SAP

While in this blog I would be covering the high level strategic direction that the product is taking, in the subsequent blogs I would delve into the detailed product features along with their relative strengths and weaknesses.

·         Seamless and open:  With BI 4.0 the product is much more open in its integration of disparate data sources. Using the common semantic layer [CSL] integration of SAP BW and non SAP sources on a single metadata layer is now a reality. This has been made possible by utilizing the SAP Data Federator engine in the Universe layer. This would go a long way in saving huge investments that are undertaking in performing physical integration of the data. This is a feature which we could not put to test during our beta version and hope to get a better understanding of as part of our ramp up program.

·         Homogeneity: This is possibly a journey which has started and was long overdue even when the products were owned by erstwhile Business Objects. With the various products like WebI , Xcelsius, Explorer, Crystal Reports and some of the erstwhile SAP BI products it becomes a messy affair to access and launch them.  The common launch pad is step forward in giving a common look and feel as well as access to the various products. The direction here is to graduate from a mere stack offering to a pure platform offering.

·         Best of both worlds:  SAP BO Analysis which is nothing but the marriage of SAP's BEx Analyzer and Business Objects Voyager is a case in point.  This has resulted in the creation of the SAP BO Analysis (after quite a few renaming though!) which is going to form the main stream Business Objects OLAP analysis tool.  It is going to be marketed in both the office and web version. The product comes with very advanced visualization capabilities as well as an optimized performance.  Its direct access to the info sources using the BICS makes it especially attractive from a performance stand point. Our experience with the tool has been quite positive during the beta phase although there are a few deficiencies in terms of reports distribution capabilities which I will be talking about at a later point. This is not only limited to the product but being even extended to life cycle management and transportation as well.

·          Improved visualization:  There have been steps taken especially with the Dashboard Designer    (erstwhile Xcelsius) to provide an improved visualization and a set of new charting and presentation options.

·         Out with the old:  BI 4.0 would see a whole set of new names to the earlier products. Although a minor aspect but I think it restores semblance in line with the capability that the products have to offer.