Chapter 25

Business Intelligence Tools

Jorge Bernardino and Marco Tereso

Abstract Business intelligence platforms allows managers and business analysts

monitor data and statistics, make decisions, analyze market trends, study the
insertion of new products and maintain profitable and long-lasting relationships
with customers in order to stay competitive in a global world. Consequently, the
importance of using business intelligence tools is crucial for the success of actual
organizations. Yet, many organizations are learning that this no easy task to decide
which business intelligence tool to choose to expand their business. In this work
we evaluate eight major business intelligence tools: four commercial (IBM Cognos,
Microsoft BI, MicroStrategy and Oracle BI) and four open source solutions
(JasperSoft, Pentaho, SpagoBI and Vanilla). The main objective is to present the
differences in functionality between the various platforms, estimating overall
usability, helping decision managers to choose the best tool to their business.

25.1

Introduction

Business Intelligence (BI) is a broad category of applications and technologies for

gathering, storing, analyzing, and providing access to data to help managers make
better business decisions. Business Intelligence applications include the activities
of decision support systems, query and reporting, online analytical processing
(OLAP), statistical analysis, text mining, data mining and visualization [1].
The benefit of business intelligence platforms for organizations is extremely
important. Business intelligence platforms allows managers and business analysts
monitor data and statistics, make decisions, analyze market trends, study the

J. Bernardino (*) M. Tereso

Departamento Engenharia Informatica e de Sistemas, IPC Instituto Superior de
Engenharia de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
e-mail: jorge@isec.pt; a21190968@alunos.isec.pt
A. Madureira et al. (eds.), Computational Intelligence and Decision Making: Trends and
267
Applications, Intelligent Systems, Control and Automation: Science and Engineering 61,
DOI 10.1007/978-94-007-4722-7_25, # Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 2013

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insertion of new products and maintain profitable and long-lasting relationships

with customers in order to stay competitive in a global world.
Currently, there are several known cases of success from implementing business intelligence tools in various business segments. A strategy which ensures
business intelligence platforms is extremely important in order to monitor market
trends, technological innovation and support both management and decision
making. The business intelligence tools are intended to assist business managers
in making decisions, drawing on data analysis and applying them to metrics that
enable them to extract knowledge. The processes of business intelligence help
make business more profitable and dynamic. When is time to choose one business
intelligence platform is important that companies have some knowledge about
existing platforms on the market. There are several tools in the business intelligence market with different types of licenses, which we can break up in two main
groups: commercial and open source platforms. Before making a decision for the
business intelligence platform to acquire, business managers must take into
account the features of each tool to satisfy the needs of the organization, and
check whether the minimum requirements of the platform are supported by the
company computer system.
The implementation of business intelligence platforms in an organization
requires some additional efforts. Some of the problems regarding the adoption of
business intelligence for organizations is directly related to: acquisition of skilled
human resources in the area of databases, changes in organizational structure
forcing the inclusion of new employees, implementation of new standards of
regulation and planning of new work methods. This study compares the features
of four commercial business intelligence platforms: IBM Cognos [2], Microsoft BI
[3], MicroStrategy [4] and Oracle BI [5], with four open source platforms:
JasperSoft [6], Pentaho [7], SpagoBI [8] and Vanilla [9].
This paper is structured as follows: Sect. 25.2 analyzes the advantages and
drawbacks of open source and commercial platforms. In Sect. 25.3 we describe
the four major commercial tools, and Sect. 25.4 the four major open source tools.
In Sect. 25.5 is presented a comparison between all tools. Finally, Sect. 25.6
concludes the paper by summarizing the main conclusions of our research and
pointing out directions for future work.

25.2

Open Source vs Commercial Tools

In this section we describe some of the benefits and disadvantages of using open
source and commercial tools. The most relevant aspect of open source tools is that
they are free and allow access to the code, with the possible modification of the
various modules. In contrast to the open source tools, commercial tools are paid and
often represent an extra expense, unbearable for the vast majority of companies.
One of the advantages of open source platforms are if they do not serve the needs of
the organization, can be replaced by other platforms without a cost; this does not

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happen with commercial platforms. The open source tools generally require lower
system requirements than commercial applications. This factor is justified in
assuming that those who can not invest in software may not invest in hardware.
As open source has advantages compared to commercial tools, it also has
disadvantages. The open source projects are in constant development, which
means that some projects have not yet reached the desired maturity. The fact that
open source tools are developed by a community of contributors raises some
concerns about product quality. A lack of development methods and quality
standards can be a reality in a community of open source development. The open
source tools are usually seen as less reliable, given that the testing process is
typically narrow in scope, although in recent years has improved. Absence of
documentation is one of the other critical factors of open source tools; only a
minority of successful open source projects provides some documentation to
support the use of the solution. The continuity of the open source projects is not
always guaranteed, this being more a factor to take into account.
The idea that the acquisition of open source software does not involve costs is
sometimes wrong. Often the open source tools do not satisfy all the pretensions
of the customer, costing to adapt them to meet their needs, involving costs.
Such adjustments in open source platforms can be expensive. Upon the acquisition
of open source software should be checked if it meets the requirements of the
organization, to decide for a more viable solution.
The commercial business intelligence platforms have some advantages, which
we can summarize: the maturity of the platforms, the level of confidence that they
offer, the amount of documentation that usually provide, the customer service,
the continuity of the platform on the market and the usability with interfaces more
user friendly.
Some of the disadvantages of commercial platforms are: high acquisition costs,
the requirement to be connected to the sellers, typically require more powerful
hardware and the difficulty of transition to other platforms, taking into account
the costs and terms of the contract.
When we have to decide which platform to acquire is important to take in
consideration the points above and if the tool fulfills the needs of the organization.
In the following sections we will review four major commercial and four open
source platforms.

25.3

Commercial Business Intelligence Tools

In this section we will analyze the four major commercial business intelligence
platforms, according to the study of Gartner: Magic Quadrant for Business
Intelligence Platforms Report[10]. The four major commercial business intelligence platforms are IBM Cognos [2], Microsoft BI [3], MicroStrategy [4] and
Oracle BI [5].

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Usually commercial tools are more attractive and have a simpler user interface,
more user-friendly. Apart from a greater confidence on commercial platforms,
these platforms evolve to facilitate adaptation of users, also providing a good
deal of documentation. The commercial business intelligence platforms are more
confidence due to its rigid testing procedures. The commercial tools present new
features and more attractive techniques. On the other hand the acquisition costs are
expensive.
We analyze the features of each of the four major commercial business intelligence tools independently.

25.3.1 IBM Cognos

Cognos was a company acquired by IBM and is its business intelligence platform,
currently in version 10.1 [2]. IBM Cognos allows: query and reporting (gives the
performance of ad-hoc queries, issuing and structuring of reports, enabling adaptation
of the models own reports), OLAP analysis, scorecarding, dashboarding, real-time
monitoring, statistics, planning and budgeting, extending BI (convenient methods
for delivering business intelligence to a wider audience), collaborative BI (modern
tools for collaborating, building stronger teams and stimulating better decisions) and
importing/exporting data.
Cognos has also a mobile version, where we can use its benefits anywhere at
any time online or offline. The mobile version was supported by: Apple iPhone
and iPad; RIM BlackBerry smart phones and PlayBook. The mobile version has
support for devices using the Android, Symbian and Windows Mobile operating
systems [11].

25.3.2 Microsoft BI
According to Gartner [10], Microsoft emerged as the leading tool of business
intelligence tools market.
In the business intelligence processes Microsoft [3] uses two of its solutions
packages: Microsoft Office and Microsoft SQL Server. The features of Data
Warehouse, Data Marts and Operational Data are supported by SQL Server; data
integration by SQL Integration Services; data analysis by SQL Analysis Services
and operations with reports served by SQL Reporting Services.
Excel supports the features of end-user analysis tool and the business intelligence portal uses SharePoint. The business scorecards, analytics and planning tools
are supported by PerformancePoint.
This platform allows: querying, analysis, reporting, data integration, synchronization, searches, cloud storage and importing/exporting data.

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Webalo Inc, a software company, developed a application that support the

Microsoft BI, Mobile Webalo Dashboard. This application functions as a hosted
service. This application allows to transform the SQL Server, Excel, PerformancePoint and SharePoint contents in Dashboards. This service has the benefit not be
developed for a specific device but for a range of devices that support operating
systems. The mobile devices compatible are: RIM BlackBerry, Windows Mobile
2003 for Pocket PC, Windows Mobile 5, Windows Mobile 6 and Java MIDP 2.0
smartphones [12].

25.3.3 MicroStrategy
According to Gartner [10], Microstrategy [4] holds the third podium position of
commercial business intelligence platforms market leaders.
Currently at version 9, it is available in optimized solutions for mobile
environments, including iPad, iPhone and BlackBerry.
The main features of the MicroStrategy are: querying, reporting (allows the
development and structuring of reports) OLAP analysis (allows the analysis and
construction of an intelligent data cubes, MDX connection and incorporates a
ROLAP server), dashboarding, data mining and importing/exporting data.
The MicroStrategy mobile version is developed around the Apple applications
(iPhone and iPad) but is supported by other devices as BlackBerry smartphones.
MicroStrategy provides a free mobile suite [13].

25.3.4 Oracle BI
According to Gartner [10], Oracle BI [5] holds the second podium position of
commercial business intelligence platforms market leaders.
Oracle BI is available in the market as package, called Oracle Business Intelligence Enterprise Edition (OBIEE). The OBIEE offers a range of solutions necessary to create and view reports. OBIEE allows the development of several tests for
the data.
Oracle Business Intelligence Enterprise Edition allows: to create interactive
dashboards, reporting and publishing, answers (ad-hoc analysis), delivers (proactive detection and alerts), disconnected analytics, Microsoft Office Plug-in and
Web Services.
The OBIEE provides a mobile version. The OBIEE mobile version is
supported by: BlackBerry, iPhone, HTC, Android, Windows Mobile, Symbian
and Palm [14].

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J. Bernardino and M. Tereso

Open Source Business Intelligence Tools

The communities of developing open source business intelligence solutions are

required along with their employees to optimize their platforms, contributing to a
steady development, making them more functional solutions.
In this section we present a brief description of the potential of JasperSoft [6],
Pentaho [7], SpagoBI [8] and Vanilla [9] platforms. The analysis platforms have
one feature in common, the fact that all have a GNU General Public License
(GNU GPL).
We analyze the features of each of the four major open source business intelligence platforms independently.
The open source business intelligence tools have followed the evolution of the
commercial tools. Developed by non-profit open source communities, these tools
present good business intelligence features.

25.4.1 JasperSoft
JasperSoft [6] is an open source business intelligence platform developed in Java
and Perl languages. JasperSoft has two proprietary versions, Enterprise and Professional in addition to the Community version. The Community is a free version that
is available in three individual modules: Jasper Reports Server, JasperSoft OLAP
and ETL JasperSoft. The Jasper Reports Server module enables the creation,
structuring and displaying BI reports; JasperSoft OLAP module is the tool that
allows linking of data and parameterization of the different views of the data cube,
ETL JasperSoft is the module that allows the tool creating the structure of production, processing and loading data.
The set of modules that make up the community version of the tool features
available for creating and viewing reports, various graphics, dashboards, OLAP and
ETL processes, analysis of geo-referencing, export data and ad-hoc queries. This
platform was developed for Linux and Windows operating systems.
The last JasperSoft open source version is 4.2. This release includes the iOS
software development kit, which will allows developers to embed BI capabilities
into native mobile apps [15].

25.4.2 Pentaho
Pentaho [7] is one of the most popular open source business intelligence platforms.
Developed in Java, the tool is available in two versions, Community and Enterprise.
Like other platforms, the Community version is free and the Enterprise version is a
paid solution with more features. Pentaho is a platform consisting of a set of

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integrated tools. Pentaho incorporates the Kettle application for ETL processes,
Mondrian and Ramsetcube in OLAP processes, and Weka for properties of data
mining. Pentaho allows creating reports, creating charts, dashboards, data manipulation processes through ETL and OLAP, data mining processes, KPIs, exports of
data and ad-hoc queries. Pentaho uses MDX to access and manipulate data from
databases. The tool is available for Linux, Windows and Unix operating systems.
Pentaho provides the ad hoc analytical reporting for iPad. The mobile version
allows creating the reports directly from the iPad. The touch-enabled technology
provides more information about reports from user [16].

25.4.3 SpagoBI
SpagoBI [8] is an open source business intelligence platform developed in Java.
SpagoBI is available in a single Community version. This is the most comprehensive free platform, because has all the main features of business intelligence and
provides them as a single release covering its users with a good solution that offers
all its capabilities in a package completely free.
SpagoBI contains features for creating and exporting reports, charting several,
development of dashboards, data integration using ETL processes, analyzes,
processes using OLAP, data mining processes, implementation of filters in
queries, export data, ad-hoc queries and features GEO/GIS. The tool is available
for Linux, Windows and Unix operating systems.
The SpagoBI provide a mobile version for platforms Apple and Android support.
This version allows remote connection with SpagoBI Server. This mobile version
include: user authentication; documents selection, according to end users role, and
consequent controlled data download; data update on request; and periodical and
automatic check to identify possible alarms and notifications [17].

25.4.4 Vanilla
Vanilla [9] is an open source business intelligence platform developed in PHP
language. Vanilla is available in a single version, community. Vanilla is a complete
platform taking into account that integrates all main functionalities of business
intelligence. The platform allows to create reports, perform analysis, generate and
analyze data tables, charting several, dashboards, ad-hoc queries, integrate OLAP
and ETL processes, define KPIs, data export and use of procedures of Data Mining.
Vanilla uses the tools BIRT and iReports for the purpose of metadata integration.
Vanilla allows filing several separate projects, and an historical book.
The platform is available in a version for mobile operating system Android,
highlighting the monitoring effort of innovation on the part of the development
group. Vanilla is available for Linux, Windows and Unix operating systems.

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Vanilla was the first open source tool to provide a mobile version, in version 3.4,
where is possible to browse reports and run dynamic reports from smartphones. It is
also possible to browse OLAP cubes. This version is compatible with iPhone, iPod
Touch and iPad [18].

25.5

Comparison Between Commercial and Open Source

Business Intelligence Tools

In this section we intend to illustrate a comparative table of the different features

offered by each platform. Reports are information elements such as information
tables and several charts. Dashboards are graphical elements that allow view the data
in graphical mode. The On-Line Analytical Processing (OLAP) is the process that
allows visualize the information in data cubes. ETL is the process in charge of data
extract, data transformation and data load. Data mining is a complex process of
extract information by data sequences. The KPIs are the key performance indicators
that usually arise associated with the data represented. The data export allows export
data to Excel, CSV files etc. GEO/GIS describes any information system that
displays geographic information for informing decision-making. Ad-hoc queries
are the typical queries made by decision makers where any field can be queried at
any time. The results of this work on the eight BI platforms are shown in Table 25.1.
In open source platforms, Pentaho and SpagoBI are identical platforms, having
all the main features and are available for major operating systems. JasperSoft has
neither Data Mining features nor KPIs. JasperSoft does not support UNIX

Table 25.1 Comparison between open source and commercial business intelligence
Business intelligence platforms
Open source
Features
Reports
Dashboards
OLAP
ETL
Data mining
KPIs
Data export
GEO/GIS
Ad-hoc
queries
Linux
Windows
Unix
Mobile

JasperSoft

Commercial

Pentaho

SpagoBI

Vanilla

IBM

Microsoft

MicroStrategy

Oracle

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operating system. Vanilla just does not have GEO/GIS features. Microsoft Business
Intelligence platform is not available to Linux and Unix, but if resort to Wine tool it
is possible.
The commercial platforms are identical, processing all the features analyzed.
Relatively to operating system, Oracle does not support Unix.
Pentaho and SpagoBI are equivalent to commercial platforms, being an alternative with lower acquisition costs.
All the analyzed tools have a mobile version for several devices. In general
the devices supported are the Apple mobile devices and devices with Android
operating system.

25.6

Conclusions and Future Work

The importance of implementing business intelligence tools in an organization

is unquestionable, given the recognized importance of use of such platforms, it is
important when seeking to implement one that meets the needs, from a standpoint
of cost/quality.
It is important to realize the capabilities of the organizational structure in terms
of basic knowledge of business intelligence tools. Aspects such as knowledge of
data modeling languages are sometimes essential and organizations must have
qualified people with such knowledge.
The choice between open source or commercial tools should take into account
the financial situation of the company or organization and their capacity for
investment and maintenance.
The commercial adoption of evaluation tools have the advantage of providing
interfaces easier to use and which do not require much knowledge of informatics by
users, this is the main advantage that sometimes makes the difference in business
without people with knowledge. As for open source tools, already have very large
features common to commercial tools but in return are more difficult to use.
Given the current state of BI software we have two choices: purchasing commercially available BI tools or using open source tools. Each approach has
advantages and disadvantages. The tradeoffs are development time and customization vs. money and standardized products.
Looking at available commercial BI applications, we have robust platforms
with a plenty of features. The leading business intelligence vendors are waking
up to the potential Linux market and are increasingly supporting the platform.
In addition to Linux compliant commercial tools, the market continues to pressure
vendors to provide more open source or free options as well.
Looking at what is available from the open source community, clearly the open
source software development community has a long way to go. There are many
Linux open source database projects, only a few have analytical tools or report
generation capabilities. Mondrian is often mentioned as an application with enough
OLAP (online analytical processing) utilities to become a springboard for some

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serious business intelligence tools if developers are willing to take the time to
build them. It implements the Multi-Dimensional Expressions (MDX) language,
and the XML for Analysis and Java OLAP specifications. It reads from SQL and
other data sources, and aggregates data in a memory cache. For the immediate
future, more companies are looking for increased value for their BI spending
and the open source community increasingly devotes energy to projects beyond
the systems and back office markets.
In our analysis, the open source BI tools with the greatest potential are clearly
Pentaho and SpagoBI. The evolutions of these tools to mobile versions allows
more users and make easy the work of decision-makers that can decide anywhere
and anytime.
For the commercial platforms, we highlight the two platforms on top of market
leadership, Microsoft BI and Oracle BI. This conclusion is partly motivated by
the publication of Gartner [10].
As future work we intend to determine the average cost of maintaining two
types of solutions and evaluate the need to have skilled labor in the organization
to implement business intelligence processes.

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