Google Data Studio
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Google Data Studio vs SAS Viya: Comparative Analysis

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    Introduction

    Business intelligence tools are essential for companies to analyze data and make informed decisions. Google Data Studio and SAS Viya are two prominent platforms that offer differing capabilities and user experiences in data analytics and reporting.

    Google Data Studio is renowned for its seamless integration with other Google services and user-friendly interface, while SAS Viya provides advanced analytics with a robust, cloud-native architecture.

    In this comparison, we will delve into the features, ease of use, and scalability of both tools. Additionally, we'll explore how Sourcetable offers a streamlined alternative with a spreadsheet-like interface that effortlessly syncs with your data for business intelligence tasks.

    Google Data Studio

    What is Google Data Studio?

    Google Data Studio is a business intelligence and analytics tool that enables digital marketing professionals to transform raw data into informative dashboards. These dashboards are essential for analyzing data and presenting strategic results. As a part of the Google Marketing Platform toolkit, it offers integration with various platforms, enhancing its utility in data visualization.

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    What is SAS Viya?

    SAS Viya is a comprehensive platform designed to enable the full potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI). It offers an end-to-end solution that caters to data scientists and developers looking to extract more value from their data and AI investments.

    • Platform Capabilities

    • Facilitates access to data of any size or complexity.
    • Provides tools for data cleansing and transformation with intuitive interfaces.
    • Supports the creation of robust data pipelines.
    • Ensures data trust through lineage and transparency features.
    • Enables the building of highly performant models.
    • Deploys decision flows effectively.

    • Automation and Performance

    • Automates performance monitoring and model tuning.
    • Automatically retrains models to maintain accuracy.
    • Delivers results that are both verifiable and trustworthy.
    • Outperforms open source and commercial offerings by a factor of 30x.
    • Offers exclusive automation capabilities for machine learning processes.

    • Scalability and Trust

      SAS Viya scales efficiently with the growth of AI, ensuring that enterprises can keep up with the pace of technological advancements. It stands out as the only tool that automates machine learning, reinforcing its position as a trustworthy AI platform.

    Google Data Studio

    Google Data Studio Key Features

    Google Data Studio is a data visualization tool with a comprehensive set of features for creating informative and interactive reports and dashboards. It is designed to facilitate data analysis and business intelligence tasks.

    Feature Categories

    Google Data Studio encompasses 23 features across 5 main categories. These categories include reporting, dashboarding, collaboration, customization, and data management functionalities.

    Reporting and Dashboarding
  • Ad hoc reporting
  • Customizable reports
  • Customizable dashboards
  • Dashboard creation
  • Ad hoc Query
  • Activity Dashboard
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    Collaboration and Customization
  • Collaboration tools
  • Customizable branding
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    Data Management and Security
  • API integration
  • Access Controls/Permissions
  • Audit Management
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    Additional Functionalities
  • Alerts/Notifications feature
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    Key Features of SAS Viya

    Data Integration

    SAS Visual Analytics supports various data sources including databases, Hadoop, Excel spreadsheets, and social media.

    Report and Dashboard Creation

    Enables quick assembly of reports or dashboards by dragging and dropping data files such as Excel, CSV, or SAS data sets.

    Data Quality Functions

    Incorporates standard data quality functions to manage and refine data by changing case, converting, renaming, removing, and splitting columns.

    Calculated Columns and Custom Transformations

    Allows creation of custom calculated columns and data transformations using custom code.

    Visualization Options

    Provides a range of graph objects including Bar, Pie, Donut, Line, Scatter, and Heat map charts, with autocharting to select the optimal graph type.

    Enhanced Report Content

    Facilitates the addition of web content like YouTube videos, web apps, and images directly into reports.

    Collaboration and Sharing

    Supports sharing and reusing report modifications, adding comments for collaboration, and creating report alerts.

    Report Distribution

    Allows secure distribution of reports via PDF or email and enables scheduling for recurring report distribution.

    Export Capabilities

    Enables exporting of reports to Excel format.

    Geospatial and Custom Visualizations

    Supports Esri integrated geospatial data and the addition of custom visualizations like D3.js, C3, and Google charts.

    Advanced Analytical Visualizations
  • Includes box plot, heat map, animated bubble chart, network diagram, and correlation matrix visualizations.
  • Features decision tree and forecasting visualizations with automatic forecast generation and confidence intervals.
    • Google Data Studio

    Advantages of Google Data Studio for Business Intelligence

    Cloud-Based Accessibility

    As a cloud-based platform, Google Data Studio allows for real-time data access and collaboration from anywhere, enhancing operational flexibility for business intelligence tasks.

    Seamless Integration with Google Applications

    Its tight integration with other Google applications streamlines data importation, providing a cohesive environment for data analysis and reporting.

    User-Friendly Interface

    The platform's easy-to-use UI reduces the learning curve, enabling users to quickly create and share insightful reports and dashboards.

    Enhanced Data Management

    Granular access controls in Google Data Studio ensure secure data handling and selective sharing, thereby maintaining data integrity.

    Cost Efficiency

    Being a free tool, Google Data Studio provides cost savings for businesses looking to perform data analytics without additional software expenses.

    Real-Time Data and Source Blending

  • Support for live connections to data sources allows for up-to-date reporting.
  • Data blending capabilities facilitate comprehensive analysis by combining different data sets.

    • Optimal for Google Ecosystem Users

    Businesses already invested in Google services will find Google Data Studio particularly advantageous due to its compatibility and optimized functionality within the ecosystem.

    Simplicity for Non-Complex Use Cases

    For organizations that do not require complex dashboards, Google Data Studio's simplicity makes it an appropriate choice for straightforward business intelligence needs.

    Google Data Studio

    Disadvantages of Using Google Data Studio for Business Intelligence

    Google Data Studio presents several limitations that may impact its effectiveness in business intelligence practices. These challenges can affect the efficiency and depth of reporting and data analytics for businesses.

    Report Creation Efficiency

    Creating reports in Google Data Studio is time-consuming, which can delay insights and decision-making.

    Real-Time Data Updates

    There is an absence of real-time dashboard updates, leading to potential lapses in data accuracy at any given moment. This can be critical for time-sensitive decisions.

    Chart Variety and Interaction

    The platform offers a limited selection of charts and interactions, restricting the ability to represent data comprehensively and engage users interactively.

    Data Connection Limitations

    Google Data Studio supports only a limited number of data connections, which may hinder comprehensive data analysis from varied sources.

    Scalability with Data Sources

    Performance issues arise when aggregating multiple data sources, often resulting in the breakdown of the system, thus affecting the reliability of the tool.

    Complex Visualization Support

    There is a lack of support for complex visualizations within Google Data Studio, limiting the depth of analytical insights that can be visually represented.

    Dependency on External Data Tools

    Google Data Studio relies exclusively on data pulled from other tools, which can pose a constraint for businesses seeking a standalone reporting solution.

    Google Data Studio

    Frequently Asked Questions About Google Data Studio

    Is Google Data Studio free to use?

    Yes, Google Data Studio is free.

    How does Google Data Studio compare to other data visualization tools?

    Google Data Studio is different from data visualization tools as it is a Business Intelligence tool that can transform data, whereas data visualization tools only visualize data. It is more similar to Tableau, Looker, and Power BI.

    Can non-technical users easily learn to use Google Data Studio?

    Yes, Google Data Studio is easy to learn and is good for non-technical users due to its drag-and-drop interface.

    Is Google Data Studio suitable for digital marketing reporting?

    Google Data Studio is good for digital marketing reporting.

    What are the use cases for Google Data Studio?

    Google Data Studio is good for a variety of use cases, particularly in Business Intelligence.

    Use Cases for Google Data Studio

    • Google Data Studio

      Analysis

    • Google Data Studio

      Building dashboards

    • Google Data Studio

      Blending Looker-governed data with data from over 500 sources to generate insights

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    Benefits of SAS Viya for Business Intelligence and Data Analytics

    Cloud-Based Analytics and Reporting

    SAS Viya is a cloud-based analytics platform providing instant access to powerful statistical analysis and reporting applications. Its web-based environment facilitates programming, analysis, and reporting, enhancing programmer productivity and allowing data access from anywhere.

    Advanced Analytics and Extensibility

    With its advanced statistical tools, SAS Viya supports a wide range of data extraction, formatting, and analysis programming needs. The platform is extensible, offering a library of ready-to-use procedures, including those for web-based programming and analysis.

    Visualization and Mapping

    SAS Viya leverages data visualization, offering a variety of business maps, charts, plots, and 3-D relationship graphs. This enhances the understanding of complex data relationships and geolocation analysis.

    Integration and Collaboration

    The platform's compatibility with Microsoft Office products and AWS, along with its workbench for AI model development, promotes collaboration and integration into various applications, streamlining the data analytics workflow.

    Real-Time Analytics

    SAS Viya aids in making real-time decisions by providing a scalable environment for machine learning and streaming analytics, which is crucial for businesses requiring immediate insights from their data.

    Machine Learning and AI

    As an AI and machine learning platform, SAS Viya facilitates advanced analytics, model deployment, and text analytics, which are integral for businesses to gain a competitive edge through predictive analytics and intelligent automation.

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    Disadvantages of Using SAS Viya for Business Intelligence

    Accessibility and Usability Challenges

    SAS Viya may not be the optimal choice for small to medium-sized businesses due to its complexity and potential usability issues. Enterprises are the primary users of this platform, suggesting that smaller organizations might find it difficult to implement and utilize effectively.

    Cost Considerations

    One of the major drawbacks of SAS Viya is its cost. The expense involved can be prohibitive, especially for smaller businesses that require a cost-effective solution for reporting and data analytics.

    Learning Curve and User Support

    The software presents a steep learning curve which can be a significant hurdle for new users. Coupled with the lack of tutorials for beginners and reported poor customer support, businesses might struggle to adopt and maximize the use of SAS Viya.

    Technical Limitations

  • The size of the installation file is substantial, which could lead to longer setup times and require more storage resources.
  • Integration with popular open source tools like Python, Julia, or R is not supported, limiting the flexibility and extensibility of the software.
  • Drill-down capabilities of the software are in need of improvement, which can affect the depth of data analysis and reporting.
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    Frequently Asked Questions About SAS Viya

    How is SAS Viya priced?

    SAS Viya may be priced by various factors including users, core capacity, total revenue, transactions, and more. Pricing frameworks may vary by SaaS, on-premises, cloud, among others, and can differ depending on the offering.

    What is the starting price for SAS Viya?

    SAS Viya pricing starts at $1500 per user for select offerings and $10,000 for core capacity for select offerings.

    How much can SAS Viya pricing go up to?

    SAS Viya pricing can go up to multiple millions for a full implementation.

    Who can help determine the best SAS licensing option?

    A SAS account representative can help determine the best SAS licensing option.

    Are there any discounts available for SAS Viya?

    Yes, students, educators, and researchers may get academic discounts for training and certification exams. SAS also offers a variety of discounts for training and certification exams.

    Use Cases for SAS Viya

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      SAS Viya feeding into SAS Grid Manager for advanced analytics workflows

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      SAS Visual Analytics customers utilizing SAS Grid Manager for enhanced BI capabilities

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      Leveraging both SAS Grid Manager and SAS Viya to support business-critical applications

    sourcetable

    Why Sourcetable is a Superior Choice for Business Intelligence

    • Simplified Data Management

      Sourcetable offers a streamlined approach to data analytics by centralizing data sources into a user-friendly spreadsheet interface. This contrasts with Google Data Studio's reliance on various connectors and the complexity of SAS Viya's advanced analytical capabilities.

    • User-Friendly Interface

      The spreadsheet-like interface of Sourcetable is intuitive, making it accessible even for those with minimal technical expertise. Unlike the more complex interfaces of Google Data Studio and SAS Viya, Sourcetable simplifies the user experience.

    • Effective Data Syncing

      Sourcetable seamlessly syncs data across all services, providing real-time updates and insights. This integration is more straightforward compared to the separate data connections required by Google Data Studio and the sophisticated data management in SAS Viya.

    • Accessibility and Collaboration

      While both Google Data Studio and SAS Viya offer collaboration features, Sourcetable's approach to data sharing and collaboration is inherently simplified due to its spreadsheet-oriented environment, which is familiar to most users.

    Google Data Studio
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    Similarities between Google Data Studio and SAS Viya

    Web-Based Reporting Tools

    Both Google Data Studio and SAS Viya are web-based reporting tools, allowing for accessibility from anywhere with an internet connection.

    Interactive Reports and Dashboards

    Users can create interactive reports and dashboards with both platforms, facilitating dynamic data exploration.

    Data Connectivity

    Google Data Studio and SAS Viya can connect to a wide variety of data sources, providing flexibility in data analysis.

    Collaboration and Sharing

    They offer features for sharing reports and dashboards with individuals, teams, or the public, supporting collaboration and dissemination of insights.

    Google Data Studio
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    Contrasting Google Data Studio and SAS Viya

    Web-Based Reporting

    Google Data Studio is a web-based reporting tool offering free access to create interactive reports and dashboards. SAS Viya also provides web-based analytics, but the platforms differ significantly in their pricing models and initial setup requirements.

    Data Source Connectivity

    Google Data Studio features built-in and partner connectors allowing users to connect to various data sources. SAS Viya offers data management and advanced analytics capabilities, which may require more complex integration with data sources.

    Real-Time Collaboration

    Google Data Studio allows users to collaborate in real time and share reports with individuals, teams, or the world. SAS Viya also provides collaborative features but with a focus on analytical lifecycle management.

    Extensibility and Developer Integration

    Google Data Studio can be extended through the Looker Studio developer platform, catering to developers looking to customize and integrate reporting tools. SAS Viya provides a more comprehensive analytics suite that may offer different levels of developer integration.

    Visualization and Interactivity

    Google Data Studio emphasizes interactive report and dashboard creation with an easy-to-use interface for data visualization. SAS Viya offers advanced analytics features that may target users with a higher level of data analysis expertise.

    sourcetable

    Comparison: Google Data Studio, SAS Viya, and Sourcetable

    Google Data Studio

    Google Data Studio is a web-based tool designed for creating interactive reports and dashboards. It facilitates sharing among users and integrates with Looker Studio via its developer platform.

    SAS Viya

    SAS Viya is an analytics and data management platform offering advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and data preparation. Unlike Google Data Studio, SAS Viya is known for its robust, enterprise-level capabilities that cater to complex analytical needs.

    Sourcetable

    Sourcetable is a spreadsheet interface designed for data analysis that combines data from various sources. It provides a familiar environment for users accustomed to spreadsheet applications. Sourcetable emphasizes ease of use and accessibility.

    Contrast

  • Google Data Studio is specialized in reporting and visualization, while SAS Viya focuses on advanced analytics and AI, and Sourcetable offers a spreadsheet-based approach to data analysis.
  • Google Data Studio's integration with Looker Studio distinguishes it from Sourcetable and SAS Viya, which have different integration ecosystems.
  • SAS Viya is more suitable for enterprise-scale analytics compared to Google Data Studio, which is more accessible for general users.
    • sourcetable

    Frequently Asked Questions About Sourcetable

    What is Sourcetable and who typically uses it?

    Sourcetable is a spreadsheet application that allows users to access data from most 3rd party applications, query data, and build live models. It is typically used by growth teams and business operations folks.

    How does Sourcetable update data and how often?

    Sourcetable syncs data from over 100 applications and most databases. Data integrations update every 15 minutes on the regular plan and every 5 minutes on the pro plan.

    Do I need to know how to code to use Sourcetable?

    No, no code is required to use Sourcetable.

    How much does Sourcetable cost?

    Sourcetable costs $50 per month on the starter plan and $250 per month on the pro plan. Additional seats cost $20 per month per user.

    Does Sourcetable offer a trial period?

    Yes, all plans have a 14-day free trial period.

    Google Data Studio

    Looker Studio Cost Details

    • Overview of Looker Studio Pricing

      Formerly known as Google Data Studio, Looker Studio is available at no cost as of 2024. Users can access its features without a subscription fee.

    • Limitations of Free Version

      The complimentary version of Looker Studio has certain restrictions, though the specifics of these limitations are not defined here.

    • Looker Studio Pro Pricing

      The pricing for Looker Studio Pro is not disclosed. Users seeking advanced features must inquire about the cost.

    • Additional Costs

      Utilizing Looker Studio may incur third-party fees, which vary based on the external services or data sources used in conjunction with the platform.

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    SAS Viya Cost Structure

    SAS Viya is available for purchase on the Azure Marketplace, ensuring easy integration for users on the Azure platform. Its cost flexibility is enhanced by a pay-as-you-go pricing model, allowing for scalability and cost management aligned with usage.

    • Purchase Channels

    • Azure Marketplace availability

    • Pricing Model

    • Pay-as-you-go
    Google Data Studio

    User Reviews of Google Data Studio

    Google Data Studio is recognized as a robust Business Intelligence (BI) tool that is valued for its cost-effectiveness, given its free availability. Users commend its ability to connect to a wide array of data sources through over 300 partner connectors. The option to upload CSV files is also appreciated, enhancing its versatility in data handling.

    Conclusion

    In comparing Google Data Studio and SAS Viya, it is clear that both platforms offer robust business intelligence capabilities, yet they cater to different user needs and preferences. Google Data Studio provides an accessible and user-friendly interface, while SAS Viya offers advanced analytics tools suitable for complex data environments.

    Sourcetable offers a simplified business intelligence solution by integrating real-time data from various services into a spreadsheet interface, which can be an effective alternative for users seeking familiarity and ease of use.

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