If your like me sometimes you want to skip all the marketing hype and just see a demo. Here is a nice demonstration of the core features of the SAP BusinessObjects XI 3.0 product suite. If you do not use BusinessObjects today or are evaluating Business Intelligence solutions, you can use this demonstration as a way of helping you set your expectations of what is available from Business Intelligence solutions today.
Having a Look Around
This Harbor Tour (or Harbour Tour for an Canadian friends) is a quick way to get familiar with SAP BusinessObjects XI 3.0. If you are already using BusinessObjects XIr2 and want to see the new features in XI 3.0, these new features can be accessed in the section, What’s New in BusinessObjects XI 3.0. You can also download a PDF of new features here. Let me know your thoughts about the demo.
Highlights
Here are some of the quick highlights of the BusinessObjects XI 3.0 platform that you might not already be familiar with.
- New look and feel user interface that supports copy & paste
- Single Platform for all reporting
- Integration between Xcelsius and Crystal Reports
- Improved Crystal Reports Viewer
- Online and Offline Adhoc Analysis
- Full Lifecycle Management
Evaluating Business Intelligence Solutions
When evaluating BI Solutions, you need to determine what the true business needs are and how you will be using Business Intelligence to solve true business issues. Can the solution deliver results? If you are part of IT, your tendency might be to shield the vendors from your business users. If you do, you are making a mistake. Check out my previous post about treating your BI Vendor as a Strategic Partner. Does your Business Intelligence vendor want to partner with you or sell you on the coolest gadget?
«Good BI»