# Best Business Intelligence Software - 2026 Reviews & Pricing > Find the best Business Intelligence Software for your organization. Compare top Business Intelligence Software systems with customer reviews, pricing, and free demos. Source: https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/qlikview-profile --- [Home](https://www.softwareadvice.com/) / Business Intelligence Software Software Advice offers objective insights based on verified user reviews and independent product and market research. When our advisors match you to a software provider, we may earn a referral fee. # Best Business Intelligence Software of 2026 Updated June 12, 2026 On this page 1. FrontRunners 2. Popular Comparisons 3. Buyers Guide 4. Related Software Filter products 664 results ### Compare Products Showing 1 - 25 of 664 products #### Company Size - Self-Employed - 2-10 - 11-50 - 51-200 - 201-500 - 501-1000 - 1000+ #### Pricing Options - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ ### Compare Products Sort by **Recommendations**: Sorts listings by the number of recommendations our advisors have made over the past 30 days. Our advisors assess buyers’ needs for free and only recommend products that meet buyers’ needs. Vendors pay Software Advice for these referrals. **Reviews**: Sorts listings by the number of user reviews we have published, greatest to least. **Average Rating**: Sorts listings by overall star rating based on user reviews, highest to lowest. **Alphabetically (A-Z)**: Sorts listings by product name from A to Z. [Better Reports](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/better-reports-profile/) Better Reports is a web-based SaaS tool that provides powerful analytics for popular apps. Businesses can get instant access to...[Read more about Better Reports](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/better-reports-profile/) **4.9** ([169 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/better-reports-profile/reviews/)) Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Shopify Stripe +3 more +2 more +1 more Better Reports's Best Rated Features 5.0Real-Time Reporting See All Better Reports's Worst Rated Features 4.33Dashboard See All [ImportYeti](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/importyeti-profile/) ImportYeti is a US Bill of Lading data platform that offers information on suppliers of any US company. The platform retrieves d...[Read more about ImportYeti](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/importyeti-profile/) **4.9** ([206 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/importyeti-profile/reviews/)) Free trial Free version ImportYeti's Best Rated Features 4.83Search/Filter See All ImportYeti's Worst Rated Features 4.39Alerts/Notifications See All [Germain UX](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/germain-apm-profile/) Custom Platform to increase Adoption, Conversion and Retention, at a fraction of the cost. Germain UX helps Monitor, Analyze, I...[Read more about Germain UX](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/germain-apm-profile/) **4.8** ([129 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/germain-apm-profile/reviews/)) Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations WordPress Shopify +9 more +8 more +7 more [TradeInt](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/tradeint-profile/) TradeInt is a global trade intelligence platform that provides access to detailed international trade data and analytics for bus...[Read more about TradeInt](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/tradeint-profile/) **5.0** ([43 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/tradeint-profile/#reviews)) Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations 247connect +0 more +0 more +0 more TradeInt's Best Rated Features 5.0Natural Language Search See All TradeInt's Worst Rated Features 4.75Strategic Planning See All [Prisync](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/prisync-profile/) In the dynamic landscape of e-commerce, stay steps ahead with Prisync's advanced competitor price tracking software. Eliminate t...[Read more about Prisync](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/prisync-profile/) **4.8** ([129 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/prisync-profile/reviews/)) Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Shopify +0 more +0 more +0 more Prisync's Best Rated Features 4.89Competitor Price Tracking See All Prisync's Worst Rated Features 4.33Multi-Store See All [Lebesgue](https://www.softwareadvice.com/email-marketing/lebesgue-profile/) Are you spending your marketing budget effectively? Which products or channels bring in the best long-term customers? What are c...[Read more about Lebesgue](https://www.softwareadvice.com/email-marketing/lebesgue-profile/) **4.9** ([43 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/email-marketing/lebesgue-profile/reviews/)) Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Shopify Meta for Business +7 more +6 more +5 more Lebesgue's Best Rated Features 5.0Predictive Analytics See All Lebesgue's Worst Rated Features 3.67Keyword Tracking See All [Dreamdata](https://www.softwareadvice.com/marketing/dreamdata-io-profile/) Dreamdata is a B2B Attribution Platform. You know marketing drives revenue - now you can prove it with numbers you'd stake your ...[Read more about Dreamdata](https://www.softwareadvice.com/marketing/dreamdata-io-profile/) **4.8** ([55 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/marketing/dreamdata-io-profile/#reviews)) Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations HubSpot CRM Pipedrive +15 more +14 more +13 more Dreamdata's Best Rated Features 5.0Multi-Channel Attribution See All Dreamdata's Worst Rated Features 4.50Conversion Tracking See All [ClearPoint Strategy](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/clearpoint-strategy-profile/) ClearPoint, the world’s first integrated strategy reporting system, makes it easy to keep teams throughout your organization foc...[Read more about ClearPoint Strategy](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/clearpoint-strategy-profile/) **4.8** ([52 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/clearpoint-strategy-profile/reviews/)) Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Trello Microsoft Excel +8 more +7 more +6 more ClearPoint Strategy's Best Rated Features 4.75KPI Monitoring See All ClearPoint Strategy's Worst Rated Features 4.30Strategic Planning See All [Informer](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/18672-informer/) Entrinsik Informer is a business intelligence tool that is designed for business and IT professionals. Key features include a da...[Read more about Informer](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/18672-informer/) **4.8** ([57 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/18672-informer/reviews/)) Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Box Universe +2 more +1 more +0 more [Alteryx Designer](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/alteryx-profile/) Alteryx Designer is a desktop-based self-service data profiling, preparation, blending, and analytics product used to create vis...[Read more about Alteryx Designer](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/alteryx-profile/) **4.8** ([102 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/alteryx-profile/reviews/)) Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Tableau Microsoft Azure +3 more +2 more +1 more Alteryx Designer's Best Rated Features 5.0Data Cleansing See All Alteryx Designer's Worst Rated Features 3.50Data Visualization See All [SmartPM](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/smartpm-profile/) SmartPM is an AI-driven Automated Project Controls™ and Schedule Analytics solution built for construction. From handling intr...[Read more about SmartPM](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/smartpm-profile/) **4.9** ([46 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/smartpm-profile/reviews/)) Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Procore Tableau +6 more +5 more +4 more SmartPM's Best Rated Features 4.94Project Tracking See All SmartPM's Worst Rated Features 4.33Task Management See All [Google Cloud](https://www.softwareadvice.com/compliance/google-cloud-platform-profile/) Google Cloud is a suite of cloud computing services that allows businesses to build, deploy, and scale applications. The platfor...[Read more about Google Cloud](https://www.softwareadvice.com/compliance/google-cloud-platform-profile/) **4.7** ([2287 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/compliance/google-cloud-platform-profile/reviews/)) Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Google Docs Google Drive +30 more +29 more +28 more Google Cloud's Best Rated Features 5.0Virtual Server See All Google Cloud's Worst Rated Features 3.96Role-Based Permissions See All [Reach Reporting](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/reach-reporting-profile/) Upgrade to Reach Reporting. AI-Enhanced Financial Reporting Automated reports, deep analysis, and visualized data in seconds, ...[Read more about Reach Reporting](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/reach-reporting-profile/) **4.9** ([34 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/reach-reporting-profile/reviews/)) Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations QuickBooks Online Xero +4 more +3 more +2 more Reach Reporting's Best Rated Features 5.0Access Controls/Permissions See All Reach Reporting's Worst Rated Features 4.67Accounting See All [Competitors App](https://www.softwareadvice.com/competitive-intelligence/competitors-app-profile/) Competitors App is a business intelligence tool that allows users to monitor and analyze competitors' marketing strategies. The ...[Read more about Competitors App](https://www.softwareadvice.com/competitive-intelligence/competitors-app-profile/) **5.0** ([24 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/competitive-intelligence/competitors-app-profile/reviews/)) Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Slack Zapier +1 more +0 more +0 more [800response](https://www.softwareadvice.com/marketing/800response-profile/) 800response is a lead generation solution that helps businesses of all sizes streamline operations across call monitoring, routi...[Read more about 800response](https://www.softwareadvice.com/marketing/800response-profile/) **4.8** ([61 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/marketing/800response-profile/reviews/)) Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Microsoft Excel +0 more +0 more +0 more 800response's Best Rated Features 4.63Call Recording See All 800response's Worst Rated Features 4.63Call Recording See All [MongoDB](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/mongodb-profile/) MongoDB is a data platform that combines operational data, vectors, and streaming data within a unified database system. It is d...[Read more about MongoDB](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/mongodb-profile/) **4.7** ([469 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/mongodb-profile/reviews/)) Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Microsoft Excel Tableau +7 more +6 more +5 more MongoDB's Best Rated Features 4.68Multiple Programming Languages Supported See All MongoDB's Worst Rated Features 4.35Database Conversion See All [Phocas](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/phocas-profile/) Phocas is a SaaS platform designed to help mid-market businesses in manufacturing, wholesale distribution, and retail make data-...[Read more about Phocas](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/phocas-profile/) **4.7** ([134 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/phocas-profile/reviews/)) Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Microsoft Excel Google Analytics 360 +42 more +41 more +40 more Phocas's Best Rated Features 4.89Scheduled/Automated Reports See All Phocas's Worst Rated Features 4.17Visual Analytics See All [ALPHA ERP](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/489594-alpha-ERP/) ALPHA ERP is an integrated administrative and accounting software that includes point-of-sale functionality. It is designed for ...[Read more about ALPHA ERP](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/489594-alpha-ERP/) **4.7** ([43 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/489594-alpha-ERP/#reviews)) Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Google Drive WhatsApp +6 more +5 more +4 more ALPHA ERP's Best Rated Features 5.0Financial Management See All ALPHA ERP's Worst Rated Features 4.0Integrated Business Operations See All [Klips](https://www.softwareadvice.com/marketing/klipfolio-profile/) Klipfolio Klips is a powerful dashboard and reporting platform designed to help small and mid-sized businesses grow, align teams...[Read more about Klips](https://www.softwareadvice.com/marketing/klipfolio-profile/) **4.7** ([192 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/marketing/klipfolio-profile/reviews/)) Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Google Drive Slack +88 more +87 more +86 more Klips's Best Rated Features 4.86KPI Monitoring See All Klips's Worst Rated Features 4.14Data Import/Export See All [OWOX BI](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/owox-profile/) OWOX BI is a leading data democratization platform. \* Democratization is about zero learning curve: auditable access, well-know...[Read more about OWOX BI](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/owox-profile/) **5.0** ([18 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/owox-profile/reviews/)) Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Google Analytics 360 Meta for Business +3 more +2 more +1 more [Bob Finance](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/191104-Mosaic/) HiBob Finance is a strategic finance platform that provides real-time financial analytics and planning. The platform caters to a...[Read more about Bob Finance](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/191104-Mosaic/) **4.8** ([57 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/191104-Mosaic/reviews/)) Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations QuickBooks Online ADP Workforce Now +21 more +20 more +19 more Bob Finance's Best Rated Features 4.86Profit/Loss Statement See All Bob Finance's Worst Rated Features 4.0Functions/Calculations See All [Kyvos Semantic Layer](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/240610-Kyvos/) Kyvos is a semantic layer for AI and BI. It gives organizations a single, consistent, business-friendly view of their entire dat...[Read more about Kyvos Semantic Layer](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/240610-Kyvos/) **4.8** ([37 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/240610-Kyvos/#reviews)) Free trial Free version Kyvos Semantic Layer's Best Rated Features 4.80Dashboard See All Kyvos Semantic Layer's Worst Rated Features 4.17Forecasting See All [Geckoboard](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/geckoboard-profile/) Effortlessly create and display real-time TV dashboards with Geckoboard. Tailored for busy team leads and managers, Geckoboard...[Read more about Geckoboard](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/geckoboard-profile/) **4.7** ([123 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/geckoboard-profile/reviews/)) Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations PayPal Slack +71 more +70 more +69 more Geckoboard's Best Rated Features 4.86Drag & Drop See All Geckoboard's Worst Rated Features 4.0Customizable Branding See All [Quantive StrategyAI](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/gtmhub-profile/) Quantive believes every organization possesses the inherent ability to achieve greatness. But it only happens when you have the ...[Read more about Quantive StrategyAI](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/gtmhub-profile/) **4.7** ([90 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/gtmhub-profile/reviews/)) Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Slack Trello +62 more +61 more +60 more [Similarweb](https://www.softwareadvice.com/website-optimization/similarweb-pro-profile/) At Similarweb, we help businesses make smarter decisions in the digital age. Whether it’s understanding your competitors or unco...[Read more about Similarweb](https://www.softwareadvice.com/website-optimization/similarweb-pro-profile/) **4.6** ([260 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/website-optimization/similarweb-pro-profile/reviews/)) Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Salesforce Sales Cloud Google Analytics 360 +5 more +4 more +3 more Similarweb's Best Rated Features 4.83Keyword Research Tools See All Similarweb's Worst Rated Features 3.33Social Media Monitoring See All 1 [2](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/?page=2)[3](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/?page=3)[4](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/?page=4)[5](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/?page=5) ... [27](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/?page=27) ## Popular Comparisons [ Microsoft Power BI vs Tableau ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/microsoft-power-bi-profile/vs/tableau/)[ MongoDB vs Google Cloud ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/compliance/google-cloud-platform-profile/vs/mongodb/)[ Sage Intacct vs NetSuite ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/intacct-accounting-profile/vs/netsuite-financials-accounting-software/)[ Domo vs Google Data Studio ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/domo-profile/vs/google-data-studio/)[ Zoho Analytics vs Looker ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/looker-profile/vs/zoho-analytics/) ## Your Guide to Top Business Intelligence Software, January 2025 Software Advice uses reviews from real software users to highlight the top-rated Business Intelligence products in North America. [Learn how products are chosen](https://www.softwareadvice.com/legal-page/frontrunners-methodology/) #### Explore FrontRunners - [ActivTrak](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/activtrak-profile/) - [Better Reports](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/better-reports-profile/) - [Bitrix24](https://www.softwareadvice.com/nonprofit/bitrix24-profile/) - [Cosmos](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/cosmos-profile/) - [Databox](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/databox-profile/) - [Domo](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/domo-profile/) - [Geckoboard](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/geckoboard-profile/) - [Grow](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/grow-profile/) - [Krunchbox](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/451152-Krunchbox/) - [Looker](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/looker-profile/) - [Microsoft Power BI](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/microsoft-power-bi-profile/) - [Phocas](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/phocas-profile/) - [Power My Analytics](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/power-my-analytics-profile/) - [Qlik Sense](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/qlik-sense-profile/) - [SAP Analytics Cloud](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/sap-analytics-cloud-profile/) - [SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/sap-business-intelligence-profile/) - [Splunk Enterprise](https://www.softwareadvice.com/aiops-platforms/splunk-enterprise-profile/) - [Tableau](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/tableau-profile/) - [Toucan](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/toucan-toco-profile/) - [Zebra BI](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/zebra-bi-profile/) - [Zoho Analytics](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/zoho-analytics-profile/) “Usability” includes user ratings for Functionality and Ease of Use. “Customer Satisfaction” includes user ratings for Customer Support, Likelihood to Recommend and Value for Money. Reviews analysis period: The reviews analysis period spans two years and ends the 15th of the month prior to publication. Business intelligence (BI) software has gained considerable traction since its introduction as "decision support systems" in the 1960s. Today, there are over 100 BI software companies selling business intelligence tools. We put together this buyer's guide to help buyers understand the BI tools market. In this guide, we'll review: [What is business intelligence software?](#Whatisbusinessintelligencesoftware) [Comparing business intelligence tools](#Comparingbusinessintelligencetools) [Common Features of Business Intelligence Software](#CommonFeaturesofBusinessIntelligenceSoftware) [Data management tools](#Datamanagementtools) [Data discovery applications](#Datadiscoveryapplications) [Reporting tools](#Reportingtools) [What type of buyer are you?](#Whattypeofbuyerareyou) [Market trends to understand](#Markettrendstounderstand) ## What is business intelligence software? Business intelligence software is data visualization and data analytics software that helps organizations make more well-informed decisions. Business intelligence tools connect to the business's data warehouse, ERP systems, marketing data, social media channels, Excel data imports, or even macroeconomic information. The business intelligence market is growing rapidly because of the proliferation of data to analyze. Over the past few decades, companies that have deployed [Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/erp/), [Customer Relationship Management (CRM)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/) and other applications are now sitting on a mountain of data that can be analyzed. In addition, the growth of the Web has increased the demand for data analysis tools that can analyze large data sets. One of the biggest trends in the BI market is the shift in software architecture and design to more user-friendly self-service applications. These applications are now being used by business users—not just IT staff—to pull ad-hoc reports, create interactive dashboards, and even allow end users to perform advanced analytics functions on the BI platform. Medical practices and doctors looking for solutions that can function with their existing medical software might be interested in [healthcare BI software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/lms/healthcare-comparison/).  ## Comparing business intelligence tools There are many popular BI solutions on the market, and it can be hard to know what distinguishes one product from another and which is right for you. To help you better understand how the top BI systems stack up against one another, we created a series of side-by-side product comparison pages that break down the details of what each solution offers in terms of pricing, applications, ease of use, support and more: **Top Qlik Sense Comparisons** **Top Qlikview Comparisons** **Top Tableau Comparisons** Qlik Sense vs. Qlikview [Qlik Sense vs. Tableau](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/qlik-sense-profile/vs/tableau/) Qlik Sense vs. Qlikview Qlikview vs. Spotfire [Qlik Sense vs. Tableau](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/qlik-sense-profile/vs/tableau/) Spotfire vs. Tableau **Top Spotfire Comparisons** Qlikview vs. Spotfire Spotfire vs. Tableau ## Common Features of Business Intelligence Software BI software can be divided into three broad application categories: data management tools, [data discovery applications](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/data-discovery-tools-comparison/) and [reporting tools](https://www.softwareadvice.com/reporting-tools/) (including interactive dashboards and data visualization software). In the next section, we'll explain how these analytics platforms can help your organization's decision-making process become more data-driven. The BI tool you'll need depends on how your data is currently managed and how you would like to analyze it. For example, if it is currently scattered across disparate transactional databases, you might need to build a data warehouse to centralize it and invest in data management tools that offer Extract, Transform and Load (ETL) functionality to move and re-structure it. Once data is given a common structure and format, you can invest in data discovery solutions such as Online Analytical Processing (OLAP), data mining and semantic or text mining applications, with the capability to create custom, ad hoc reports. And because information is stored within the warehouse, users can quickly pull reports without impacting the performance of the organization’s software applications, such as CRM, ERP and supply chain management solutions. We’ve illustrated this concept in the image below: But this isn’t the only way to implement business intelligence software within your organization. If you’re only analyzing data from a single source, ETL and data warehouses are unnecessary. Alternatively, you might require multiple warehouses, and thus, require different tools to connect data between both these servers and other analytics tools that need access to this data. Regardless of your unique business needs, any BI tool you buy should have some key features: - Data quality management - Extract, transform and load (ETL) - Data mining - Online analytical processing (OLAP) - Predictive analytics - Semantic and text analytics - Data visualizations - Interactive dashboards - Report writers - Scorecarding - Ad hoc reporting ## Data management tools Better decision-making starts with better data. Data management tools help clean up "dirty data," organize information by providing format and structure and prepare data sources for analyses. **Functionality** **Description** **Data quality management** Helps organizations maintain clean, standardized and error-free data. Standardization is especially important for business intelligence tools that integrate data from diverse sources. Data quality management ensures that later analyses are correct and can lead to improvements within the business. **Extract, transform and load (ETL)** Collects data from outside sources, transforms it and then loads it into the target system (a database or a data warehouse). Because primary data is often organized using different schemas or formats, analysts can use ETL tools to normalize it for use in analytics. ## Data discovery applications The ability to sift through data and come to meaningful conclusions is one of the most powerful benefits of adopting business intelligence tools. Data discovery applications help users make sense of their data, whether it be through quick, multivariate analysis during OLAP or via advanced algorithms and statistical computations during data mining. **Functionality** **Description** [Data mining](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/data-mining-comparison/) Sorts through large amounts of data to identify new or unknown patterns. It is often the first step that other processes rely on, such as predictive analytics. Databases are often too large or convoluted to find patterns with the naked eye or through simple queries. Data mining helps point users in the right direction for further analysis by providing an automated method of discovering previously neglected trends. Online analytical processing (OLAP) Enables users to quickly analyze multidimensional data from different perspectives. It is typically made up of three analytical operations: data consolidation, data sorting and classification ("drill-down"), and data analytics from a particular perspective ("slice-and-dice"). For example, a user could analyze sales numbers for various products by store and by month. OLAP allows users to produce this analysis. [Predictive analytics](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/predictive-analytics-comparison/) Analyzes current and historical data to make predictions about future risks and opportunities. An example of this is credit scoring, which relies on an individual's current financial standing to make predictions about their future credit behavior. **Semantic and text analytics** Extracts and interprets large volumes of text to identify patterns, relationships and sentiment. For example, the popularity of social media has made text analytics valuable to companies with a large social footprint. Understanding semantic trends is a powerful tool for organizations evaluating purchase intent or customer satisfaction among users of these channels. ## Reporting tools In the words of John W. Tuckey, “the greatest value of a picture is when it forces us to notice what we never expected to see.” Reporting applications are an important way to present data and easily convey the results of analysis. Business intelligence users are increasingly business users—not IT staff—who need quick, easy-to-understand displays of information. In response, software vendors have been working to mask the complexity of these applications and increasingly focus on the user experience. **Functionality** **Description** [Visualizations](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/data-visualization-comparison/) Helps users create advanced interactive dashboard representations of data via simple user interfaces. The ability to visualize information in a graphical format (as opposed to words or numbers) can help users understand data in a more insightful way. In addition, new interactive tools can help teams use analytics and manipulate reports in real-time. [Dashboards](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/dashboard-comparison/) Dashboards typically highlight key performance indicators (KPIs), which help managers focus on the metrics that are most important to them. Dashboards are often browser-based, making them easily accessible by anyone with permissions. **Report writers** Allows users to design and generate custom reports. Many CRM and ERP systems include built-in BI reporting tools, but users can also purchase standalone applications, such as Crystal Reports, to create ad hoc reports based on complex queries. This is especially helpful for organizations that constantly use analytics and need to generate new reports quickly. **Scorecarding** Scorecards attach a numerical weight to performance and map progress toward goals. Think of it as dashboards taken one step further. In organizations with a strategic performance-management methodology (e.g., balanced scorecard, Six Sigma etc.), scorecards are an effective way to keep tabs on key metrics. For example, a scorecard might establish a grade of “A+" to 40 percent year-over-year growth if the goal was set at 14 percent. ## What type of buyer are you? Before evaluating software, you must determine what type of buyer you are. **Business users and departmental buyers.** These buyers favor small data-discovery vendors and BI tools over the big, traditional BI systems. Ease-of-use and fast deployment are more important than in-depth functionality and integration. They are usually business users rather than IT staff. **IT buyers.** Traditional buyers are more focused on functionality and integration within their information infrastructure stacks or other ERP applications. Integration across different entities and departments is usually more important than ease of use. ## Market trends to understand As you begin your software comparison and evaluation, there are a couple trends to consider: **In-memory processing:** OLAP systems of the past would pre-calculate every possible combination of data. These calculations would be stored in the “cube,” and users could retrieve them when they needed a certain analysis. Creating these cubes was very time-consuming—sometimes taking as long as a year—and required expertise. Today, computer processors and memory are faster, cheaper and more powerful overall. This same process can happen in-memory, rather than using a disk-based approach with cubes. Analytics software built on an in-memory architecture can retrieve data and perform calculations in real-time or on-the-fly. [Big Data:](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/big-data-comparison/) The Internet is rapidly creating vast amounts of data. This phenomenon is known as "big data" among IT and business leaders. Business analytics software companies are beefing up their data warehousing and analytics capabilities to keep up with demand. However, [according to Gartner](http://www.gartner.com/technology/topics/big-data.jsp?nicam=sa), through 2015, 85% of Fortune 500 organizations will be unable to exploit big data for competitive advantage. The right BI tools can help harness the power of so much data. Companies dealing with large amounts of data may also want to consider investing in [dedicated IT security suites](https://www.softwareadvice.com/security/) to support their computer security needs. **Business users to outnumber IT staff:** This is a major trend playing out in the market. More business users—rather than traditional IT staff—are evaluating and purchasing software. So usability is becoming more important than functionality during software evaluations. As a result, small data discovery vendors that develop really good [interactive visualization tools](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/data-visualization-comparison/) are gaining market share. Meanwhile, traditional BI vendors are parroting new market entrants by promoting ease of use. **Software-as-a-Service (SaaS):** A growing number of organizations are considering [SaaS or “cloud” BI software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/lms/cloud-comparison/) instead of traditional, on-premise software that you install on-location. Cost is a major driver of this trend. The poorly performing economy is motivating companies to look at lower-cost BI software from SaaS and open source vendors. Of course, perceived ease of use, faster implementations and reduced IT needs are also driving this trend. On-premise BI vendors are responding by committing development resources to cloud technology. \*\*\[ Mobile BI applications:\]()\*\* Proliferation of the iPhone, iPad and other mobile devices is pushing vendors (e.g., [Microsoft](https://www.softwareadvice.com/cms/microsoft-sharepoint-profile/) and Oracle) to develop on-the-go business intelligence applications. Analysts think mobile BI could expand the population of BI users to a larger, mainstream audience. ### Related Business Intelligence Software - [Dashboard Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/dashboard-comparison/) - [Data Visualization Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/data-visualization-comparison/) - [Decision Support Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/decision-support/) - [Embedded Analytics Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/embedded-analytics/) - [Heatmap Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/heatmap/) - [Reporting Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/reporting-tools/) - [Risk Management Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/risk-management/) - [Text Mining Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/category/4785-text-mining/) - [Web Analytics Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/web-analytics/)