Business Intelligence Trends
Business Intelligence (BI) refers to the analysis of data using key technologies. BI requires specific tools, methodologies and applications for data collection from both external and internal sources. These systems create and run targeted queries and prepare the information for analysis. Dashboards, reports and data visualisations are then created to present the analysis and results to key decision makers.
Done well, an effective Business Intelligence program allows for more effective business decision-making. It also contributes to better operational efficiency, optimised internal processes, marketplace advantages, and ultimately higher revenues. Business Intelligence can also assist companies in identifying market trends, finding unmet consumer needs, and addressing key business problems. The effective use of BI enables business owners, managers and executives to make more informed decisions going forward.
SQL Server Tools Can Unlock Valuable Business Data
The storage and management of data is one of the key functions of Business Intelligence. SQL Server is the leading database management system for the storage and application of business information using BI. By leveraging SQL Server data can be fluidly managed for optimal business processes and for reporting and analytics.
The realm of Business Intelligence is currently shifting and changing rapidly. Cloud services, Big Data, data science, modern data platforms and predictive analytics keep improving in ways that augment BI. Because of this, the role and capacity of BI is continually in flux. The following are some of the key trends in Business Intelligence to watch for in the second half of 2016 and beyond.
Self-Service Analytics Data
More and more businesses are now leveraging self-service Business Analytics data, and this trend is expected to continue. Spending in this area is set to increase 2.5 times faster than traditional methods for 2016 according to industry experts.
Self-Service capability is increasingly an important BI platform component, and will commonly be embedded via tools accessing existing systems. The goal of self-service will be improved data governance through a “hybrid” solutions that allow for sovereignty, but also enable ready access across devices. Ultimately, deeper insights into the data from across an enterprise will be possible by leveraging self-service tools.
An Increase in Cloud-Based BI
In the past, the adoption of cloud-based BI has been slow to move beyond organisations already in the cloud. However, IDC analysts have predicted that cloud-based BI tech spending for 2016 is set to grow 4.5 times faster than spending for in-house solutions.
Real-Time Data Via The Internet of Things
The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a vision of the Internet connecting not only data and media, but literally any device that can be powered on. This includes mobile phones, appliances and machine components.
Gartner estimates that by 2020, over 25 billion devices will all be connected (although other experts put this number at 100 billion or more). As it grows, the IoT is creating opportunities for real-time BI data analysis and visualisation. BI tools will link into this network of connected devices and be able to bring more advanced insights that weren’t possible before.
Key Advances in SQL Create Dynamic Analytics
In addition to a more hands-on approach by businesses, BI is also experiencing improvement in the analytics tools and algorithms. The depth and breadth of data is increasing exponentially. Analytics marketplaces are improving insights and deployment time. They are building in ways to compensate where data science skills might be lacking.
Key advances in SQL Server and Azure allow even very large sets of data to be analysed using this technology. These changes enable a potent hybrid of affordable storage and superior analytic capacity along with infinite scalability. New SQL Server and Azure facilitate more speed, flexibility and unparalleled power.
More Connectivity and Mobility
Business Intelligence is also getting more mobile and connected than ever before. Mobile analytics is no longer just an add-on for BI systems; the integration of mobile capabilities is far more complete and dynamic. There is increased demand for the capacity to support the ability of users to move to different devices, allowing for governed data discovery.
More advanced cloud authoring capability as well as better graphics creation for the presentation of data on a range of devices is emerging. This will help create a richer user experience and ultimately more accurate, efficient and effective decisions based upon the data.
Broader Use of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs)
Look for API deployment to rise in 2016 as well. Companies are using SaaS (software as a service) apps more and more to augment their enterprise applications. This proliferation of mobile app usage will increase the need for both cloud connectivity and APIs. Tool quality and productivity is improving accordingly.
With BI tools becoming both more sophisticated and more affordable, no business department will have to settle for just spreadsheets. Big Data analytics will assist key departments like sales and marketing in their functioning as BI solutions for small and medium businessees become more affordable.
All of the above trends in Business Intelligence demonstrate an evolution of the capacity and application of this dynamic system of data analysis. The tools, methodologies and applications for data collection are more robust than ever before. Key SQL Server and Azure BI tools can assist with unlocking valuable business data and making the most of all your Business Intelligence efforts.
How We Can Help You Unlock the Value of Your Data
Who Are We? WARDY IT Solutions:
- Is a premier Australian provider of SQL Server trainers and consultants as well as Business Intelligence specialists.
- Is one of the country’s leading Microsoft Power BI Partners.
- Have as rich an understanding of the full range of Power BI’s dynamic capabilities and possibilities.
What Do We Do? WARDY IT Solutions uses a diverse range of expertise to:
- assist clients in unlocking the value of Big Data,
- harness growth challenges, and
- transition them into greater opportunities.
Contact WARDY IT Solutions to find out how SQL Server, Azure and Business Intelligence can work together to optimise your business.
