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Business
Intelligence |
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General |
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Basic
information about the product. |
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Factor: Standard |
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Product Name |
BusinessObjects
2000 |
Brio
Enterprise
6.2 |
BI/Suite
6.0 |
MicroStrategy
7.0 |
PowerPlay
6.6 |
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Manufacturer |
Business Objects |
Brio Technology |
Hummingbird
Communications |
MicroStrategy,
Inc. |
Cognos Corporation |
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Group Score:
175 out of 295
Total Score:
1322 out of 2080 |
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Group Score:
159 out of 295
Total Score:
1261 out of 2080 |
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Group Score:
155 out of 295
Total Score:
1258 out of 2080 |
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Group Score:
139 out of 295
Total Score:
1205 out of 2080 |
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Group Score:
179 out of 295
Total Score:
1164 out of 2080 |
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General
Product Architecture |
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Weight: 3 |
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Weighted
Score:
12
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Weighted
Score:
12
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Weighted
Score:
12
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Weighted
Score:
12
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Weighted
Score:
12
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The Business Objects solution can be deployed over one or
both of the following: a standard client-server environment
including the full client version of BusinessObjects and Broadcast
Agent; a distributed architecture environment including
WebIntelligence, Broadcast Agent, Zero Admin BusinessObjects. CORBA
provides the standard architecture for enterprise server products.
TCP/IP, IPX,/SPX and NetWare protocols are supported. |
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An
n-tier architecture with two components; BrioQuery client-server
query, analysis and reporting tools along with the Broadcast server
to automate scheduled query processing, report notification and
distribution; On-Demand server to enable Brio.Insight query,
analysis and reporting and Brio.Quickview and Brio.Freeview report
viewing via the web. |
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An
n-tier architecture with four components: BI/Query client-server
query and reporting application; BI Analyze client-server OLAP
application; BI/Web provides query, reporting, and OLAP over the
web; BI/Broker application server provides administration functions,
security, scheduling, distribution, and notification services.
Middle-tier serves both PC desktops and Web clients. |
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An
n-tier architecture with an Intelligence Server that manages and
organizes users, ROLAP projects, and database connections. Client
applications are Windows or Web-based. Access is by a TCP/IP network
connection. |
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An
n-tier architecture with an Enterprise Server that deploys and
publishes cubes and reports to any PowerPlay client. Client
applications are Windows or Web-based. Cubes are created with the
Windows Transformer application. User's access the Enterprise Server
by a TCP/IP network connection. |
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System
Requirements |
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Weight: 2 |
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Weighted
Score:
6
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Weighted
Score:
6
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Weighted
Score:
6
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Weighted
Score:
6
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Weighted
Score:
6
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Windows Server: Pentium 200, 256 MB RAM, 300MB free hard
disk space, CD-ROM for Broadcast Agent; Pentium 200 or higher, 128MB
RAM, 150MB free hard disk space, CD-ROM for WebIntelligence. Unix
Server: UltraSPARC II(i) or higher, 256MB RAM, swap file 3 times RAM
size, CD-ROM ISO 9660 format with RockRidge extension. Desktop
Products: Intel Pentium 90 or higher, 32MB RAM, hard disk, CD-ROM.
Web Client: 486 PC or higher, 16MB RAM; PowerMac, Warp Server 4.
Database and OLAP access packs require additional hard disk
space. |
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Broadcast Server: Windows 25 MB HD, 32 MB RAM; Unix 60-120
MB HD, 64 MB RAM. OnDemand Server: Windows 45 MB HD, 96 MB RAM; UNIX
120 MB HD, 96 MB RAM. Web clients Brio.Insight and Brio.Quickview:
Windows 10 MB HD, 32 MB RAM; PowerMac 6 MB HD, 6 MB RAM; UNIX 16 MB
HD, 16 MB RAM. BrioQuery Desktop Client: Windows 32 MB HD, 32 MB
RAM; PowerMac 11 MB HD, 32 MB RAM; UNIX 20 MB HD, 32 MB
RAM. |
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Server: Windows, Pentium II 300 MHz or faster, 4 GB HD, and
512 MB RAM. Unix, Ultra 300 MHz or faster, 4 GB HD, and 512 MB RAM.
Desktop Clients: Pentium 166 MHz or faster, NT with 32MB RAM or
95/98 with 64 MB RAM. |
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Minimum Requirements: PC compatible, 200Mhz Pentium, 1GB HD.
Server requires 128 MB RAM and desktop client requires 64 MB RAM.
Web client requires a PC 486 or higher with 16 MB RAM. |
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Server: Intel - 486 or greater, 75 MB on Windows NT; Unix -
34 MB on HP-UX, 31 MB on Sun Solaris, 38 MB on IBX AIX. RAM
requirements depend on server configuration and cube size. |
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Databases
Supported |
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Weight: 3 |
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Weighted
Score:
16
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Weighted
Score:
16
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Weighted
Score:
16
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Weighted
Score:
16
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Weighted
Score:
8
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Database Access Packs, include drivers and configuration
files, to support Sybase, Oracle, Informix, Teradata, Microsoft ODBC
(Microsoft Access, Microsoft SQL Server), Generic ODBC, IBM DB2, and
SAP BAPIs. |
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AS400, Broadbase, DB2, Informix, Microsoft SQL Server,
Oracle, RedBrick, Sybase, Teradata, and any ODBC or OLE DB compliant
database. Open Client and SQL Net are also supported. |
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AS400, CA-OpenIngres, CA-Ingres, DB2, Informix, MS SQL
Server, NonStop SQL, Oracle, Personal Oracle 7, Red Brick, Sybase,
Teradata, Unidata, RDB. |
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Versions of IBM DB2, Informix, Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle,
Redbrick, Sybase, Tandem and Teradata databases are either supported
or certified. |
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Data sources for Transformer are: delimited text, Clipper,
dBase, Access, Lotus, Excel, FoxPro, Paradox and Impromptu Query
Definition (a file that executes a SQL query against a supported
Impromptu database). Cubes created with Transformer can be stored in
a directory or in the following databases; Oracle, IBM DB2,
Informix, Sybase, and Microsoft SQL Server. |
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Support
for third-party OLAP cubes. |
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Weight: 4 |
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Weighted
Score:
24
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Weighted
Score:
24
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Weighted
Score:
24
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Weighted
Score:
0
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Weighted
Score:
24
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Business Objects provides access packs which include drivers
and configuration files to support DB2 OLAP Server, Essbase, Oracle
Express, Metacube, Microsoft OLAP Services, and SAP BW. |
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Supported multidimensional databases include Microsoft SQL
Server OLAP, Hyperion Essbase, Informix MetaCube, IBM DB2 for OLAP
and databases compliant with the OLE DB for OLAP standard. |
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Supported multidimensional databases include Informix,
Essbase, Microsoft's SQL 7 OLAP Services, Whitelight, IBM DB2 OLAP
Services. |
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No. The company is currently developing a driver to make the
MicroStrategy 7 Intelligence Server ODBO compliant. Availability of
this functionality is scheduled for 12/00. |
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PowerPlay supports OLAP cubes from Hyperion Essbase,
Microsoft SQL Server OLAP , IBM DB2 OLAP, Oracle Express and SAP BW
(ODBO). |
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Web
Servers Supported |
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Weight: 3 |
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Weighted
Score:
12
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Weighted
Score:
12
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Weighted
Score:
12
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Weighted
Score:
12
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Weighted
Score:
16
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Supported web servers on Windows 2000 are Microsoft IIS 5;
on Windows NT 4.0 SP6a are Microsoft IIS 3.0-4.0, Netscape
Enterprise Server 3.6, 3.51 and 3.0, and Apache 1.3.6. |
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Microsoft IIS 3 and 4, Netscape Enterprise Server 3.6,
Netscape iPlanet 4.x. |
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Microsoft IIS 3 or later or Netscape Enterprise Server 3.0
or later. |
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Microsoft IIS 4 or 5. |
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Any web server that uses HTTP; Microsoft IIS v 3.0 and
above, Netscape (SuiteSpot) v 3.6 and above on NT 4.0, HP-UX, IBM
AIX and Sun Solaris Unix platforms. The product also supports web
servers that are CGI 1.1 compliant such as Lotus Domino and
Apache. |
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Web
Browsers Supported |
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Weight: 2 |
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Weighted
Score:
6
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Weighted
Score:
6
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Weighted
Score:
6
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Weighted
Score:
6
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Weighted
Score:
6
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Supported Browsers are Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.01 (JVM
3240) on Windows 2000, NT 4.0, Win 98 and Win 95; Netscape
Communicator 4.7 on Windows and Sun Solaris 2.5.1; Netscape
Communicator 4.6.1 on OS/2; Netscape Navigator 4.0.8 on Windows NT
4.0, Win 98, Win 95, and MacOs 8.5. |
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The Insight plug-in is available for Netscape Navigator 4.0
or higher and Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 or higher. |
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Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.01, 5.0, 5.5, Netscape
Navigator for Windows 4.05 or for Unix and Mac 4.x. |
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Microsoft IE 4 & 5.01; Netscape Navigator 3 & 4; at
minimum browser must support HTML tables, forms, cookies and
CSS. |
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Run PowerPlay Web using Internet Explorer 4.0 or higher or
Netscape Navigator 4.06 or higher. |
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LDAP
Support |
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Weight: 3 |
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Weighted
Score:
8
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Weighted
Score:
4
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Weighted
Score:
0
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Weighted
Score:
12
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Weighted
Score:
20
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Use LDAP authentication to validate users and allow access
to WebIntelligence while maintaining management of user rights and
data access through the repository. |
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Custom Authentication mode allows a site to integrate the
OnDemand Server with existing security systems. By using a custom
JavaBean, an LDAP server could be accessed to lookup
username/password combinations. However, Brio is not providing
supported JavaBeans at this time. |
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No. LDAP is scheduled to be available with the next product
release. |
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Support for LDAP is available via a security plug-in wrapper
through the product's open API. User lists and members can be
imported into the MicroStrategy Intelligence Server security
structure from LDAP text files. |
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Yes, Netscape Directory Server 3.1 is provided with all
installations. |
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Technical
Support |
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Weight: 5 |
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Weighted
Score:
48
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Weighted
Score:
48
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Weighted
Score:
48
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Weighted
Score:
48
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Weighted
Score:
48
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Business Objects offers Worldwide Customer Support through
three regional support centers. Four support plans are available:
E-Support-all support is over the web; silver support- web or
telephone support; gold support-priority attention and a dedicated
customer support advocate; platinum-7X24 support. The knowledge base
on the company website is a self-sufficient resource for answering
technical questions. In addition, consulting services are available
to assist customers in all stages of the development life
cycle. |
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Technical Support toll-free hotline: 800.337.6324; email:
support@brio.com. Maintenance customers receive: free product
upgrades, 7X24 technical support, monthly call reports, product
news, user conferences, and web-based support, toll free
worldwide. |
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Both telephone and online support is available. A Knowledge
Base, Tech Notes and a User Group Mailing list are maintained on the
company website. Hummingbird publishes a monthly newsletter and
maintains support centers in North America, Europe and
Asia/Pacific. |
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The company offers four levels of support by email and phone
that vary from 7X24 single point of contact to 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
(EST) Monday through Friday. Find a technical support case or search
the knowledge base and FAQ's on the company website. |
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The company offers Standard, Standard Plus, Alliance, and
Global Alliance support plans. A knowledge base, FAQs, and
Newsgroups are maintained on the company website. Cognos maintains
support centers in North America, Europe, and
Asia/Pacific. |
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Language
Availability |
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Weight: 3 |
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Weighted
Score:
16
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Weighted
Score:
16
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Weighted
Score:
12
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Weighted
Score:
16
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Weighted
Score:
16
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BusinessObjects 5.1, WebIntelligence 2.6 and Broadcast Agent
5.1 software, online help and documentation are available in French,
German, Italian, Spanish and Dutch; the software only is available
in Brazilian Portuguese. |
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The product supports English, Chinese, French, German,
Italian, Japanese, Portuguese (Brazilian), and Spanish. |
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BI/Suite is available in English and French. |
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MicroStrategy supports English (US and UK), Spanish, German,
French, Korean, Italian, Swedish and Japanese. |
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PowerPlay supports English, German, Finnish, Spanish,
French, Italian, Dutch, and Swedish. |
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Currency
Options |
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Weight: 3 |
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Weighted
Score:
20
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Weighted
Score:
8
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Weighted
Score:
12
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Weighted
Score:
4
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Weighted
Score:
16
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BusinessObjects uses the default currency defined in the
Windows Regional Settings in the Windows Control Panel. Convert an
amount from one of the eleven EMU currencies into euros. The product
stores the conversion rates and other information for the EMU
currencies and uses this information to carry out conversions to and
from euros. Edit this information and add other currencies to this
list. To convert from one EMU-compliant currency to another
EMU-compliant currency, a formula to triangulate must be
written. |
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The dollar and euro symbols are supported. |
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Euro, Franc, Pound, and Yen. Supports extended
characters. |
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No, the product uses the currency symbol designated by the
operating system. |
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The product has currency support for the United States,
Canada, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Japan, Taiwan, Korea,
China, Australia, Denmark, Mexico, and Brazil. |
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Scalability |
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Weight: 3 |
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Weighted
Score:
4
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Weighted
Score:
4
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Weighted
Score:
4
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Weighted
Score:
4
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Weighted
Score:
4
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The vendor states that in intranets, the products are used
in environments ranging from workgroups of 20 users to enterprise
deployments exceeding 20,000. The multi-tier, distributed component
architecture of Broadcast Agent and WebIntelligence provide
scalability, reliability, and performance for growing enterprises
and extranet deployments. |
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Vendor states that the company has a proven track record of
successful customer implementations in Global 1000 corporations,
Internet high-tech companies, and government and educational
institutions. Brio.Enterprise is the fastest business intelligence
solution to deploy-and easiest to scale for a growing
business. |
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The vendor states that BI/Broker scales to support hundreds
of Web users simultaneously. Utilizing CORBA, load can be
distributed to additional support servers called Support
Brokers. |
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Vendor states that MicroStrategy Intelligence Server 7.0
provides millions of users with insight from analytical
applications. Next-generation caching, security and clustering
features allow all employees, partners and customers to access an
analytic application without loss in performance. |
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Vendor states that the architecture adapts to existing and
expanding infrastructure in a mixed computing environment.
Flexibility is almost limitless but requires consideration to get
optimum performance. |
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Product
Positioning |
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Weight: 1 |
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Weighted
Score:
1
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Weighted
Score:
1
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Weighted
Score:
1
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Weighted
Score:
1
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Weighted
Score:
1
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BusinessObjects 2000 is a strategic business intelligence
(BI) platform and integrated toolset that lets users access,
analyze, and share information both within and beyond the
enterprise. It is designed to be easy to use and architected to be
secure, scaleable, and extensible. |
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Brio Enterprise provides a complete business intelligence
solution to enable users to query, analyze and report from an
intuitive interface on both client-server and web
platforms. |
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BI/Suite is a fully integrated, scalable business
intelligence (BI) solution. BI/Suite allows users to access and
analyze information stored in transactional databases, data marts,
data warehouses and enterprise resource planning (ERP) applications
both on the desktop and over the Web. |
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MicroStrategy 7 platform for Intelligent E-Business,
provides capabilities that empower organizations to harness the full
power of e-business. Enterprises can leverage the analytical
sophistication, customer insight, and personalized interaction
capabilities provided by MicroStrategy 7 to build advanced business
intelligence applications and narrowcast networks. |
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Cognos PowerPlay 6.6 offers unparalleled OLAP-based
enterprise business performance measurement and managed
reporting. |
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Components |
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Weight: 1 |
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Weighted
Score:
1
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Weighted
Score:
1
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Weighted
Score:
1
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Weighted
Score:
1
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Weighted
Score:
1
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BusinessObjects is a desktop query, reporting and analysis
tool. WebIntelligence supports query, reporting and analysis over
the web. Administer users and create the Business Objects repository
with Supervisor. Create universes, the metadata layer, with
Designer. Process and distribute WebIntelligence and BusinessObject
documents with Broadcast Agent. InfoView is the user portal to
access Business Objects documents over the web. |
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Brio Enterprise servers; BrioQuery Designer desktop tool for
administration, query, and report design; Brio.Insight for query,
analysis, and reporting functionality within a web
browser. |
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BI/Broker, an enterprise application server; BI/Query, a
client server query and reporting application; BI/Analyze, a client
server OLAP application; and BI/Web, a thin client application that
provides query, reporting, and OLAP over the web. |
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MicroStrategy Desktop enables tasks related to project and
report creation. MicroStrategy Web provides the functionality
necessary for report display and manipulation in a web environment.
MicroStrategy Intelligence Server is a multi-threaded application
server. |
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PowerPlay Enterprise Server, an OLAP application server for
Cognos PowerCubes and other leading third party cubes. PowerPlay
Web, an HTML client for casual OLAP, ad-hoc query and analysis over
the web. PowerPlay for Windows, a thin client for advanced OLAP
functionality, analysis, report authoring and viewing. Transformer,
a cube-development environment. |
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Additional
Modules |
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Weight: 1 |
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Weighted
Score:
1
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Weighted
Score:
1
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Weighted
Score:
1
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Weighted
Score:
1
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Weighted
Score:
1
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BusinessObjects Set Analyzer is a selection tool for
customer segmentation. BusinessQuery, an Excel add-in, and
BusinessMiner offer advanced analysis for the desktop. |
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Brio.Quickview for report viewing and data refresh;
BrioQuery Explorer and BrioQuery Navigator are client-server options
for end user query and analysis; Brio.Freeview for viewing
Brio.Enterprise reports at no cost. |
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Genio Suite, a data exchange application and Genio Miner, a
data mining application. |
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MicroStrategy offers a suite of products for information
delivery and interaction via Web, wireless, and voice; also products
for rapid development and management. |
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PowerPlay for Excel, an Excel add-in. PowerPlay Personal
Server, a desktop server allowing mobile users to store and process
OLAP cubes locally on the PC. Upfront, a portal to organize and
publish cubes and reports. |
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Server |
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Server features and functionality. |
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Factor: Standard |
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Product Name |
BusinessObjects
2000 |
Brio
Enterprise
6.2 |
BI/Suite
6.0 |
MicroStrategy
7.0 |
PowerPlay
6.6 |
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Manufacturer |
Business Objects |
Brio Technology |
Hummingbird
Communications |
MicroStrategy,
Inc. |
Cognos Corporation |
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| |
|
|
Group Score:
238 out of 390
Total Score:
1322 out of 2080 |
|
Group Score:
246 out of 390
Total Score:
1261 out of 2080 |
|
Group Score:
234 out of 390
Total Score:
1258 out of 2080 |
|
Group Score:
246 out of 390
Total Score:
1205 out of 2080 |
|
Group Score:
228 out of 390
Total Score:
1164 out of 2080 |
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Metadata
Layer Usage |
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Weight: 5 |
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Weighted
Score:
48
|
|
Weighted
Score:
64
|
|
Weighted
Score:
48
|
|
Weighted
Score:
48
|
|
Weighted
Score:
48
|
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A
universe is the semantic layer that isolates the end user from the
technical issues of the database structure. With Supervisor, manage
universes created by designers, and authorize users and groups to
access one or more universes. |
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Access metadata stored in a relational database through a
database connection. BrioQuery can automatically apply metadata to
topics, topic items, limit lookup values, and add joins and remarks
based on information stored in metadata. The product utilizes an
Open Metadata Interpreter to fully leverage existing
metadata. |
|
Using metadata entails creating and populating tables in the
database, editing query templates to specify the source metadata
tables and columns, and then loading the metadata into the data
model. |
|
Metadata for the dimensional model is populated when a
project is created using the Architect component of MicroStrategy
Desktop. Metadata can be stored in DB2, Oracle or SQL
Server. |
|
The administrator describes the dimensions and categories
when creating a cube in Transformer. In PowerPlay Windows, Excel and
Web, the Explain feature shows the descriptive information about the
selected dimension or category. |
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Report
Scheduler |
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| |
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Weight: 5 |
|
Weighted
Score:
48
|
|
Weighted
Score:
64
|
|
Weighted
Score:
48
|
|
Weighted
Score:
64
|
|
Weighted
Score:
48
|
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| |
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Refresh reports at regular intervals, only when another file
is present, only if a condition is met, or for specific start and
stop dates. |
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Schedule to run a job immediately or on a daily, weekly,
monthly, quarterly, or periodic basis. Set a priority level for jobs
that are scheduled to process at the same time. |
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Jobs can be scheduled to run immediately, repeatedly, at
specified intervals such as daily, monthly, or quarterly, when a
specific event occurs, or based on both events and time. |
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Schedule reports to run according to time or event triggers.
For frequently accessed reports that are stored in cache, setup
cache refreshing schedules. Prioritize jobs based on cost, project,
or user group. |
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Use Scheduler to refresh a PowerCube and update the contents
of a report. Schedule tasks to run only once or
repeatedly. |
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Published
Reports |
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Weight: 5 |
|
Weighted
Score:
48
|
|
Weighted
Score:
48
|
|
Weighted
Score:
48
|
|
Weighted
Score:
48
|
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Weighted
Score:
48
|
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Reports can be saved and shared through the repository and
by publishing as a corporate document. |
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With Broadcast server, provide user access to BrioQuery
documents by posting files to an intranet directory, providing HTML
links or embedding files in HTML documents; generate the documents
on a scheduled basis. |
|
Yes, all reports can be published to the repository and made
available for sharing by granting access permissions. |
|
Yes, standard reports can be saved and shared with all users
or groups of users through the MicroStrategy Desktop and
MicroStrategy Web interfaces. |
|
Publish a report to Upfront in PDF format and specify
prompting options to make available to report users; publish as an
HTML document and choose to publish one or more layers or choose a
crosstab display; publish in a Portfolio briefing book. |
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Report
Distribution |
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| |
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Weight: 3 |
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Weighted
Score:
16
|
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
Weighted
Score:
16
|
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
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| |
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Distribute reports via report bursting, email, the
repository, the server file system, or the Web. Save and publish in
PDF, RTF, HTML or text format. |
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Reports are distributed by email from the Broadcast server
or they can be requested from the web server by the On-Demand
server. |
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The scheduler enables reports to be distributed by printing,
FTP, or email. Users can be notified of completion of reports using
email, by broadcasting a message, or by using a Push channel.
Reports can also be distributed over the Web by publishing access
through BI/Web. |
|
Users can be notified by email from the Intelligence server
that a scheduled report is available for viewing. |
|
Use Scheduler to distribute HTML reports via email or they
can be manually requested from the web server by the Enterprise
server. |
|
| |
|
Process
Queries |
|
| |
|
Weight: 3 |
|
Weighted
Score:
16
|
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
| |
|
|
Users can refresh report data if given the privilege by
either the supervisor or the report creator. However, to save
processing time, the administrator can pre-loaded reports to cache
after refresh in HTML, PDF, and ActiveX formats. Where documents are
viewed regularly by thousands of users, proper use of this feature
can prevent system congestion and overload. |
|
Reports can be published with cached data, users may be
given the privilege to process a query/report or data may be
automatically scheduled to be refreshed by Broadcast
server. |
|
Reports can be designed to connect to local data sources
that contain all the data needed rather than connecting directly to
a live database. Users can choose to view cached report data or
refresh the report when it is opened. |
|
Reports are cached based on security and cache expiration
parameters. When a report is run, the Intelligence Server checks
cache first. If the appropriate report cache does not exist, the
report is run on the database server. |
|
A
query is run against a persistent PowerPlay cube. A report consists
of data selected from one or more cubes. When a report is saved and
later reopened, the latest data from the cube is
displayed. |
|
| |
|
Stored
Database Procedures |
|
| |
|
Weight: 2 |
|
Weighted
Score:
6
|
|
Weighted
Score:
6
|
|
Weighted
Score:
6
|
|
Weighted
Score:
6
|
|
Weighted
Score:
0
|
|
| |
|
|
End users can execute stored procedures on the universes
assigned to them by the supervisor. |
|
Use BrioQuery to process stored procedures through Open
Client or ODBC. |
|
Use a SQL script to send an EXEC statement to the database
to call a stored procedure. This can be automated by saving as a
query and linking to a button. |
|
Yes, stored database procedures can be accessed via
metrics. |
|
Not applicable. This would occur in Transformer using an
Impromptu query definition; the Impromptu product would need to have
this feature. |
|
| |
|
Page
by Page Report Serving |
|
| |
|
Weight: 4 |
|
Weighted
Score:
16
|
|
Weighted
Score:
0
|
|
Weighted
Score:
16
|
|
Weighted
Score:
16
|
|
Weighted
Score:
24
|
|
| |
|
|
WebIntelligence supports page by page report serving for
HTML reports. |
|
No. |
|
BI/Broker serves queries and reports a page-at-a-time to
BI/Web users. |
|
The Web product supports incremental fetch to return a large
result set to the client in numerous small pieces; desktop support
of this feature is scheduled for a future release. |
|
Yes, this feature enables page by page serving of Acrobat
files, instead of serving the entire document. For large reports,
this may improve access time. |
|
| |
|
Repository |
|
| |
|
Weight: 3 |
|
Weighted
Score:
16
|
|
Weighted
Score:
16
|
|
Weighted
Score:
16
|
|
Weighted
Score:
16
|
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
| |
|
|
The repository, a set of data structures stored in a
database, makes it possible for all users to share resources. It has
three types of domains: a security domain; universe domains,
meta-models of related databases, containing a description of the
data to be accessed; document domains, which contain the structures
for storing shared documents and for executing tasks according to a
timestamped definition. |
|
The Repository is a centralized hub for storing data models,
standard queries and standard queries with reports. Groups are used
to control access to repository objects by users and
workgroups. |
|
A
central repository stores queries and reports, as well as data
models, and references to multidimensional data sources, making the
same information available to both desktop and web clients. Personal
Portfolios provide individual workspaces for each web
user. |
|
Yes, all reporting objects are stored and accessed
centrally; access is controlled by user, group, role, and filter
security constraints. |
|
Folders and collections are containers used by the
Enterprise server administrator to organize and administer cubes and
reports. |
|
| |
|
Auditing |
|
| |
|
Weight: 4 |
|
Weighted
Score:
24
|
|
Weighted
Score:
24
|
|
Weighted
Score:
24
|
|
Weighted
Score:
24
|
|
Weighted
Score:
24
|
|
| |
|
|
The audit feature for WebIntelligence and Broadcast Agent
tracks information relating to user activity and places it in either
a text file, or a relational database for accessing with Business
Objects products. Send to (export or publish), read corporate
document, refresh document and open report from cache are some of
the activities that can be monitored. |
|
For data models downloaded from the repository, audit
features track how long queries take to process, which tables and
columns are used most often and record the full SQL statement that
is sent to the database. |
|
The Performance Data Collection Service, which must be
installed separately, monitors access to reports, data models, and
data sources. Also, there are several sample reports which can be
run to show activity such as login and logouts for the week; and
queries can be run against collected data. |
|
Statistics are recorded for all report jobs executed through
the MicroStrategy Intelligence Server. Information such as query
access patterns, objects most frequently accessed and query
execution times can be captured and revealed. Statistic tables must
be stored in Microsoft SQL Server version 7 or later. |
|
In
the Enterprise Server Administration tool, enable auditing for a
server, a cube or report. Record detailed information about how
often the levels, measures, and dimensions of the cube are
used. |
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
Cube, Query, and Report Design
Tools |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Features of the cube, query, and report design
tools. |
|
| |
|
Factor: Standard |
|
| |
|
Product Name |
BusinessObjects
2000 |
Brio
Enterprise
6.2 |
BI/Suite
6.0 |
MicroStrategy
7.0 |
PowerPlay
6.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Manufacturer |
Business Objects |
Brio Technology |
Hummingbird
Communications |
MicroStrategy,
Inc. |
Cognos Corporation |
|
| |
|
|
Group Score:
587 out of 895
Total Score:
1322 out of 2080 |
|
Group Score:
576 out of 895
Total Score:
1261 out of 2080 |
|
Group Score:
575 out of 895
Total Score:
1258 out of 2080 |
|
Group Score:
562 out of 895
Total Score:
1205 out of 2080 |
|
Group Score:
451 out of 895
Total Score:
1164 out of 2080 |
|
| |
|
Navigation |
|
| |
|
Weight: 5 |
|
Weighted
Score:
48
|
|
Weighted
Score:
64
|
|
Weighted
Score:
48
|
|
Weighted
Score:
64
|
|
Weighted
Score:
48
|
|
| |
|
|
The screen displays an organized view of the selected
universe and any predefined conditions. Classes appear as folders.
Objects appear as cubes for dimensions, spheres for measures, and
pyramids for details. |
|
The OLAPQuery Catalog Pane displays an organized view of all
dimensions, levels, and categories in a cube. For RDBMSs, use the
Query Contents pane to examine the contents of the database and look
underneath to verify data values. |
|
Yes, data hierarchy is presented in an easy to use Microsoft
Management Console like view in the cube creator, a data navigator
provides easy viewing of dimension data hierarchy in BI/Analyze, and
explore functions enable easy viewing of data structures in Query
and Report. |
|
From the folder list, easily view personal and public
objects, schema objects, facts, attributes, metrics, filters,
templates, and reports. Use the data explorer to view data
hierarchies and data values. |
|
The screen includes an organized view of all dimensions,
levels, and categories in the cube. |
|
| |
|
SQL
Query Tool/Editor |
|
| |
|
Weight: 5 |
|
Weighted
Score:
48
|
|
Weighted
Score:
64
|
|
Weighted
Score:
64
|
|
Weighted
Score:
48
|
|
Weighted
Score:
0
|
|
| |
|
|
The Query Panel is a graphical interface where the user can
build a query by dragging and dropping objects from the universe.
View and parse the SQL generated. Free-hand SQL enables the user to
open, edit, and run existing SQL scripts. Users who know SQL can
write their own scripts and use the different types of SQL commands
supported by the local database; for example, pre-defined queries,
stored procedures, PL/SQL and Transact SQL. |
|
Use the Query section either to download a pre-built query
or Data Model, or build a Data Model and create a new query. Use
click and drag to build a query, apply limits, compute and modify
items, and process. Edit a SQL statement using the Custom SQL
window. |
|
The generated SQL string can be set to appear in the query
window and can then be modified. |
|
SQL is generated as attributes and metrics are selected in
the report designer tool. Easily switch between design, grid, graph
or SQL view. SQL statements may not be edited. |
|
No. |
|
| |
|
Query
Optimization |
|
| |
|
Weight: 3 |
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
Weighted
Score:
16
|
|
Weighted
Score:
0
|
|
| |
|
|
Database connectivity drivers automatically optimize a query
depending on the database being accessed. The tool also supports
aggregate awareness and shortcut joins. |
|
Brio.Enterprise relies on the database optimizer. However,
hints can be passed to the Oracle optimizer through a computed
item. |
|
Use data value files to search a subset of the database,
limit queries to specific information by qualifying data fields,
submit queries to a new table, or modify the SQL. |
|
Generate the most optimal SQL by adjusting Very Large
Database settings for each report. Over 50 parameters control
granular generation of SQL; the subquery type, use of database
HINTS, applying pre or post SQL, derived tables, indexing, join
syntax and more. |
|
Not applicable. |
|
| |
|
Cube
Builder |
|
| |
|
Weight: 3 |
|
Weighted
Score:
0
|
|
Weighted
Score:
0
|
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
| |
|
|
No. Cubes do not have to be defined in BusinessObjects.
Users are connected to the OLAP data source, reading the data,
hierarchies and indexing already in place. |
|
No. Cubes do not have to be defined in Brio Enterprise.
Users are directly connected to the OLAP data source, reading the
data, hierarchies and indexing already in place. |
|
Yes, BI/Analyze Cube Creator is the tool for creating
cubes. |
|
The product offers cube like functionality in a ROLAP
environment. Architect, a component of MicroStrategy Desktop, is the
tool for defining a Project, the multidimensional analysis model and
metadata link used with the product. |
|
Yes, Transformer is the cube development
environment. |
|
| |
|
Cube
Optimization |
|
| |
|
Weight: 3 |
|
Weighted
Score:
20
|
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
Weighted
Score:
8
|
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
| |
|
|
Optimize fetching speed and memory use by limiting the array
fetch size, the number of rows of data fetched from the server in a
single fetch. Also have BusinessObjects give a warning if the number
of rows of data or the number of data cells is beyond a certain
limit. |
|
Brio.Enterprise has a specialized caching and retrieval
system for optimal desktop OLAP performance. |
|
Cube performance can be optimized by slicing off portions of
server-side cubes and storing them as departmental cubes and by
setting consolidation which calculates values when a cube is
accessed rather than at build time. |
|
No
proprietary cube is used as all data is stored in relational format.
Performance optimization features such as multi-layered caching and
clustering technology, partitioned table support and aggregate
awareness are built into the product. |
|
When cubes are created, apply optimization techniques in
Transformer such as compression, auto-partition, crosstab caching,
incremental update and local processing. |
|
| |
|
Predefined
Functions |
|
| |
|
Weight: 4 |
|
Weighted
Score:
32
|
|
Weighted
Score:
24
|
|
Weighted
Score:
24
|
|
Weighted
Score:
40
|
|
Weighted
Score:
24
|
|
| |
|
|
Over 100 functions are defined in the following categories:
aggregates, numeric, character, date, logical, document, data
provider and more. |
|
Over 50 predefined functions are available in
BrioQuery. |
|
There are 7 standard and 42 scalar predefined functions
available. |
|
Over 150 functions are defined for basic, OLAP, rank,
statistical, mathematical and financial analysis. Also integrate
custom and third party calculations into the function library of the
Intelligence Server. |
|
Transformer has a variety of predefined date, time, numeric,
summary and text functions. |
|
| |
|
Parameterized
Queries and Reports |
|
| |
|
Weight: 4 |
|
Weighted
Score:
24
|
|
Weighted
Score:
24
|
|
Weighted
Score:
24
|
|
Weighted
Score:
24
|
|
Weighted
Score:
24
|
|
| |
|
|
A
prompt and list of values can be added to a query condition by drag
and drop or added to a query script using free-hand SQL. |
|
A
parameterized filter can be written to prompt the user for one or
more values when a query is run. |
|
Prompts included in queries enable user input at query and
report runtime. |
|
Use prompts to apply conditions on one or more attributes,
metrics or other report objects at run time. |
|
In
PowerPlay for Windows, select the items that the report consumer
should be prompted for when they open the report in PDF
format. |
|
| |
|
User
Defined Functions |
|
| |
|
Weight: 4 |
|
Weighted
Score:
24
|
|
Weighted
Score:
16
|
|
Weighted
Score:
24
|
|
Weighted
Score:
24
|
|
Weighted
Score:
24
|
|
| |
|
|
Set up personalized calculations on data in reports by
writing BusinessObjects formulas. Formulas are used to carry out
calculations locally in the report and also allow the user to set
conditions on filters and data display. Use this feature to perform
calculations that some SQL servers cannot carry out. Edit a formula
directly in the cell or use the Formula Editor. |
|
User defined functions written as JavaScript procedures are
supported. |
|
Calculated attributes are used to perform user defined
calculations. |
|
Define any expression for use by metrics. Use Consolidations
to group attribute elements and derive new values without changing
the metadata and warehouse definitions. |
|
User defined functions are supported in Transformer. In
PowerPlay Windows, calculate new categories based on existing
categories. |
|
| |
|
Browse
Field Data |
|
| |
|
Weight: 3 |
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
| |
|
|
Browse field data by querying the field and limiting number
of rows returned. |
|
Yes, the detail view allows the user to browse 10 or more
rows of raw data from a table. |
|
Yes, a data values icon enables browsing of data values for
a particular field. |
|
Yes, from the folder list, use data explorer to view data
values. |
|
Yes, browse values for selected dimensions, levels and
categories of the cube. |
|
| |
|
Report
Design Interface |
|
| |
|
Weight: 3 |
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
| |
|
|
Standard GUI interface with drop down menus, toolbars,
mouseover button descriptions and right click menus. |
|
Standard GUI interface with drop down menus, toolbars,
mouseover button descriptions and right click menus. Query, report,
pivot, chart and OLAP sections are built into a single
tool. |
|
Standard GUI interface with drop down menus, toolbars,
mouseover button descriptions, and right click menus. The interface
includes wizards and is easy to use. |
|
Standard GUI interface with drop down menus, toolbars,
mouseover button descriptions and right click menus. |
|
Yes, browse values for selected dimensions, levels and
categories of the cube. |
|
| |
|
Drag
and Drop |
|
| |
|
Weight: 2 |
|
Weighted
Score:
6
|
|
Weighted
Score:
6
|
|
Weighted
Score:
4
|
|
Weighted
Score:
6
|
|
Weighted
Score:
6
|
|
| |
|
|
Yes to all. |
|
Yes to all. |
|
Drag and drop can be used to build reports in crosstab,
chart, map, table, rich text, and OLE; however drag and drop cannot
be used to build queries. |
|
Yes to all. |
|
Yes to all. |
|
| |
|
Edit
Column Headings |
|
| |
|
Weight: 2 |
|
Weighted
Score:
6
|
|
Weighted
Score:
6
|
|
Weighted
Score:
6
|
|
Weighted
Score:
0
|
|
Weighted
Score:
6
|
|
| |
|
|
Yes, change the column name and right click on the cell to
format attributes. |
|
Yes. |
|
Yes, by double clicking on the heading a text editor box
enables modification of the heading and its attributes. |
|
Column heading names are user defined and can be changed at
report creation time. |
|
Yes. |
|
| |
|
Preview
Options |
|
| |
|
Weight: 2 |
|
Weighted
Score:
8
|
|
Weighted
Score:
8
|
|
Weighted
Score:
6
|
|
Weighted
Score:
6
|
|
Weighted
Score:
6
|
|
| |
|
|
Yes. Select the number of rows to retrieve, 10, 20 or X
rows, before previewing a report. |
|
Yes, reports can be previewed using cached data. |
|
Yes, preview reports using live data. |
|
Yes, preview reports using live data. |
|
Preview reports using cube data. |
|
| |
|
Scripting
Language |
|
| |
|
Weight: 3 |
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
| |
|
|
BusinessObjects uses Visual Basic for scripting macros and
add-ins. |
|
Yes, JavaScript is the supported scripting
language. |
|
Yes, using an OLE Automation controller, such as Visual
Basic. |
|
With the MicroStrategy Software Development Kit, use COM
components written in Visual Basic, Visual C++, PowerBuilder, or
Delphi. |
|
Yes, CognosScript is a programming language compatible with
Visual Basic. Use with an OLE automation interface to create
macros. |
|
| |
|
Embedded
Reports |
|
| |
|
Weight: 3 |
|
Weighted
Score:
16
|
|
Weighted
Score:
16
|
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
Weighted
Score:
16
|
|
Weighted
Score:
16
|
|
| |
|
|
Embed other BusinessObjects results, tables, crosstabs and
charts in a report. Add hyperlinks, OLE images, and other graphic
images. |
|
Embed other BrioQuery sections, results, tables, pivots,
charts, and OLAP results, in an EIS section. |
|
Yes, use exceptions to create reports that include other
reports, such as summary and detail reports or reports that rank
performance. |
|
A
document is used to display and distribute multiple reports within a
project. A document can include text, images, hyperlinks, tables and
one or more report objects. |
|
Embed OLE objects in a PowerPlay Windows report or embed a
PowerPlay Windows report into another OLE-compliant
application. |
|
| |
|
Drill-Down
Reports |
|
| |
|
Weight: 5 |
|
Weighted
Score:
64
|
|
Weighted
Score:
64
|
|
Weighted
Score:
64
|
|
Weighted
Score:
64
|
|
Weighted
Score:
48
|
|
| |
|
|
Drill up, down, or across the data hierarchy. Drill on
charts and multiple hierarchies. Use drill filters as query
conditions and drill through to retrieve more data from the
database. |
|
Create a predefined drill-down path; drill-down and drill-up
analysis are supported in tables, charts, and graphs. |
|
Yes, multiple drill-down paths can be created; drill-down
and drill-up analysis is supported in crosstab reports in
BI/Analyze. |
|
Enable or disable drilling, drill anywhere or drill down
only, enable or disable keep parent while drilling. |
|
Drill-up and drill-down analysis is supported in tables,
charts and graphs. |
|
| |
|
Conditional
Sections/Reports |
|
| |
|
Weight: 3 |
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
Weighted
Score:
0
|
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
Weighted
Score:
0
|
|
Weighted
Score:
0
|
|
| |
|
|
Use an IF THEN formula to set a condition for displaying
data in a report. For example, If (="FY99") Then
displays the measure, Revenue, only when 1999 is
displayed. |
|
No. |
|
Yes, by using interactive reports with Hotspots. |
|
No. |
|
No. |
|
| |
|
Section/Report
Breaks |
|
| |
|
Weight: 2 |
|
Weighted
Score:
6
|
|
Weighted
Score:
6
|
|
Weighted
Score:
6
|
|
Weighted
Score:
6
|
|
Weighted
Score:
0
|
|
| |
|
|
Insert up to nine breaks on a table or crosstab; insert
manually or when group values change. |
|
Yes, insert breaks manually or when group values
change. |
|
Yes, the designer can specify multiple report breaks and can
choose to show header and footer bands. |
|
Use Page-By to select and display subsets of report data as
separate pages. |
|
No. |
|
| |
|
Cross-tabs |
|
| |
|
Weight: 4 |
|
Weighted
Score:
24
|
|
Weighted
Score:
24
|
|
Weighted
Score:
24
|
|
Weighted
Score:
24
|
|
Weighted
Score:
24
|
|
| |
|
|
Slice-and-dice mode enables the user to switch the position
of data in a report. Use slice-and-dice mode to: move data from
columns to rows and vice versa; work with master/detail reports;
display and remove data; rename, reset and delete blocks; turn
tables and crosstabs into charts, and vice versa; apply, edit and
delete breaks, filters, sorts, rankings and calculations. |
|
Yes, compare multiple dimensions of data. With the pivot
feature, move dimensions from one axis to another. |
|
Yes, can compare multiple dimensions of data; can pivot
dimensions from one axis to the other. |
|
Yes, compare multiple of data; swap rows and
columns. |
|
Yes, compare multiple dimensions of data, add and remove
dimensions, swap rows and columns, add layers to show
perspective. |
|
| |
|
Sorting
and Subtotaling |
|
| |
|
Weight: 5 |
|
Weighted
Score:
48
|
|
Weighted
Score:
48
|
|
Weighted
Score:
48
|
|
Weighted
Score:
48
|
|
Weighted
Score:
32
|
|
| |
|
|
Sort data in columns or rows of a table or crosstab.
Displays totals, subtotals, and aggregations. |
|
Sorting and subtotaling can be done on the database server
or applied to query results on the desktop. Use the sort line to
impose a sort condition for each dimensional data item in a chart or
pivot view/report. |
|
Yes, sorting and subtotaling for columns and groups can be
specified. |
|
Select what objects to sort, the sort criteria, and the sort
order. Display all subtotals for a report, specify new aggregations
or clear existing ones. |
|
Sorts can be applied to any row or column. Add a rank
category to show rank ordinals. Subtotals are not supported, however
a running total can be applied. |
|
| |
|
Conditional
Highlighting of Data |
|
| |
|
Weight: 2 |
|
Weighted
Score:
6
|
|
Weighted
Score:
6
|
|
Weighted
Score:
6
|
|
Weighted
Score:
0
|
|
Weighted
Score:
6
|
|
| |
|
|
Highlight data in a report using Alerters. Alerters use
special formatting to make data that fits certain conditions stand
out from the rest of the data. |
|
Yes. Use the Spotlighter to emphasize report elements so
they stand out by applying color and font styles to selected labels.
Choose a comparison operator from the operator list and enter a
comparison value in the value field. Or apply multiple conditions to
a selection. |
|
Yes, highlight report data by applying exceptions to data,
graphics, presentations, and other objects. |
|
No. This feature, called thresholding in earlier versions,
is not available in version 7. |
|
Yes. Use automatic exception highlighting to see the
unusually high and low report values. Create one or more custom
exception definitions to apply to reports and select, font,
alignment, color, and pattern. |
|
| |
|
Data
Filtering |
|
| |
|
Weight: 5 |
|
Weighted
Score:
48
|
|
Weighted
Score:
48
|
|
Weighted
Score:
48
|
|
Weighted
Score:
64
|
|
Weighted
Score:
48
|
|
| |
|
|
Apply a condition to a query or subquery. Use predefined
conditions created in Designer, apply simple conditions by selecting
from a list of values or use the complex condition wizard to create
a condition with a calculation. |
|
Yes. Filters can be predefined or parameterized and setup as
user prompts. |
|
Yes, filter using either Interactive reports with Hotspots
or by using prompts in the associated queries. |
|
With the filter editor, create or modify filters, create
attribute or metric filters, and add a prompt to a filter. If the
function for a metric is rank or percent, use the break by tab to
choose the level at which to restart counting. |
|
The information in the cube is organized in dimensions. Each
dimension has a folder on the dimension line. Use a dimension menu
to filter specific information. Quickly and easily select a category
from the menu and the dimension level changes as do the report
values. |
|
| |
|
Display
Formats |
|
| |
|
Weight: 3 |
|
Weighted
Score:
16
|
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
| |
|
|
Create a tabular, master-detail, or crosstab template or
modify an existing one. Apply shading, backgrounds, and borders.
Resize rows and columns and set up a multi-column or multi-row page
layout to fit more information on a page. Format margins, headers,
and footers. Align cell contents and format cells, numbers, dates,
currency, fonts, or create new number and date formats. Copy and
paste a component from one section of a report to another and retain
all formatting. Manage report sections and page breaks. |
|
Format numbers, dates, fonts and align objects; format
gridlines, borders and background; insert pagebreaks, headers and
footers; select date and timestamp, filename, page totals or limit
values in header and footer. |
|
Choose report type, style, and arrangement of data. Format
titles, headers, and footers. Format null values, numbers, dates and
times. Format fill, pattern, font, and line styles and colors. Add
labels, rich text, context sensitive titles, and page
numbers. |
|
Create a crosstab or tabular template or modify an existing
one; lock row and column headers so headers remain visible when
scrolling through large reports; add titles, headers and footers
that include text, images, and variables. |
|
Add titles, headers, and footers that include text, picture
objects, and variables; choose a report layout, create and apply a
style, apply colors, patterns, and backgrounds, format labels and
values, show data as percentages or values, show zero values as
blanks, arrange and format displays, rotate displays, move rows and
columns, insert blank rows and columns. |
|
| |
|
Graph
Options |
|
| |
|
Weight: 3 |
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
Weighted
Score:
8
|
|
Weighted
Score:
16
|
|
| |
|
|
BusinessObjects has five basic chart types, some with a 2-D
and some with a 3-D view; column, line, area, pie, and scatter
charts. Use the Insert Chart Wizard to insert a chart in a report
using existing data from the document. Reorganize, remove, or hide
chart data. Change the color, border and shade of the plot area.
Apply text, number and date formats to the Y-axis labels. Change the
scale and style of the Y-axis, where numeric data is plotted. Change
the style of the X-axis and more. |
|
Chart types are pie, bar, ribbon, line, and area; all are
available in 3-D view. |
|
Chart types are bar, pie 3D, area, line, stock, radar,
scatter, as well as spectral and vertical and horizontal
histograms. |
|
Select from area, bar, line, pie, scatter, radar, polar,
bubble and various 3D graphs. Set data labels and layout
options. |
|
Chart types are simple, stacked, 3-D and clustered bar;
single and multiline graphs; pie, and scatter graphs. Add up to
three statistical lines to selected chart displays. Statistical
lines can show minimum, maximum, mean, standard deviation,
logarithmic regression and linear regression values. Nest categories
in tables and charts to show nested data. |
|
| |
|
Graphic
Images |
|
| |
|
Weight: 3 |
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
Weighted
Score:
8
|
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
| |
|
|
Insert a bitmap or TIFF image file. BusinessObjects also
supports Microsoft Object Linking and Embedding version 2 (OLE 2).
An OLE 2 object can be a word processing file, a spreadsheet, or a
picture. Embed an OLE2 object in a report, then edit the
object. |
|
Bitmapped images can be added to reports as well as vector
graphics; lines, rectangles and circles. |
|
Bitmapped images and clip art can be added to reports as
well as lines, rectangles, round rectangles, and ellipses. |
|
Insert .bmp, .gif, .wmf files. |
|
Insert a bitmap image, paint brush picture and more into
reports. |
|
| |
|
Additional
Media |
|
| |
|
Weight: 1 |
|
Weighted
Score:
3
|
|
Weighted
Score:
0
|
|
Weighted
Score:
3
|
|
Weighted
Score:
0
|
|
Weighted
Score:
3
|
|
| |
|
|
Insert a media clip, Lotus ScreenCam movie, wave sound and
more. |
|
No. |
|
Yes, can insert sound and video into reports. |
|
No. |
|
Insert a media clip, MIDI sequence, video clip, wave sound
object and more. |
|
| |
|
Multiple
Data Source Reporting |
|
| |
|
Weight: 3 |
|
Weighted
Score:
16
|
|
Weighted
Score:
16
|
|
Weighted
Score:
16
|
|
Weighted
Score:
0
|
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
| |
|
|
Yes, the user accesses data sources in BusinessObjects by
building data providers for the data sources. To include data from
different sources simply display data from different data providers
in the same report. Additionally, link data from an OLAP server with
data from a non-OLAP server and compute the results in the same
table, crosstab, or chart in a report. |
|
Create reports that contain data from multiple queries
originating from a range of data sources (relational database
queries, OLAP server queries, imported data sets, and local join
queries). |
|
Yes, create reports that contain data from multiple queries
originating from a range of data sources (relational database
queries, OLAP server queries, imported data sets, and local join
queries). |
|
No. Vendor states that a database gateway must be installed
to allow a single report to access data from more than one
database. |
|
Yes, a cube is the source of data for a report and the
transformer product allows cubes to be built from multiple data
sources. |
|
| |
|
Web
Based Cube, Query, and Report Design Features |
|
| |
|
Weight: 4 |
|
Weighted
Score:
40
|
|
Weighted
Score:
40
|
|
Weighted
Score:
32
|
|
Weighted
Score:
24
|
|
Weighted
Score:
24
|
|
| |
|
|
For an existing universe, create new queries, charts,
crosstabs, and reports or view, refresh, and edit existing ones.
Drill, sort, filter, download, publish as a corporate document, or
send to another user. WebIntelligence runs in a browser as either a
Java applet or ActiveX control. InfoView is the common entry point
for viewing, managing and distributing documents over the
web. |
|
Brio Insight is a plug-in that has most of the features of
the desktop tool. Depending on user privileges, features range from
view only, to query, report, pivot, drill anywhere, process, analyze
and create/modify Data Models. The user interface and help files are
similar in both Designer and Insight. report, pivot, drill anywhere,
process, analyze and create/modify Data Models. The user interface
and help files are similar in both Designer and Insight. |
|
View and interact with existing cubes and reports; pivot,
drill down, filter, and export. The Web interface is all
HTML. |
|
For an existing project, view reports or create a new one
with the report builder or wizard. Drill down, filter, export, pivot
and set preferences. The Web interface is all HTML. |
|
View existing cubes and reports with Cognos Web; pivot,
drill down, filter and format with this all HTML
interface. |
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
Web Based Report
Viewing |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
User
options for viewing and manipulating shared reports through a
browser. |
|
| |
|
Factor: Standard |
|
| |
|
Product Name |
BusinessObjects
2000 |
Brio
Enterprise
6.2 |
BI/Suite
6.0 |
MicroStrategy
7.0 |
PowerPlay
6.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Manufacturer |
Business Objects |
Brio Technology |
Hummingbird
Communications |
MicroStrategy,
Inc. |
Cognos Corporation |
|
| |
|
|
Group Score:
126 out of 220
Total Score:
1322 out of 2080 |
|
Group Score:
120 out of 220
Total Score:
1261 out of 2080 |
|
Group Score:
122 out of 220
Total Score:
1258 out of 2080 |
|
Group Score:
122 out of 220
Total Score:
1205 out of 2080 |
|
Group Score:
122 out of 220
Total Score:
1164 out of 2080 |
|
| |
|
Data
Refresh |
|
| |
|
Weight: 4 |
|
Weighted
Score:
24
|
|
Weighted
Score:
16
|
|
Weighted
Score:
24
|
|
Weighted
Score:
16
|
|
Weighted
Score:
16
|
|
| |
|
|
Refresh options are set when a report is created. Choose
between refresh manually, refresh when opened, or scheduled
refresh. |
|
Refresh options are set for each document in the adaptive
report mode when using Insight. |
|
The designer can specify that when a report is opened, data
not be refreshed, be refreshed automatically, or with an option to
ask the user each time. |
|
Cached data is used until the specified cache expiration
period is reached or the report is executed with different parameter
values. |
|
Refresh is enabled by the administrator on the Enterprise
server with the Get Data property setting; this property
automatically updates a report with the most current data
available. |
|
| |
|
Custom
Sorts |
|
| |
|
Weight: 3 |
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
| |
|
|
Sort column data in ascending or descending order. |
|
Drag and drop items into the Sort Line to sort report
results. |
|
Yes the user can specify multilevel sorting in ascending or
descending order. |
|
Yes. |
|
Yes. |
|
| |
|
Custom
Filters |
|
| |
|
Weight: 3 |
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
| |
|
|
Apply predefined conditions or user defined conditions to
query results. |
|
Drag and drop items into the Limit Line and select values to
filter report results. |
|
Filter using either Interactive reports with Hotspots or by
using prompts in the associated queries. |
|
Yes, choose to view only a section of a report, use
attribute and metric filters, or drill down. |
|
Yes, if the report was created with this option. |
|
| |
|
Custom
Columns |
|
| |
|
Weight: 2 |
|
Weighted
Score:
0
|
|
Weighted
Score:
6
|
|
Weighted
Score:
0
|
|
Weighted
Score:
2
|
|
Weighted
Score:
6
|
|
| |
|
|
Column heading in reports can not be modified. |
|
Yes. |
|
No. |
|
No
but columns can be shifted left and right and rows can be shifted up
and down. |
|
Yes, if the report was created with this option. |
|
| |
|
Pivot
Tables |
|
| |
|
Weight: 5 |
|
Weighted
Score:
48
|
|
Weighted
Score:
48
|
|
Weighted
Score:
48
|
|
Weighted
Score:
48
|
|
Weighted
Score:
48
|
|
| |
|
|
Choose a crosstab display to switch rows and
columns. |
|
Users can view pivot tables created with Designer or
Insight. |
|
Yes, can easily pivot the dimensions on the axes by clicking
and dragging a dimension label from one axis to the other. |
|
Yes, choose a crosstab display to switch rows and
columns. |
|
Yes, use crosstab display to switch row and column
data. |
|
| |
|
Search |
|
| |
|
Weight: 3 |
|
Weighted
Score:
16
|
|
Weighted
Score:
8
|
|
Weighted
Score:
8
|
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
| |
|
|
Search corporate, personal and inbox documents by document
name, author, keywords, and a date range for last modified
date. |
|
Search report name and description with key words. |
|
Search for reports with text in the title of
reports. |
|
Search for a report or objects. In a report, use Search in
Prompts to search fields and attributes with logic
operators. |
|
Yes, in PDF files use the search function in Acrobat; in
crosstabs, dimension values can be chosen through a
picklist. |
|
| |
|
Export
Options |
|
| |
|
Weight: 3 |
|
Weighted
Score:
8
|
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
| |
|
|
Download to Excel, csv format. |
|
Export data contents to HTML, Excel, Lotus, SYLK,
tab-delimited text and comma-delimited text. |
|
Web based reports can be exported to either a text CSV file
or PDF file. |
|
Export to Excel, HTML, Lotus, or plain text and choose to
export filter details used to create the report. |
|
Export to a text delimited file or a PDF file. |
|
| |
|
Printing
Options |
|
| |
|
Weight: 2 |
|
Weighted
Score:
6
|
|
Weighted
Score:
6
|
|
Weighted
Score:
6
|
|
Weighted
Score:
8
|
|
Weighted
Score:
4
|
|
| |
|
|
Select from the following print options: HTML, enhanced
document format (ActiveX), PDF, or optimized for user
browser. |
|
Print preview, set the page number of the starting page, and
change page margins. |
|
Print from within the application or print reports that are
open from the browser's print capability. Can also export report in
PDF format. |
|
Enter header and footer text, page number, style,
orientation, rows and columns to print per page and filter
details. |
|
PowerPlay Web prints reports using the PDF file
format. |
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
Security |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Security criteria may include, but is not limited to,
standards such as SSL and SET, protection of administrative
interfaces, user and administrator access, key management (PKI),
encryption, authentication, firewall, virus protection, and other
various security tools and features. |
|
| |
|
Factor: Standard |
|
| |
|
Product Name |
BusinessObjects
2000 |
Brio
Enterprise
6.2 |
BI/Suite
6.0 |
MicroStrategy
7.0 |
PowerPlay
6.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Manufacturer |
Business Objects |
Brio Technology |
Hummingbird
Communications |
MicroStrategy,
Inc. |
Cognos Corporation |
|
| |
|
|
Group Score:
60 out of 100
Total Score:
1322 out of 2080 |
|
Group Score:
60 out of 100
Total Score:
1261 out of 2080 |
|
Group Score:
60 out of 100
Total Score:
1258 out of 2080 |
|
Group Score:
60 out of 100
Total Score:
1205 out of 2080 |
|
Group Score:
76 out of 100
Total Score:
1164 out of 2080 |
|
| |
|
Access
Control |
|
| |
|
Weight: 5 |
|
Weighted
Score:
48
|
|
Weighted
Score:
48
|
|
Weighted
Score:
48
|
|
Weighted
Score:
48
|
|
Weighted
Score:
64
|
|
| |
|
|
The supervisor creates user groups and defines user profiles
including the universe designer. The supervisor can restrict the
user availability of BusinessObjects functionality, such as access
to certain menu commands, database connections, and the universe to
access for creating and editing queries. |
|
Specific privileges can be assigned through administrator,
public and custom groups. Users authenticate to Brio and the
database. User may password protect a report during the save
process. |
|
Security involves creating a structure of groups with users.
Information can be imported from other systems. Permissions can be
set either by item or by user and group. |
|
Use Windows NT or anonymous authentication. Access control
is implemented by the Intelligence Server by user and group
administration, security roles and filters and connection mapping.
Use a security filter to specify a subset of data a user can
analyze. |
|
The product uses an LDAP directory server as the main
location for storing authentication data. Security is open, using
the operating system, RDBMS, or LDAP security. Deploy cubes that are
user class protected by granting user privileges to specified
drill-down levels in the cube data. |
|
| |
|
SSL
Support |
|
| |
|
Weight: 3 |
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
| |
|
|
WebIntelligence supports the use of Secure Socket Layers
(SSL) to encrypt data transmissions between the Web server and
clients. |
|
The Brio web clients include encryption software licensed
from RSA Data Security. SSL support is transparently built-in for
56-bit keys, with a server-side option to enable 128-bit
keys. |
|
Yes. |
|
MicroStrategy Web supports the HTTPS security
protocol. |
|
Yes, the product supports Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)
security using the secure hypertext transfer protocol (HTTPS)
between the user's browser and the Web server. |
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
Ease of Use |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Documentation, Training and Installation Features. |
|
| |
|
Factor: Standard |
|
| |
|
Product Name |
BusinessObjects
2000 |
Brio
Enterprise
6.2 |
BI/Suite
6.0 |
MicroStrategy
7.0 |
PowerPlay
6.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Manufacturer |
Business Objects |
Brio Technology |
Hummingbird
Communications |
MicroStrategy,
Inc. |
Cognos Corporation |
|
| |
|
|
Group Score:
136 out of 180
Total Score:
1322 out of 2080 |
|
Group Score:
100 out of 180
Total Score:
1261 out of 2080 |
|
Group Score:
112 out of 180
Total Score:
1258 out of 2080 |
|
Group Score:
76 out of 180
Total Score:
1205 out of 2080 |
|
Group Score:
108 out of 180
Total Score:
1164 out of 2080 |
|
| |
|
Tutorials
and Training |
|
| |
|
Weight: 5 |
|
Weighted
Score:
64
|
|
Weighted
Score:
48
|
|
Weighted
Score:
48
|
|
Weighted
Score:
32
|
|
Weighted
Score:
48
|
|
| |
|
|
Tutorials are included with the product. Classes are
available for IT professionals and business users. Course
descriptions, overviews, and schedules are on the company website.
Personal Trainer is an intranet-based training product for
BusinessObjects and WebIntelligence users. |
|
The user manual contains three well designed and detailed
tutorials. The vendor offers these and other public and onsite
classes: Brio Enterprise Server for administrators 2 day, Brio
Designer 1 day, Brio Explorer 2 day, Brio Insight 1 day. Computer
based training is also available. |
|
There is a BI/Analyze Tutorial Manual. The vendor offers
several BI/Suite classes which are outlined with schedules on the
web site and it is possible to register online. |
|
Download a class catalog or find an instructor-led class on
the website. Computer based training is available for MicroStrategy
Web and MicroStrategy Agent. The product does not come with an
on-line tutorial. |
|
Find a class or download a regional course catalog from the
website. CBT (computer based training) and web forums are also
available. The PowerPlay for Windows manual is an excellent step by
step tutorial of key features. |
|
| |
|
Documentation
and Online Help |
|
| |
|
Weight: 5 |
|
Weighted
Score:
64
|
|
Weighted
Score:
48
|
|
Weighted
Score:
48
|
|
Weighted
Score:
32
|
|
Weighted
Score:
48
|
|
| |
|
|
The Installation and Update Guide is provided in print. All
product documentation, tips and tricks, multimedia tours, and
demonstration material are provided on CD-ROM. Documentation is in
PDF format and is accessible through online help. It is organized,
well written, and meaningful. |
|
As
the user manual is 90 percent tutorial, topics are covered in more
depth in the online help. Online help is well organized, contains a
tour of key features and an overview of concepts along with detailed
how-to information. |
|
A
complete set of manuals is available in hardcopy as well as online.
Both manuals and online help are excellent. |
|
All documentation guides are available in both PDF and soft
copy formats; on-line help is context sensitive. The documentation
is focused on how to do short tasks and lacks an overview and
explanation of major concepts. An on-line tutorial to explain and
demonstrate key features would be helpful. |
|
PowerPlay documentation includes tutorial guides, reference
books, and context-sensitive online help. |
|
| |
|
Ease
of Installation |
|
| |
|
Weight: 3 |
|
Weighted
Score:
8
|
|
Weighted
Score:
4
|
|
Weighted
Score:
16
|
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
Weighted
Score:
12
|
|
| |
|
|
The software installed from the CD-ROM with no
complications. However, instructions to configure Microsoft web
server were incomplete in the installation manual. A search of the
knowledge base on the company website resolved the issue. |
|
Installation and setup is complex and needs more
documentation. An installation guide by product and platform would
be helpful. |
|
Installation and setup is quick and easy. Installation
guides and installation GUI are clear and straightforward. |
|
The product was not difficult to install. Instructions for
deploying the sample database were not included. Calls to technical
support resolved installation issues in a timely manner. |
|
Using the Single Server Installation Guide that comes with
product, the evaluator was not able to install the product. After
contacting the company, a Quick Start Install Guide was sent via
email. Following the instructions in this document, the product was
successfully installed. |
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