Rarely does a week go by without some sort of BI tools debate. You don’t need to look very far. Linkedin discussions, Gartner, BEYE Network, etc… all expose the intense emotions that many of us have about the tools we use daily. Those of us that have chosen to specialize in the Microsoft suite of products are a common target. Here are a few of the most common remarks related to Microsoft BI tools.
1. Not capable of enterprise level deployments due to lack of metadata control
2. Dumbed down BI with extensive wizards and point-and-click features
3. Lack of industry focused solutions
4. Depreciate the value of BI professional services
5. Newcomer to the BI industry therefore not on the same level as traditional players
6. MS is not a serious tool because the license cost is so low
The list goes on and on, but what it comes down to is that Microsoft is seen as a serious threat because of the comparative value their BI stack offers. Some of the criticism has basis, but much of it is based on people’s feelings. Although I feel that each of these points are false, I'm not going to take the time to debate them because my intent is to recommend a change of focus away from tools.
I propose a truce. Let’s shift the discussion from the tool’s features to the ability to deliver a value added solution to our clients. IBM, Oracle, SAP, MS, etc… all have tools that are capable of getting the job done. By constantly focusing on tools we are creating an impression that the tool is the most important part of a BI solution. Instead, let’s discuss the methods that we, BI professionals, use to add value for our clients. It would be great to see more discussion around concepts such as data mining and decision support solutions.
Don't get me wrong, I am not saying that tools aren't part of the equation. Features that our tools offer directly impact the final solution's ability to add value. I am suggesting that we keep the tool portion of the total solution in perspective.
