Comparing MicroStrategy and Information Builders: Which is the Better Business Intelligence Tool?

As organizations continue to rely more heavily on data to drive decision-making, business intelligence (BI) tools become increasingly important. With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to determine which tool is the best fit for your business needs. In this article, we will compare two leading BI tools, MicroStrategy and Information Builders, to help you make an informed decision.

Introduction to MicroStrategy and Information Builders

MicroStrategy is a BI tool that offers a wide range of features, including data discovery, data visualization, and predictive analytics. It is known for its scalability and flexibility, making it a popular choice for businesses of all sizes.

Information Builders, on the other hand, is a comprehensive BI platform that allows businesses to access, analyze, and share data throughout the organization. It is particularly known for its ability to handle complex data sets and to integrate with a variety of other applications.

Features and Functionality

When comparing MicroStrategy and Information Builders, it is important to consider the features and functionality of each tool.

MicroStrategy offers a range of features for data discovery and visualization, including interactive dashboards, data blending, and advanced analytics. It also offers a mobile BI app for remote access to data and analysis. Additionally, MicroStrategy offers a range of APIs for customization and integration with other tools.

Information Builders offers a similarly robust set of features, with a particular focus on data integration and accessibility. Its InfoAssist+ tool offers drag-and-drop reporting and visualization, while its DataMigrator tool allows for seamless integration with other applications. Information Builders also offers a comprehensive security framework for controlling access to data.

Ease of Use

Another important factor to consider when choosing a BI tool is ease of use.

MicroStrategy offers a user-friendly interface and intuitive navigation, making it easy for users to create custom reports and dashboards. Its mobile app is also optimized for ease of use, with touch-optimized features for navigating and interacting with data.

Information Builders, meanwhile, can be more complex to navigate, particularly for users who are not familiar with the platform. However, it offers extensive training and support resources to help users get up to speed quickly.

Scalability and Flexibility

As organizations grow and their data needs evolve, it is important for BI tools to be able to scale and adapt.

MicroStrategy is known for its scalability, with the ability to handle large data sets and support multiple users and concurrent queries. It can also be customized and extended via APIs, allowing businesses to add functionality as needed.

Information Builders is similarly scalable, with the ability to handle large data sets and multiple users. Its flexibility is particularly noteworthy, as it can be customized to meet specific business needs and integrated with a wide range of other applications.

Pricing and Support

Finally, when comparing MicroStrategy and Information Builders, it is important to consider pricing and support options.

MicroStrategy offers a range of pricing options, including both perpetual and subscription licenses. Its support options include phone and email support, as well as a comprehensive knowledge base and user community.

Information Builders pricing is not publicly available, as it is customized for each business based on their specific needs. Its support options include phone and email support, as well as extensive training and consulting resources.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both MicroStrategy and Information Builders offer robust and feature-rich BI tools that can meet the needs of most businesses. When choosing between the two, it is important to consider factors such as features and functionality, ease of use, scalability and flexibility, and pricing and support options. Ultimately, the best choice will depend on the specific needs and priorities of your organization.