.  Continue Reading

• Data-rich organizations turn focus to ethical data mining

  As data analytics has increasingly become a core component of organizations' strategies, concerns have arisen around how data is mined. Experts offer tips.  Continue Reading

• Qlik Research head talks Associative Engine, NLP and Data Swarm

  Elif Tutuk, research head at Qlik, discusses projects her team is working on -- including a smarter Associative Engine, multi-attribute visualizations and NLP.  Continue Reading

• Yellowfin Signals delivers automated insights to BI users

  BI vendor Yellowfin's Signals tool automatically alerts users about changes in business data with an aim to broaden the use of analytics in organizations.  Continue Reading

• Analytics an uneasy balance between data collection and privacy

  In the age of GDPR and privacy regulations, attention must be paid to user privacy. Data management tools that employ AI as part of analytics can help achieve that.  Continue Reading

• 7 enterprise use cases for real-time streaming analytics

  Organizations are tapping into real-time streaming analytics to respond quickly to customers and provide a range of services. Learn how some companies are utilizing such platforms.  Continue Reading

• Augmented analytics tools, NLP search, graph are trending

  Augmented analytics, NLP and graph analytics are changing the data and analytics market, according to Gartner -- enabling users to more easily get at and share data.  Continue Reading

• 3 best practices for harnessing social media analytics data

  How can organizations leverage social media analytics data? Analytics professionals offer tips, starting with picking metrics that track to your goals.  Continue Reading

• What to consider when choosing big data file formats

  While JSON may be the go-to data format for developers, Parquet, ORC or other options may be better for analytics apps. Learn more about big data file formats.  Continue Reading

• Avoid turbulence when shifting to data analytics in the cloud

  When migrating BI and data analytics to the cloud, factor existing analytics processes, software evaluation, data protection and cost controls into a thoughtful plan of action.  Continue Reading

• Information Builders CEO on cloud-first approach, machine learning

  Information Builders' new CEO, Frank Vella, said the company's focus on cloud and machine learning will help it solidify a firm position in today's BI and analytics market.  Continue Reading

• New Information Builders CEO targets modern CX, development

  In Q&A, new CEO Frank Vella discusses how Information Builders is modernizing its WebFocus platform to make it easier to use and changing the vendor's internal culture.  Continue Reading

• Demand for data scientists is booming and will only increase

  Fueled by big data and AI, demand for data science skills is growing exponentially, according to job sites. The supply of skilled applicants, however, is growing at a slower pace.  Continue Reading

• IT managers look to deploy BI, analytics in the cloud

  More organizations plan to use cloud-based BI and analytics and focus on data governance and predictive analytics, TechTarget's 2019 IT Priorities Survey found.  Continue Reading

• AI, graph databases among top BI and analytics trends

  Leading trends in BI and analytics include machine learning, multi-cloud and graph databases. IT expert William McKnight details in a webinar how they'll affect enterprises.  Continue Reading

• Analytics trends we'll see in 2019

  BI and analytics software looks to evolve further in 2019, as tools will keep getting easier to use and more AI-powered technologies will augment user experiences.  Continue Reading

• Bolster citizen data scientists with support, training

  As more citizen data scientists take on work traditionally tasked to business analysts, organizations must consider how to support them. Start with a centralized data team.  Continue Reading

• 4 ways natural language querying in BI tools can benefit users

  Natural language queries help ease access to BI data and improve analytics insights. See how organizations are putting natural language querying techniques to work.  Continue Reading

• 5 tips for enabling citizen data scientists

  Self-service analytics tools are enabling citizen data scientists to dig deeper into BI than ever before. Experts offer insights into how to empower data democratization.  Continue Reading

• How the rise of augmented analytics tools affects BI vendors

  BI vendors are responding to interest in augmented analytics capabilities with simplified interfaces and features that allow for access to deeper insights.  Continue Reading

• Why data literacy skills still matter with augmented analytics

  Democratizing data analytics gives everyone access to tools and information, but data literacy is still required for analyzing data and delivering successful outcomes.  Continue Reading

• The benefits and challenges of augmented data discovery tools

  Augmented data discovery tools enable users to gain faster insights into data, via automated data prep and pattern discovery, but they aren't without their challenges.  Continue Reading

• Tips for creating curated data sets for self-service BI users

  Data curation initiatives can help streamline BI processes by reducing the amount of time users spend locating and preparing data. Get four tips for preparing data sets.  Continue Reading

• What the Tableau Hyper engine does and how it was developed

  Tableau's Hyper data engine boosts processing speeds in its BI and data visualization software. The lead engineers offer insight on what went into making Hyper work.  Continue Reading

• How Morgan Stanley scaled up Tableau self-service analytics

  Morgan Stanley wanted to empower users to make data-driven decisions. A Tableau analytics platform was the answer. The problem: introducing it to 30,000 users.  Continue Reading

• At Logi Analytics and Tableau, beta feedback drives creation

  Constructive commentary from software beta testing can help work out bugs and bring about new ideas, which BI vendors Logi Analytics and Tableau can attest to.  Continue Reading

• Data science teams use business ties to boost data knowledge

  To ensure that advanced analytics applications are relevant to business operations, data scientists are collaborating with workers who are experts on business data.  Continue Reading

• Augmented analytics, automated tools facilitate data analysis

  From Tableau to Google, vendors increasingly incorporate augmented and automated analytics tools into their software to speed analytics work and open it up to more users.  Continue Reading

• Options arise for expanding data scientists' skills

  Data science programs aren't just for universities anymore. Now, data scientists can turn to massive open online courses, online texts and other resources to boost their skill sets.  Continue Reading

• Qlik Sense and predictive analytics in education flag troubled students

  Using academic analytics and Qlik Sense, administrators at Virginia's Loudoun County public school district are looking to identify and help at-risk students faster and more accurately.  Continue Reading

• Reddit and the aspiring data scientist

  For amateur data scientists, Reddit provides the opportunity to post about personal projects, chat with like-minded people and get free advice from a large community.  Continue Reading

• Rising demand for business analytics education programs

  Colleges and universities are increasingly offering business analytics degrees. The graduates can help build IT and business capabilities of small and medium-sized organizations.  Continue Reading

• Heat map view sets table for food warehouse optimization

  Inspired by the vivid views of stadium heat maps, a Midwest food distributor worked with Information Builders to gain a better view of its supply chain workings. The result was a novel warehouse optimization system.  Continue Reading

• Streamlining predictive analytics in retail marketing

  Online flash-sale retailer Zulily uses BigQuery and Tableau to help power its predictive analytics, which, in turn, boosts its marketing efforts and ability to manage incoming data.  Continue Reading

• A look at the leading data discovery software and vendors

  Explore the data discovery software market, including the products and vendors helping enterprises glean insights using data visualization and self-service BI.  Continue Reading

• GPU implementation is about more than deep learning

  Simulmedia is using GPU technology to power reporting tools, while eyeing future deep learning applications, helping to justify the cost of the hardware while building experience.  Continue Reading

• Data-driven strategy grooms dog care franchise for growth

  Camp Bow Wow is growing its day care and boarding business for dogs with the help of a data-driven approach that's powered by a hybrid POS and Tableau system.  Continue Reading

• Choosing the right data discovery platform for the enterprise

  Obviously, cost and scalability factor into data discovery platform buying decisions, but other features, like visualizations and data support, should carry significant weight.  Continue Reading

• Understanding data discovery tools in the enterprise

  Data discovery tools, aided by the data discovery process, visualize and contextualize data for business users. They are essential for informed business decision-making.  Continue Reading

• Get the most out of your data, reap the benefits of BI tools

  The business intelligence software market is large, vibrant and evolving. Learn the ins and outs to make sense of the options and experience the business benefits of BI tools.  Continue Reading

• Rethinking analytics processes spurs enterprise innovation

  By taking a fresh look at the makeup of their analytics organizations, enterprises can innovate their business models and take advantage of digital disruption.  Continue Reading

• Diversified data sets for analytics deliver top results

  Analytics teams should focus on data diversity to ensure that their projects deliver the most meaningful insights -- but they must be wary of some stumbling blocks.  Continue Reading

• How to boost the value of BI in today's analytics landscape

  Basic BI reporting still gives businesses valuable information. But its value can be increased by incorporating it into a broader analytics and data visualization platform.  Continue Reading

• Mike Capone, Qlik CEO, says roadmap targets cloud, big data

  Qlik software must continue to evolve to keep pace with changes coming from cloud computing, big data and cognitive computing, says Qlik's new CEO Mike Capone.  Continue Reading

• New Qlik CEO Mike Capone outlines his business strategy

  Mike Capone, Qlik's new CEO, discusses recent layoffs and says the company needs to be more aggressive about touting its successes to avoid falling behind in the self-service BI market.  Continue Reading

• Qlik Sense vs. QlikView: How the two Qlik tools compare

  The differences between the two main Qlik software offerings may be small, but there are still some key considerations for potential customers to weigh.  Continue Reading

• Infographic: The evolution of the chief data officer role

  The CDO role, which has never been rigidly defined, is undergoing a face-lift as emerging technologies present new opportunities to enterprises.  Continue Reading

• Comparing the leading big data analytics software options

  This big data analytics tools comparison examines products from the leading vendors and provides insight into how you can differentiate between the various offerings.  Continue Reading

• Insights into buying big data analytics tools

  Before purchasing big data analytics software, companies must first identify their specific needs and then evaluate how the product features address those needs.  Continue Reading

• The benefits of using big data analytics software

  Tools for big data analytics have a lot to offer, and they come in many varieties. Get to know some of the ways business users and data scientists can use the software.  Continue Reading

• How SAS Enterprise Miner simplifies the data mining process

  The SAS Enterprise Miner data mining tool helps users develop descriptive and predictive models, including components for predictive modeling and in-database scoring.  Continue Reading

• Examining the Knime Analytics Platform for big data analytics

  Knime offers open source data analytics, reporting and integration tools, as well as commercial software that can help build more efficient workflows.  Continue Reading

• Machine learning platforms comparison: Amazon, Azure, Google, IBM

  The platform war over machine learning tools is heating up. Use our features comparison chart to see how four top vendors stack up and help you decide which is right for your enterprise.  Continue Reading

• A look at the IBM SPSS Modeler and IBM SPSS Statistics analytics tools

  The IBM SPSS Modeler and IBM SPSS Statistics predictive analytics tools help users and data analysts build predictive models and manage the analytics process.  Continue Reading

• Self-service BI software comparison: Tableau vs. Power BI, Qlik Sense

  Three software vendors have taken the lead in the market for self-service BI tools. This chart can help you sort out the differences between these common software applications.  Continue Reading

• Why physicists are a good fit for data science jobs

  With data scientists in short supply, physicists and other academic researchers from hard-science disciplines are increasingly finding places on data science teams -- and even leading big data analytics projects.  Continue Reading

• A look at SAP BusinessObjects BI suite

  SAP BusinessObjects BI platform provides users with self-service access to information to support the decision-making process. Find out what's different in version 4.1.  Continue Reading

• Exploring Microsoft Power BI SaaS analytics products

  Microsoft Power BI SaaS analytics lets users view their most critical data via a live dashboard, create interactive reports and access their data on the go.  Continue Reading

• Location-tracking system improves business efficiency

  For organizations in industries such as healthcare and trucking, analyzing data on the location and movements of employees is helping to streamline operations.  Continue Reading

• Use of analytics in sports media becomes contentious

  Analytics are gaining a high profile in sports media, but some fans and commentators say the stats just aren't what they're looking for.  Continue Reading

• Customer analysis a winning play for 'Candy Crush Saga' maker

  King Digital Entertainment was losing players of "Candy Crush Saga" at an early stage in the online game -- a problem it solved with help from a customer data analytics project.  Continue Reading

• Location-based analytics helps Wendy's find its way to new sites

  Most people remember geography class as a liberal arts concentration. But John Crouse of Wendy's is showing that geographic knowledge can make for a valuable pairing with statistical analysis as part of location intelligence efforts.  Continue Reading

• Author: Data mining projects depend on excavating meaningful data

  In a Q&A, book author David Nettleton offers advice on avoiding data mining pitfalls and pinpointing valuable business data to mine and analyze.  Continue Reading

• Businesses look for tech solutions to big data security issues

  The growing adoption of big data analytics applications is complicating data security challenges -- and creating a need for new security strategies.  Continue Reading

• Big data vendors should stop dissing data warehouse systems

  Wayne Eckerson examines the analytics roles of data warehouses and big data systems and says he's tired of data warehouse bashing by big data vendors.  Continue Reading

• Laws leave gray area between big data and privacy

  Laws on data collection and use remain foggy, leaving businesses to feel their way through big data and privacy laws.  Continue Reading

• Data collection practices spark debate on big data ethics, privacy

  The increasing emphasis on collecting and analyzing big data is driving a debate on whether tighter privacy rules are needed to protect customers.  Continue Reading

• Selecting the right SQL-on-Hadoop engine to access big data

  Rick van der Lans explains why it's important to evaluate the differences in the technologies that make it possible to access Hadoop data using SQL.  Continue Reading

• Kaiser Permanente VP prescribes bigger role for healthcare data analytics

  Terhilda Garrido is at the head of a heightened effort by health system Kaiser Permanente to use analytics to improve its patient care delivery.  Continue Reading

• Defining and using KPIs in a successful business intelligence system

  In this book excerpt, author David Loshin discusses how to select key performance indicators and turn data into actionable knowledge for BI success.  Continue Reading

• Five first steps to creating an effective 'big data' analytics program

  Choosing the right technology is only half the startup battle on "big data" analytics. Get a list of deployment tips from consultant Lyndsay Wise to help set your organization on the right path.  Continue Reading

• The importance and benefits of operational decision making

  In this section of 'Smart (Enough) System', you'll learn the importance of operational decisions and different strategies that influence decision making. You'll also read about key BI terms including business agility, strategic alignment and ...  Continue Reading