8 Software Like Microsoft Power BI: Best Self-Service BI Tools

Interactive data visualization software like Microsoft Power BI are commonly used for any business that builds on digital platforms. These business intellegence (BI) has the capabilities to include data preparation, data discovery, and interactive dashboards on cloud platforms. Here are 8 other software that does similar things as Microsoft Power with some unique features of their own.

1. Tableau

Company Background

Tableau, founded in 2003 by Christian Chabot, Chris Stolte, and Pat Hanrahan, has emerged as a prominent player in the self-service BI market. The company's vision has always been to make data accessible to everyone.

History

Tableau's journey began with the development of Tableau Desktop, a powerful data visualization tool that empowers users to create interactive and shareable dashboards and reports. Over the years, it has evolved to offer features like data connection to various sources and natural language processing through Ask Data.

Core Functionalities

Tableau's core strength lies in its ability to offer interactive data visualization. Users can effortlessly create dashboards and reports that are not only visually appealing but also insightful. Its data connection capabilities are remarkable, allowing seamless integration with databases, spreadsheets, and cloud platforms. Moreover, Tableau's Ask Data feature introduces natural language processing, enabling users to query data using everyday language.

Key Components

• Tableau Desktop: This authoring tool is at the heart of Tableau's offerings, allowing users to create, publish, and share interactive dashboards and reports.

• Tableau Server: For collaborative work, Tableau Server provides a platform for sharing and managing content.

• Tableau Prep: Data preparation and cleaning are simplified through Tableau Prep, making it an essential component for data analysts and business users alike.

2. Qlik Sense

Company Background

Qlik, founded in 1993, has a rich history of pioneering associative analytics and data visualization. It's a company that's known for its commitment to enabling users to explore data without predefined paths.

History

Qlik Sense is a product of Qlik's continuous journey to provide users with a tool that can uncover data insights without preconceived notions. The company's experience and dedication have resulted in a product that's fast, agile, and user-friendly.

Core Functionalities

Qlik Sense's unique approach revolves around its associative data model. Unlike traditional BI tools, it doesn't rely on predefined paths. Instead, it empowers users to explore data relationships dynamically. The platform excels in data integration, combining data from multiple sources through data modeling. Smart Search, another key functionality, enables users to find insights using natural language queries.

Key Components

• Qlik Sense Desktop: This module allows users to create personalized visualizations and apps. It's where users can start their data exploration journey.

• Qlik Sense Enterprise: For organizations, this collaborative platform supports governed analytics, ensuring data accuracy and reliability.

• Qlik Data Integration: Data integration and transformation capabilities enhance the user experience, allowing for smooth data flows.

3. Looker

Company Background

Founded in 2012, Looker has built a reputation for delivering scalable and flexible BI solutions. The company's mission is to make data exploration and analysis accessible to businesses of all sizes and industries.

History

Looker quickly gained prominence for its unique approach to data modeling and exploration using LookML. It aimed to democratize data and foster a data-driven culture within organizations.

Core Functionalities

At Looker's core is centralized data modeling through the LookML modeling language. This approach provides businesses with the flexibility to adapt to changing data needs while ensuring data accuracy and consistency. Looker excels in embedded analytics, allowing users to integrate analytics seamlessly into applications and workflows.

Key Components

• Looker Platform: Looker's data exploration and analytics platform serve as the foundation for its offerings. It enables users to create custom reports, dashboards, and visualizations.

• Looker Blocks: Pre-built templates for common use cases enhance productivity by providing a starting point for data analysis.

• Looker API: The platform's extensibility allows for customization to meet specific business needs, making it adaptable for various industries and use cases.

4. Sisense

Company Background

Sisense, founded in 2004, is recognized for its performance and reliability in the BI landscape. The company has evolved to meet the demands of businesses that need to process large amounts of data quickly.

History

Sisense's journey reflects its commitment to providing users with a platform that excels in analyzing large datasets in real-time through in-memory processing. It has continually evolved to offer data preparation, visualization, and analytics capabilities.

Core Functionalities

Sisense's primary strength lies in its in-memory data processing capabilities. This technology allows users to analyze large datasets in real-time, facilitating data-driven decision-making. Data preparation is simplified through AI-powered recommendations, reducing the time and effort required for data cleaning. The platform also offers data visualization, enabling users to create interactive dashboards and reports.

Key Components

• Sisense for Cloud Data Teams: This module focuses on data preparation and transformation, making it easier for data teams to work with raw data.

• Sisense BloX: Custom widgets and extensions enhance the user experience, enabling organizations to tailor their BI solutions to specific needs.

• Sisense for Analytics: Designed for end-users, this module empowers individuals across organizations with self-service analytics functionality, reducing dependence on IT teams.

5. Domo

Company Background

Domo, founded in 2010, has carved a niche in the BI industry with its cloud-based capabilities. The company's vision aligns with the trend of remote work and the need for data accessibility from anywhere.

History

Domo's history is marked by its commitment to providing cloud-based BI solutions. It recognized the significance of real-time data accessibility and aimed to bridge the gap between data and decision-makers.

Core Functionalities

Domo's core strength is its cloud-based architecture, which enables users to access data and insights from anywhere, fostering data-driven decision-making. The platform offers data integration, preparation, and visualization capabilities. Domo's Card Builder allows users to create custom cards and dashboards, enhancing data presentation.

Key Components

• Domo Platform: The core platform provides users with data integration, preparation, visualization, and analytics capabilities in a unified environment.

• Domo Card Builder: This component empowers users to design custom cards and dashboards for tailored data presentation.

• Domo Everywhere: Extending Domo's capabilities to external stakeholders and customers ensures data accessibility beyond organizational boundaries.

6. Google Data Studio

Company Background

Google Data Studio, developed by Google, is known for its user-friendly and cost-effective approach to BI. It aligns with Google's mission to organize the world's information and make it universally accessible.

History

Google Data Studio emerged as part of Google's suite of data tools. It reflects the company's dedication to providing accessible and intuitive data visualization and reporting capabilities.

Core Functionalities

The core strength of Google Data Studio lies in its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. It offers a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface for creating custom reports and dashboards. Users can connect to various data sources, including Google Analytics, Google Sheets, and external databases. Collaboration is simplified with real-time sharing and editing.

Key Components

• Data Studio Editor: The heart of Google Data Studio, this editor provides an intuitive environment for creating data visualizations and reports.

• Data Connectors: Users can leverage a wide range of connectors to access data from various sources.

• Data Sharing: Real-time collaboration and sharing capabilities ensure that teams can work together seamlessly on data projects.

7. Chartio

Company Background

Chartio, founded in 2010, has a history of providing customizable BI solutions. The company's mission is to empower businesses with data analysis and visualization capabilities.

History

Chartio's journey began with the development of a data visualization and analytics platform. Over the years, it has evolved to offer a highly customizable BI solution tailored to the specific needs of organizations.

Core Functionalities

Chartio's core strength lies in its customization capabilities. Users can create tailored dashboards and reports to meet their unique data analysis requirements. The platform offers data exploration and visualization features, allowing users to uncover insights easily.

Key Components

• Chartio Visual SQL: This component enables users to create SQL queries using a visual interface, simplifying data extraction and transformation.

• Custom Dashboards: Chartio empowers users to design dashboards that align with their business goals and reporting needs.

• Data Exploration: The platform supports data exploration, making it easier for users to dive into datasets and discover valuable insights.

8. Yellowfin BI

Company Background

Yellowfin BI, founded in 2003, is a global BI software company with a commitment to making data-driven insights accessible to all organizations.

History

Yellowfin's journey reflects its dedication to providing a modern and user-friendly BI platform. It recognized the need for analytics tools that are easy to use and accessible to non-technical users.

Core Functionalities

Yellowfin BI's core strength lies in its modern and intuitive interface. Users can create, share, and explore data insights effortlessly. The platform excels in data storytelling, enabling users to convey their findings effectively. Yellowfin Signals, powered by AI, provides real-time insights and alerts.

Key Components

• Yellowfin Analytics: The platform's core analytics module offers data exploration, visualization, and reporting capabilities.

• Yellowfin Signals: AI-driven insights and alerts enhance decision-making by providing real-time notifications.

• Yellowfin Stories: Data storytelling capabilities allow users to create engaging narratives around their data findings.