Google Data Studio
tool icon

Google Data Studio vs Yellowfin BI: A Comparison

Jump to

    Introduction

    Choosing the right business intelligence tool is crucial for effective data analysis and reporting. Google Data Studio and Yellowfin BI are two prominent options, each with unique features and capabilities.

    This comparison will detail the strengths and limitations of both platforms, helping you make an informed decision for your data needs.

    Additionally, we'll explore how Sourcetable offers a modernized, spreadsheet-like interface that syncs with your data, presenting an alternative to Google Data Studio or Yellowfin BI for your business intelligence tasks.

    Google Data Studio

    What is Google Data Studio?

    Google Data Studio is a business analytics and intelligence tool that specializes in data visualization and reporting for digital marketing. It is utilized to create comprehensive dashboards that aid in the analysis and presentation of strategy results. As a component of the Google Marketing Platform toolkit, it seamlessly integrates with various platforms to transform raw data into strategic information. Google Data Studio is recognized for its role in making data accessible and understandable, and it is offered as a free tool.

    tool icon

    What is Yellowfin BI?

    Yellowfin BI is a business intelligence platform that enhances data accessibility, actionability, and aesthetics for users. Established over two decades, it streamlines the analytics workflow by connecting to data sources, preparing data for use, and facilitating the creation of dashboards and reports.

    • Key Features

    • Simplifies analytics workflow
    • Offers no-code/low-code development
    • Supports dashboard and report creation
    • Operates on both public and private clouds
    • Integrates with various applications

    • Usability

      Designed for user inclusivity, Yellowfin BI can be utilized by anyone, regardless of technical expertise, due to its no-code/low-code environment.

    • Adoption

      Yellowfin BI is embraced globally, with over 29,000 companies implementing the platform to harness the power of their data.

    Google Data Studio

    Google Data Studio Features Overview

    Categories and Total Features

    Google Data Studio encompasses 23 distinct features distributed across 5 feature categories.

    Reporting and Dashboards

    Ad hoc reporting capabilities enable custom report generation. Customizable dashboards provide tailored data visualizations.

    Collaboration

    Collaboration tools facilitate teamwork on data analysis projects.

    Customization

    Customizable branding allows for the creation of reports that align with company branding. Customizable reports offer flexible data presentation.

    Administration and Management
  • Access Controls/Permissions ensure secure data management.
  • Audit Management tracks report changes and access.
    		•

    Additional Functionalities
  • The API feature enables integration with other systems.
  • Ad hoc Query supports on-the-fly data inquiries.
  • Activity Dashboard tracks user engagement.
  • Alerts/Notifications keep users informed of important events.
    • tool icon

    Yellowfin BI Key Features

    Analytics and Reporting
  • Enterprise and embedded analytics capabilities
  • Custom analytical application development
  • Drag and drop metadata modeling and report builder
  • Support for a wide range of visualizations and multi-source dashboards
  • Automated data analysis with machine learning for insights and discovery
  • Regular scheduling and distribution of reports with customizable rules
    		•

    Data Integration and Management
  • Integration with existing data sources, including JDBC and XML/A compliant systems
  • Plugin-based data extraction from any source
  • Complete ETL module for data extraction, transformation, and loading
  • Custom transformation steps for tailored data management
  • Data retrieval from stored procedures
  • Metadata utilization for optimized query generation
    		•

    Collaboration and Distribution
  • Notification of important data changes via Signals
  • Interactive discussion, following, and addition of Signals to Data Stories
  • Connection of dashboards to third-party applications
  • Data science model integration
    		•

    Mobile Application
  • Comprehensive mobile app support with biometric authentication
  • Real-time feed for Signals, Stories, and discussion mentions
  • Social features for liking, sharing, commenting, and connecting
  • Insight sharing capabilities within the organization
    		•

    Strategic Partnerships

    Partnership with Exasol, a fast database provider, for enhanced data processing capabilities.

    Google Data Studio

    Advantages of Google Data Studio for Business Intelligence

    Cloud-Based and Managed

    Google Data Studio's cloud-based nature ensures accessibility from anywhere, providing flexibility to users. Being a fully managed platform, it reduces the need for in-depth IT involvement.

    Integration with Google Applications

    Tight integration with Google applications facilitates seamless use of various Google services for analytics and reporting tasks.

    User Interface and Accessibility

    The platform's user-friendly interface simplifies the creation of reports, making it accessible to users with varying levels of technical expertise.

    Access Control

    Data Studio's granular access controls allow for precise management of user permissions, enhancing security and collaboration.

    Cost-Effective Solution

    As a free tool, Google Data Studio provides a cost-effective solution for businesses looking to perform data analytics without additional software expenses.

    Data Connection and Blending

    Support for live connections to data sources ensures up-to-date information, while the ability to blend data sources eases the analysis of disparate data sets.

    Optimal for Google Service Users

    Businesses already invested in Google services will find Google Data Studio to be a complementary addition for their business intelligence needs.

    Simplicity for Non-Complex Dashboards

    For organizations that do not require complex dashboards, Google Data Studio provides a straightforward solution that meets their reporting and analysis needs.

    Google Data Studio

    Disadvantages of Google Data Studio for Business Intelligence

    Time-Consuming Report Creation

    Creating reports in Google Data Studio is a time-intensive process, potentially hindering timely decision-making.

    Lack of Real-Time Dashboard Updates

    Google Data Studio's dashboards do not provide real-time updates, leading to delays in data analysis and reporting.

    Limited Visualization and Interaction

    The platform offers a restricted range of charts and interactions, which may not meet all analytical requirements.

    Restricted Data Source Integration

    Data connections in Google Data Studio are limited, potentially restricting comprehensive data analysis.

    Instability with Multiple Data Sources

    Utilizing many data sources in Google Data Studio can cause system breakdowns, undermining report reliability.

    Inadequate Complex Visualization Support

    Google Data Studio falls short in supporting complex visualizations, limiting its usefulness for advanced analytics.

    Dependence on External Data Tools

    The tool can only report data retrieved from other applications, making it dependent on external sources for data input.

    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 more than a data visualization tool; it is a Business Intelligence software similar to Tableau, Looker, and Power BI that can transform data, not just visualize it.

    Is Google Data Studio suitable for non-technical users?

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

    Can Google Data Studio be used for digital marketing reporting?

    Google Data Studio is particularly good for digital marketing reporting.

    What are some use cases for Google Data Studio?

    Google Data Studio is good for a variety of use cases, especially where Business Intelligence insights are needed.

    Use Cases for Google Data Studio

    • Google Data Studio

      Ad-hoc reporting

    • Google Data Studio

      Data analysis

    • Google Data Studio

      Building business dashboards

    • Google Data Studio

      Blending Looker-governed data with data from over 500 sources for insights

    • Google Data Studio

      Analyzing ungoverned data

    tool icon

    Advantages of Yellowfin BI for Reporting and Data Analytics

    Accessibility for All Users

    Yellowfin BI supports a broad user base, enabling both non-technical and technical users to derive insights effectively. Its self-service capabilities allow for easy adoption across various expertise levels.

    Data Democratization

    By democratizing data, Yellowfin BI ensures that data-driven decision-making is accessible throughout an organization, fostering a culture of informed decision-making.

    Operational Efficiency

    With Yellowfin BI, businesses experience increased agility and efficiency in their reporting and analytics processes, leading to quicker turnaround times and more dynamic response to data insights.

    Unified Data Source

    The tool provides a single source of truth for all data-related inquiries, ensuring consistency and reliability in reports and analytics.

    Reduced IT Dependency

    Yellowfin BI's self-service nature significantly reduces the burden on IT departments, allowing them to focus on more strategic initiatives while empowering end-users to manage their own analytics needs.

    Guided Data Exploration

    Users are guided through the data exploration process, which simplifies the analytics journey and enables a deeper understanding of data.

    tool icon

    Yellowfin BI Disadvantages

    Limited Data Access Control

    Yellowfin BI lacks support for Table-Level and Field-Level Access Control at the BI-layer, limiting granular data governance and security options when compared to alternatives like Tableau Server and QlikView.

    Data Extraction and Performance Issues

    Frustrations arise from the slow data extraction process, which can impede timely data analysis. Additionally, users encounter performance issues such as lag and hanging during report preparation, impacting productivity.

    Integration and Charting Limitations

    The integration process with Google Analytics is reported to be cumbersome, which could hinder seamless data analysis. Furthermore, a need for more dynamic charting options exists, as current offerings do not meet all user needs for data visualization.

    Business Model Compatibility

    Aligning Yellowfin's business model with that of other businesses poses challenges, potentially affecting the adoption and scaling of the platform within varied business environments.

    tool icon

    Frequently Asked Questions About Yellowfin BI

    Does Yellowfin provide any educational resources?

    Yes, Yellowfin offers a support center that includes documentation, videos, and community resources, along with Yellowfin University which offers courses on using Yellowfin.

    Can I get involved in the development of Yellowfin products?

    Yes, Yellowfin has a community where users can vote on product ideas, allowing you to participate in the product's evolution.

    What is the Quick Start Program offered by Yellowfin?

    Yellowfin's Quick Start Program is designed for ISVs to help take their software applications to market, with a particular focus on embedded BI.

    How can I stay updated on Yellowfin news and updates?

    You can stay informed on Yellowfin news and updates by subscribing to the Y-Files newsletter.

    Use Cases for Yellowfin BI

    • tool icon

      Embedded analytics for retail platforms

    • tool icon

      Data storytelling in healthcare industry

    • tool icon

      Dashboard creation for finance sector

    • tool icon

      Data visualization for automotive companies

    • tool icon

      Automated business monitoring for insurance firms

    sourcetable

    Why Sourcetable is a Superior Choice for Business Intelligence

    Sourcetable offers a streamlined approach to business intelligence by integrating data from multiple services into a familiar spreadsheet interface. This simplification can be a significant advantage over Google Data Studio and Yellowfin BI.

    • Enhanced Data Syncing

      Sourcetable's ability to sync data across various services into one accessible location makes it a practical choice for businesses seeking to enhance their data analytics and reporting. Unlike Google Data Studio's reliance on connectors and Yellowfin BI's separate data management, Sourcetable centralizes data for immediate use.

    • User-Friendly Interface

      The spreadsheet-like interface of Sourcetable is intuitive, reducing the learning curve associated with more complex platforms like Google Data Studio and Yellowfin BI. This ease of use can lead to quicker adoption and more efficient data manipulation for users of all skill levels.

    • Streamlined Reporting

      By focusing on streamlined reporting, Sourcetable eliminates the need for extensive setup and customization required by Google Data Studio and Yellowfin BI. This efficiency can save valuable time and resources for businesses looking to make prompt, data-driven decisions.

    Google Data Studio
    vs
    tool icon

    Comparing Google Data Studio and Yellowfin BI

    Both Google Data Studio and Yellowfin BI are web-based reporting tools that provide users with the ability to create interactive reports and dashboards. They facilitate data visualization and enable sharing of reports with individuals, teams, or a broader audience. Additionally, both platforms can connect to a wide variety of data sources, enhancing their versatility and usability in different data analysis scenarios.

    Interactive Reports and Dashboards

  • Both tools allow creation of interactive reports and dashboards.

    • Data Source Connectivity

  • Both platforms support connections to various data sources.

    • Collaboration and Sharing

  • Both Google Data Studio and Yellowfin BI offer sharing capabilities.

    • Web-Based Solutions

  • Both are accessible as web-based applications.
    • Google Data Studio
    vs
    tool icon

    Google Data Studio vs. Yellowfin BI

    Accessibility and Cost

    Google Data Studio is a web-based reporting tool that is free to use. Yellowfin BI, on the other hand, is a business intelligence platform that typically requires a paid subscription. The cost-free nature of Google Data Studio makes it easily accessible to a broader range of users.

    Data Connection Capabilities

    Both platforms allow users to connect to a variety of data sources. Google Data Studio offers built-in and partner connectors, which enable users to access a wide range of data. Yellowfin BI also supports data connectivity but may offer different integration options and connectors.

    Real-time Collaboration

    Google Data Studio allows for real-time collaboration, enabling multiple users to work on reports and dashboards simultaneously. Yellowfin BI may have collaboration features as well, but the real-time aspect is a distinguishing feature for Data Studio.

    Integration with Looker Studio

    Google Data Studio integrates with Looker Studio through the Looker Studio developer platform, allowing for further extension and custom development. Yellowfin BI offers its own set of APIs and integration points, which may differ from Google Data Studio's capabilities.

    Embedding and Sharing

    Both tools allow for the sharing of reports and dashboards. However, Google Data Studio emphasizes easy embedding of reports into any web page, enhancing its distribution capabilities. Yellowfin BI may offer embedding features, but the ease of sharing and embedding with Google Data Studio is a notable advantage.

    sourcetable

    Comparison: Google Data Studio vs Yellowfin BI and Sourcetable

    Google Data Studio

    Google Data Studio, also known as Looker Studio, is a web-based reporting tool designed for creating interactive reports and dashboards. It stands out due to its ability to access a diverse range of data sources, enabling users to consolidate various data streams into a single reporting platform. Its web-based nature facilitates easy sharing and collaboration.

    Yellowfin BI

    Yellowfin BI is an analytics and business intelligence platform that also provides reporting and data visualization capabilities. Unlike Google Data Studio, it offers additional BI features such as data discovery and storytelling. Yellowfin BI is known for enabling users to discover the "why" behind their data through its assisted insights feature.

    Sourcetable

    Sourcetable is a spreadsheet-like tool designed for managing and analyzing data across various applications. It simplifies data manipulation and can be a suitable option for those familiar with spreadsheet interfaces. Compared to Google Data Studio, Sourcetable may offer a more user-friendly approach for users accustomed to traditional spreadsheets.

    Contrasts and Similarities

  • All three tools are used for data reporting and visualization.
  • Google Data Studio is highly integrative with a wide variety of data sources, which is a feature not specified for Yellowfin BI or Sourcetable in the provided facts.
  • Yellowfin BI stands out with its data discovery and storytelling capabilities, which are not mentioned as features of Google Data Studio or Sourcetable.
  • Sourcetable is likened to a spreadsheet tool, suggesting a different user interface and possibly a lower barrier to entry for users familiar with spreadsheets, in contrast with Google Data Studio's dashboard approach.
    • 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 people.

    Does Sourcetable require coding skills?

    No, Sourcetable does not require users to have coding skills to use the application.

    How frequently does Sourcetable sync data?

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

    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 seat.

    Does Sourcetable offer a free trial?

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

    Google Data Studio

    Looker Studio Cost

    • Overview of Looker Studio Pricing

      Looker Studio, formerly known as Google Data Studio, is available for free as of 2024. Users can access core functionalities without incurring costs.

    • Limitations of the Free Version

      The free version of Looker Studio includes certain limitations. Details on these restrictions are not specified here.

    • Looker Studio Pro Pricing

      The cost for Looker Studio Pro is not explicitly stated. Users must inquire for current pricing.

    • Additional Third-Party Costs

      Utilizing Looker Studio may involve third-party expenses. These costs vary based on the external services integrated.

    tool icon

    Yellowfin BI Pricing Structure

    • Overview

      Yellowfin BI offers a straightforward pricing model that is designed to be predictable and scale with business needs. Their approach ensures there are no unexpected expenses, fostering a transparent cost structure.

    • Pricing Models

    • Utility Model: Tailored to match the sales approach of the business, providing cost alignment with sales processes.
    • Server Core Model: Based on the server core count, allowing for scalability as user demand grows.
    • Revenue Share Model: Aligns costs with the business's revenue, offering a variable option that scales with success.

    • Embedded Analytics Pricing

      For embedded analytics, Yellowfin BI presents a versatile pricing framework that adapts to various go-to-market models and ensures both predictability and scalability to support business growth.

    Google Data Studio

    User Reviews of Google Data Studio

    Google Data Studio is recognized as a robust BI tool, appreciated for its cost-effectiveness since it is free to use. Users often highlight the ability to connect to over 300 partner connectors and the convenience of uploading csv files. However, it is noted that Google Data Studio does not store data from sources like Google Sheets and Google Analytics unless using the Extract Data connector, which is limited to 100mb of data extraction per source.

    • Data Integration and Storage

    • Connects to numerous data sources.
    • Allows csv file uploads.
    • Limited data storage capabilities.

    • Data Blending and Calculations

    • Offers data blending functionality.
    • Limited to LEFT OUTER JOIN for data blending.
    • Does not allow calculations across blended sources.

    • Visualization and Reporting

    • Features 33 variations of 13 visualisation types.
    • Includes community visualisations.
    • Simple interface for building visualisations.
    • Reports are easily sharable.

    • Usability

      The tool is celebrated for its simple interface, with users pointing out that creating calculated fields is straightforward for most simple formulas, owing to SQL-based syntax. The data explorer feature is also a plus for data discovery. However, users mention limitations in the data blending functionality and the restriction to only LEFT OUTER JOIN, which can be a drawback for complex data analysis.

    • Visualisation and Customisation

      Visualisation options in Data Studio, including tables, scorecards, bullets, and treemaps, are often praised for their variety and ease of use. The platform's support for community visualisations from third parties is also seen as a significant advantage, enhancing customisation and extending functionality.

    • Sharing and Collaboration

      Sharing capabilities are a strong point, with reports being easily distributed via email or link and embeddable in webpages, promoting collaborative work and ease of access.

    • Overall Sentiment

      In summary, Google Data Studio receives positive reviews for its free access, diverse data source connectivity, and user-friendly interface for visualisation and reporting. Nonetheless, limitations in data storage and blending features, as well as constraints in cross-source calculations, are areas where users desire improvements.

    Conclusion

    In summary, while Google Data Studio offers seamless integration with other Google services, Yellowfin BI stands out with its comprehensive storytelling feature.

    Both platforms cater to different needs and preferences, with Google Data Studio being free and user-friendly, and Yellowfin BI providing advanced BI tools for more complex data analysis.

    Sourcetable offers a different approach, allowing users to sync data across various services in real-time into a spreadsheet interface, simplifying the business intelligence process.

    Recommended Reading



    Simplify Your BI Tooling

    Sourcetable is the AI spreadsheet that lets you analyze your data in one place. Get unlimited access free for 14 days.


    Try out Sourcetable
    Drop CSV