Selling BI — Dashboards & Integration
Is this really all that matters?
This is the first article in our series on Business Intelligence solutions for #BIMadness2018. We are looking for a fourth, to compete against Qlik, Tableau, and Power BI in our final four. So feel free to vote in the comments below. Or back on the original article here:
The cover art for the last article was borrowed from Software Advice who are in no way associated with Corsair’s. We also can’t speak to their methodologies, but we respect what is clearly a comprehensive list.
Magic Quadrants are a highly borrowed tool themselves. I am inclined to credit Gartner, but I haven’t really done the due diligence. Regardless, I have always wondered about solutions and technologies listed in the lower left. I know it is an honor just to be selected… but — well actually, I question that deeply.
I recognize that on every sales pipeline and marketing waterfall, you start with awareness & recognition. Being recognized is good… and Boolean. But what are these solutions being recognized for… low capacity and value? Just thinking out loud, but that is recognition I may prefer not to have… just saying. And again, I am not saying I agree with Software Advice. So we need to dig deeper. Only…
I did a little research on those five:
Cyfe had a nice video. Izenda offered a library of resources. ClicData had a robust site, but their video made me dry heave… sorry, just saying. Databox had a library of videos. And Phocas, well I am not in their target industry…
Five websites, five solutions, numerous videos and demos and all I heard was:
Dashboards! Dashboards! Dashboards! Integration! Integration! Integration!
I am not saying those aren’t important. But it is the equivalent of the local deli advertising their sandwiches with Bread! Bread! Bread! Cheese! Cheese! Cheese! Unless I am gluten or lactose intolerant, I sure as hell hope so! I have met a few companies that seemed to be both dashboard and data integration intolerant… but I digress.
Is there a business intelligence solution that does not support dashboards or one that does not allow data integration?
In fairness, each of these five offerings offer more — but not quickly or directly. They all lead with dashboards and integration. I suppose it is table stakes. It just doesn’t differentiate. For my money, they don’t compete with our big three. But maybe you disagree? Perhaps you have a higher level of knowledge and experience with one or more of these tools than I do? Call me out. Share below! I am not an expert on any of them.
Let me pivot to something I am an expert on. If you rely on your BI reporting layer for data integration, dust off your resume! I can’t state it any more directly or passionately. Do some BI solutions offer robust data layers capable of real integration? Yes, but that is conflating two distinct tools. And honestly, you are better served selecting the best tool from each layer. BI multi-tasking is dangerous. Note — some of you have your hands tied. I’ve been there. Point still holds. Be careful.
Let me end with a few questions. It seems the analytic thing to do. If you were going to go build your dream house, would you search for a location next to a lumber mill and drywall factory? Would you select a builder purely on the curb appeal of a select sample of their most recent houses?
Thanks for reading! Vote in the comments below. Offer solutions you thing are better. Most of all, share your experience or your questions. Both are greatly appreciated.
