Business intelligence (BI) solutions – application suites that enable organizations to store, query, analyze and present information captured or generated through operational process, are being deployed increasingly widely throughout the organization.
BI has been transformed from a specialist technology to a ubiquitous tool deployed at the operational frontline. This puts a premium on vendors’ ability to provide a comprehensive solution that is able to serve a single version of a BI solution through a myriad of channels and to all levels of an organization.
Datamonitor has developed a Decision Matrix to help businesses select vendors based on their technology strength, reputation among customers, and impact in the market. Conclusions are based on a quantitative assessment of end user sentiment, the capabilities of the business intelligence solutions on offer and technology features.
Datamonitor’s research has revealed some interesting findings.
SAS and Oracle are clear BI market leaders
Based on a technology assessment, end user sentiment and market impact, SAS is the clear BI market leader. SAS offers a great portfolio of both basic and advanced functionality, backed up by a dependable support capability. Its stable financial footing, superb vision and lead in advanced analytics all imply SAS is well placed to continue as the BI market leader.
Oracle has successfully integrated its recently acquired BI expertise and, as a result, has managed to exert itself within the BI market. However, if one considers its user base, commanding presence in the global applications market, and a comprehensive yet flexible BI solution, Oracle’s lead position comes as no surprise. Oracle’s dynamic outlook, exemplified by recent M&A activity, suggests that it won’t be complacent and will continue to enhance its standing in the BI market.
Market leaders should not become complacent
There are several players capable of challenging the SAS and Oracle duopoly, should market conditions change. According to Datamonitor’s findings, Business Objects and Cognos are in the best position to improve, although both need to recover some of the momentum lost during platform reengineering. SAP provides a compelling and comprehensive solution, but it needs to capture a larger share of the non-SAP market if its position is to change, while IBM requires further addition of certain functional areas if it is to compete with the most successful BI vendors. Although Microsoft falls much further behind, its BI strategy is still evolving and it may be a much more important player in the medium to long term.
