The flourishing database access tool provider Business Objects SA, Paris, France, is preparing a series of initiatives to drive its business further forward. First, it is going to modularise its BusinessObjects front-end interface and tool set so users can mix and match BusinessObjects tools with those from independent software vendors. To do this, it is developing a semantic layer that will enable third parties to have their own SQL code shielded from the user. It is beginning a campaign to have the large application vendors – such as PeopleSoft Inc – use the layer in their software. The company, which sells mostly direct to end-users, is also embarking on an indirect sales campaign. With end-user reporting and querying, plus end-user feedback carried into releases 3.0 and the latest 3.1 release of its software, the company should be ready with data analysis tools within four months. These, it says, will combine features of traditional executive information systems and data warehouse tools. B usinessObjects 3.1 is up on Windows, Macintosh and Unix clients. The end-user version costs $600 – the database administrator module is from $3,500. Business Objects reckons it will hit $30m this year, up from $14m in 1993.
