Name: Microsoft Power BI
Brand: Microsoft
Rating: 4.0 (331 reviews)

it_user6414

CEO at a tech company with 51-200 employees

May 6, 2013

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Great wizard that is valuable in designing and implementing complex queries

Pros and Cons

"Automated reports can be generated using SQL Reporting and Analysis in XML and PDF formats which are easier to read and understand."

"The installation requirements are quite demanding and only computers with relatively high processing power and large primary memory are able to run some SQL Reporting and Analysis tools."

What is most valuable?

• SQL Reporting and Analysis services provide me with a suitable way of analyzing queries and data objects. • Automated reports can be generated using SQL Reporting and Analysis in XML and PDF formats which are easier to read and understand. • Reports can be generated on demand using Reporting Services or can be delivered based on a subscription.

What needs improvement?

• Reporting and analysis tools require additional skills rather than basic database programming such as Reporting Definition Language which may be a challenge for inexperienced developers. • The installation requirements are quite demanding and only computers with relatively high processing power and large primary memory are able to run some SQL Reporting and Analysis tools.

What other advice do I have?

I'm a big fan of the Report Server Project Wizard which comes with the development studio - very helpful as I become more advanced in BI. I find such help valuable in designing and implementing complex queries as well making it look simpler.

Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.

it_user4524

Founder & Principal Architect at a tech services company with 1,001-5,000 employees

Feb 28, 2013

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Most complete business intelligence suite for the least money

Pros and Cons

"Microsoft SSAS is one of the best BI suites on the market."

"Price of the SQL Server bundle is potentially cost prohibitive for smaller businesses"

Valuable Features:

Microsoft SSRS is a fantastic means for end users to access, run, and schedule delivery of reports. - Core functionality is simple to use for business users of all skill levels - Report models even allow end users to adjust their own reports using a model of your data - Report builder provides an even easier method for users to build their own reports - Report data can even be scheduled for periodic delivery with the report data as an attachmentMicrosoft SSAS is one of the best BI suites on the market. It is also one of the least expensive, and the features bundled rival competitors with prices many more times as expensive. - This feature is one of the most exciting areas of database technologies today - Very powerful and relatively easy to use when compared to other Bi suites

Room for Improvement:

- Active Directory authentication requires an additional login for users without Internet Explorer - Learning curve behind any business intelligence package is quite steep - Price of the SQL Server bundle is potentially cost prohibitive for smaller businesses

Other Advice:

I am quite passionate about the SQL Server suite of tools, and am a fervent user of SSRS. I use SSAS less, only because I am focused more on administration and have not moved into the SSAS space - yet. I am looking to head into the BI arena later on this year, and SSAS is my BI suite of choice!

Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.

it_user4014Developer at a tech consulting company with 51-200 employees

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Jul 28, 2013

Hi Kleegeek !

Nice to read your review, while I was reading it I noticed some of the points which you might still not be aware of. Let’s analyze those;

SSRS: SSRS is a good reporting tool, but mostly it is used for static reporting, detail level reports, it doesn't provide the ability to dynamic dashboard with drill up / drill down options unless you define Action Item for each text box.

Microsoft provides Dynamic Dashboard with PPS or Power View where End-User can change the layout of the dashboard or grid on the fly, add different measures at rum time.

SSAS: The biggest selling point of Microsoft BI is its powerful Multidimensional Model, some of us known it as "Cube". With a craftily designed OLAP Model you can leverage the End-User to perform deep data analysis.

I would like to disagree with you on the point, that cost is the only selling factor or Microsoft BI, because QlikView and Tableau are both very cheap if you compared them with Microsoft BI, and they both provide nice dashboard and charts.

The selling point of Microsoft BI is its architecture and ability to handle the needs of enterprise requirements. In smaller industries QlikView and Tableau gives really tough time on pricing.

Regards,
Hasham Niaz

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reviewer1514799

Project Business Analyst RPA at a consultancy with 11-50 employees

Aug 22, 2021

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Compatibility with different databases, complete tool, helpful technical support

Pros and Cons

"The most useful features are the ability to connect different databases to Microsoft BI and explore them. Once the database information has been extracted, you have the ability to construct indicators and dashboards from the information."
"Microsoft BI is a complete tool, it has all the functions needed for its purpose."

"The solution could improve by simplifying the user interface and adding integration or compatibility with APA."
"The solution could improve by simplifying the user interface and adding integration or compatibility with APA."

What is our primary use case?

We use Microsoft BI primarily for analyzing data to construct indicators and dashboards. We use the information to better understand our business to make effective decisions about our business for the future, such as keeping competitive with other companies.

What is most valuable?

The most useful features are the ability to connect different databases to Microsoft BI and explore them. Once the database information has been extracted, you have the ability to construct indicators and dashboards from the information.

Microsoft BI is a complete tool, it has all the functions needed for its purpose.

What needs improvement?

The solution could improve by simplifying the user interface and adding integration or compatibility with APA.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Microsoft BI for many years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The solution is stable.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The solution is scalable. We are able to see the users and the capability from the cloud platform.

How are customer service and technical support?

Microsoft provides good technical support.

How was the initial setup?

The installation is easy. However, there are many options and areas to configure that can be difficult.

What other advice do I have?

I would recommend those wanting to use this solution to take some courses to at least learn the minimal knowledge to analyze and construct indicators. This is a very powerful tool and if you understand it you can get the most out of it.

I rate Microsoft BI a nine out of ten.