What is our primary use case?
From an integration perspective, normally, we're using SAP Data Services, however, I can only use it from an ETL perspective.
This is used to extract business content from the system. It's the tool that allows you to extract business consent and for purposes of business intelligence; businesses use it for legally reporting requirements.
How has it helped my organization?
There is what you call a subsystem, however, the data within stuff itself is not flexible so that you would be able to use tools like Power BI with it as it is. In order to use Power BI tools and so on, you need data to be in a certain layout and to be extracted in a certain structure. This tool allows you to do that.
What is most valuable?
Having different ways of extracting data has been very useful. We can extract data at a table level, extract data at the ETL level, and we can extract data at an ODP level.
The solution is very stable.
It's a user-friendly product.
The deployment is quick and it's straightforward to set up.
What needs improvement?
They could make it easier to work with web services. They need to make things like connecting to Google Databases, and so on, easier. They also have a data connection layer. If you could connect to those web-based data mixes with other vendors, web vendors, that should help.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Glitches are very, very few and far between. It's very user-friendly. I won't complain much there.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
We've found the solution to be scalable.
We have five or six people who are data analysts who use it.
There are no plans to increase usage with their current model of work.
How are customer service and support?
Whenever we needed technical support services it's been there for us, however, we hardly have ever needed support.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We did not use a different solution.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is very easy. It takes about a day for implementation and setup.
You only need one person to handle deployment and maintenance tasks.
What about the implementation team?
We used a consultant to assist us with the implementation process.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
I cannot speak to the exact cost of the solution, however, in terms of if you look at the consulting fee, and you work up debt on a yearly basis, it might be $50,000 USD. There aren't additional costs beyond the standard fee.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
We did look at Informatica as well before choosing this solution.
What other advice do I have?
We are end-users. We provide services for the customer. I would not necessarily be the customer. I would provide services on behalf of the customer.
We've installed what we call a specific DDI. We use a hybrid setup.
I'd advise new users to know the product more before they implement it. It's important to be familiar with it before you commit.
I'd rate the solution at a nine out of ten in the environment in which it's used, which is the best tool. In an environment where you've got theft as a source and you've got many targets, there are very few solutions that can match it.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Hybrid Cloud
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
