Google Looker vs Azure Analysis Services: A Comparison
Introduction
Choosing the right business intelligence tool is critical for data-driven decision-making. Google Looker and Azure Analysis Services are both powerful platforms, each offering unique features for data analysis and reporting.
While Google Looker excels in smart analytics and integrated data, Azure Analysis Services is renowned for its enterprise-level data modeling capabilities. Both have their strengths, but the choice depends on specific business needs and technical requirements.
In this comparison, we'll dive into the functionalities of both platforms. Additionally, we'll explore how Sourcetable offers a streamlined, spreadsheet-like alternative that seamlessly syncs with your data, potentially simplifying business intelligence tasks.
What is Google Looker?
Google Looker is a business intelligence platform that forms part of the Google Cloud suite of services. It provides tools for users to access, analyze, and utilize their data effectively. As a self-service and governed BI platform, Looker offers data experiences that are both manageable and accessible for users.
-
Google Looker is a business intelligence platform that forms part of the Google Cloud suite of services. It provides tools for users to access, analyze, and utilize their data effectively. As a self-service and governed BI platform, Looker offers data experiences that are both manageable and accessible for users.
-
Core Capabilities
- Enables analysis and action on data.
- Delivers customizable data experiences.
- Integrates chat functionality for interacting with business data.
- Employs generative AI for developing data-driven applications.
- Supports building of custom applications using trusted metrics.
-
Integration and Accessibility
- Cloud-based availability ensures ease of access and scalability.
- Compatible with existing BI environments through Looker modeling.
What is Azure Analysis Services?
Azure Analysis Services is an enterprise-grade analytics engine provided as a service. It facilitates data visualization and transforms complex data into a cohesive and understandable model. By combining data from various sources, it creates a single Business Intelligence (BI) semantic model.
-
Azure Analysis Services is an enterprise-grade analytics engine provided as a service. It facilitates data visualization and transforms complex data into a cohesive and understandable model. By combining data from various sources, it creates a single Business Intelligence (BI) semantic model.
-
Key Features
- Enterprise-grade analytical engine
- Intuitive data visualization capabilities
- Simplifies data into a single version of truth
- Aggregates multiple data sources into one model
- User-friendly interface
- Robust security with comprehensive compliance
-
Financial and Security Aspects
- Pay-as-you-go service model
- No upfront costs or termination fees
- Part of Microsoft's substantial cybersecurity investment
- Managed by a dedicated team of over 3,500 security experts
- Boasts a multitude of security certifications
-
Getting Started
Azure Analysis Services is accessible with a free Azure account, allowing for easy adoption and integration into existing Azure infrastructures.
Try Sourcetable
Simplify your BI tooling with a spreadsheet that syncs with all your data.
Learn More
Google Looker Features
Business Intelligence Capabilities |
Google Looker serves as a powerful BI tool, delivering fresh, consistent, and governed real-time data views. It simplifies report and dashboard creation, providing enterprise-class business intelligence and proactive insights. |
Data Governance and Management |
Looker's data governance is strengthened with a Git version-controlled data model via LookML. Analysts can centrally define and manage business rules, ensuring uniform data usage. |
Integration and Accessibility |
Integrated with Google Cloud, Looker offers accessibility as a core service within the Google Cloud console. It supports data analysis from multiple clouds and integrates with Looker Studio for enhanced data visualization. |
Development and Customization |
With robust APIs and prebuilt integrations, Looker offers a flexible platform for customized analytics solutions. LookML, a SQL-based modeling language, is at the core of this customization, enabling precise data modeling. |
Cloud Infrastructure |
Built on Google Cloud infrastructure, Looker is readily available as a Google Cloud service, ensuring reliable performance and scalability within the Google ecosystem. |
Azure Analysis Services Features
Managed PaaS Offering |
Azure Analysis Services is a fully managed platform as a service, providing enterprise-grade data models in the cloud. |
Data Modeling and Mashup |
Supports advanced mashup and modeling features, enabling the combination of data from multiple sources, defining metrics, and securing data in trusted tabular semantic data models. |
Integration and Orchestration |
Integrates with various Azure services, including Azure Data Factory pipelines for data loading, Azure Automation, and Azure Functions for orchestration. |
Access and Security |
Offers secure, role-based access to critical data and integrates with Azure Monitor metrics for comprehensive monitoring. |
Compatibility and Modeling |
Supports tabular models at the 1200 and higher compatibility levels, including features like partitions, perspectives, row-level security, bi-directional relationships, and translations. |
Storage and Encryption |
Utilizes Azure Blob storage for persisting storage and metadata, employing Server Side Encryption (SSE) for data security. |
Data Connectivity |
Connects with on-premises data sources using the On-premises data gateway and supports a variety of data sources, from text files to Big Data in Azure Data Lake Store. |
Performance and Scalability |
Offers in-memory and DirectQuery modes for handling data. In-memory mode provides fast query response and is the default, while DirectQuery mode supports extremely large datasets and simplifies complex data model refresh scenarios. |
Service Tiers |
|
Advanced Features |
|
Advantages of Using Google Looker for Business Intelligence
Enterprise Business Intelligence Tool
Google Looker Studio Pro serves as a robust enterprise business intelligence tool designed to support the complex needs of medium and large scale enterprise environments.
Data Exploration and Visualization
Looker Studio Pro facilitates data exploration, allowing users to answer business questions with ease. It boasts powerful visualization tools to communicate insights effectively through dashboards.
Enterprise Capabilities
The platform comes with comprehensive enterprise capabilities for advanced data management and team content organization.
Team Collaboration and Management
Looker Studio Pro enhances team collaboration with features tailored for managing and sharing dashboard content within teams.
Enterprise Support Access
Users benefit from access to enterprise-level support, ensuring high-quality assistance for troubleshooting and optimization.
Disadvantages of Using Google Looker
Learning Curve and User Experience
Google Looker presents a steep learning curve, with users finding the platform not very intuitive. This complexity can hinder productivity as it requires significant time investment to become proficient.
Performance Issues
Performance drawbacks have been noted, particularly the platform's overall slowness and lag, which are exacerbated when handling many graphs on a single page, leading to inefficiencies in reporting and data analytics tasks.
Connectivity and Integration Challenges
The process of migrating data, specifically from AWS to BigQuery, has been described as painful, indicating potential issues with compatibility and data integration.
Accessibility and Collaboration
There are obstacles related to the sharing of reports and collaboration due to a complicated sharing mechanism. Additionally, the heavy restrictions by security teams on access can further complicate collaborative efforts.
Cost and Resource Allocation
Onboarding to Looker is an expensive undertaking, which can be a significant disadvantage for businesses monitoring their budget closely.
Support and Training Materials
The availability of training materials and documentation is limited, which could delay user adoption and proficiency, impairing the effective use of the tool for business intelligence purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Google Looker
What are the hours of operation for Looker Support in Japanese language?
Support is available from 9:00 AM JST – 5:00 PM JST, Monday – Friday, and from 5:00 PM JST – 9:00 AM JST, Monday – Saturday, including weekends and holidays for Japanese Language.
How do I ensure my Looker instance is eligible for support?
Looker Support is available only on Looker instances running an officially supported Looker version. Instances hosted by Looker automatically update to supported releases, while customer-hosted instances must update to a supported Looker version manually if they are running an unsupported version.
Who is eligible to receive Looker Support?
Looker Support is available to users with the Tech Support Editor IAM role and to administrators and developers on instances using Legacy Support.
What is required for a Looker (original) instance to receive support?
Looker (original) instances need to have the Google Cloud Project number filled in on the Admin General Settings page to get Looker Support.
What might I need to do when submitting a support request?
When submitting a support request, you may be prompted to choose from a product area.
Use Cases for Google Looker
-
Reducing client report time for marketing agencies like Wpromote
-
Modernizing business intelligence for organizations such as MLB
-
Embedding analytics into quote-to-revenue platforms as done by Subskribe
Advantages of Azure Analysis Services for Business Intelligence
Managed Analytics and Visualization
Azure Analysis Services is a managed analytics service that integrates with popular data visualization tools, simplifying data representation and interpretation.
Resource Scalability
With Azure Analysis Services, scale resources efficiently to align with business demands, ensuring optimal performance and cost management.
Rapid Deployment and Payment Flexibility
Quickly deploy using Azure Resource Manager and benefit from a pay-as-you-go model, eliminating upfront costs and termination fees.
Data Integration and Simplification
Combine multiple data sources into a single semantic model, streamlining the complexity of data structures for better insights.
Performance and Availability
Match your BI performance to business speed with a service designed to reduce time-to-insights, backed by a 99.9% availability guarantee.
Security and Compliance
Secure your data with Azure Active Directory and role-based security while meeting compliance needs with an array of certifications.
Disadvantages of Azure Analysis Services
Cost Implications
Azure Analysis Services may lead to significant expenses, making it a costly option for businesses focused on business intelligence and data analytics.
User Interface Complexity
The complexity of the user interface can pose challenges, potentially requiring extensive training and hindering productivity.
Unpredictable Behavior
Instances of unusual behavior may disrupt the analytical processes, impacting the reliability of the tool.
Stability Issues
Stability can be a concern, with the potential for the tool to become unstable, affecting continuous business intelligence operations.
Monitoring Demands
Extensive monitoring may be necessary to ensure optimal performance, adding to the operational workload.
Experience Requirement
A high level of platform experience is often required to effectively utilize Azure Analysis Services, which can be a barrier for teams with less expertise.
Frequently Asked Questions About Azure Analysis Services
Does Azure Analysis Services use fixed IP addresses?
No, Azure Analysis Services does not use fixed IP addresses; it uses a variable IP address range.
What should I do to configure firewall rules for Azure Analysis Services?
You must allow the full range of IP addresses in the region of your server for the firewall rules.
Can Azure Analysis Services join a Virtual Network (VNET)?
No, Azure Analysis Services is unable to join a VNET.
What server property should be used with an On-premises Data Gateway in Azure Analysis Services?
The AlwaysUseGateway server property should be used with an On-premises Data Gateway.
Does Azure Analysis Services support Private Links, VNETs, or Service Tags?
No, Azure Analysis Services does not support Private Links, VNETs, or Service Tags.
Use Cases for Azure Analysis Services
-
Enabling self-service and data discovery for business users
-
Reducing time-to-insights on large and complex datasets
-
Combining data from multiple sources into a single BI semantic model
-
Connecting to real-time operational data using DirectQuery
-
Providing secured access to business intelligence data anytime, from anywhere
Why Sourcetable is a Superior Choice for Business Intelligence
-
Streamlined Data Integration
Sourcetable offers a simplified approach by syncing data from various services into a user-friendly spreadsheet interface, optimizing the process of data reporting and analytics.
-
User-Friendly Interface
Unlike the more complex platforms like Google Looker and Azure Analysis Services, Sourcetable's spreadsheet-like interface is intuitive, reducing the learning curve for users.
-
Efficient Reporting and Analysis
With data consolidation features, Sourcetable enhances efficiency in reporting and analytics, making it a practical solution for businesses looking to streamline these processes.
-
Accessible Self-Service BI
Sourcetable democratizes data analytics by providing accessible self-service BI capabilities, empowering users without deep technical expertise to perform data analysis.
Try Sourcetable
Simplify your BI tooling with a spreadsheet that syncs with all your data.
Learn More
Comparing Google Looker and Azure Analysis Services
Business Intelligence Capabilities
Both Google Looker and Azure Analysis Services offer platforms for organizational business intelligence. They allow businesses to access, analyze, and act on data effectively.
Self-Service and Governed BI
Google Looker and Azure Analysis Services provide self-service business intelligence, enabling users to perform data analysis without extensive technical support. They also support governed BI, ensuring data governance and security.
Data Modeling and Applications
Each platform can be used for data modeling, with Google Looker offering embedded data modeling capabilities. Both platforms allow for the creation of data-powered applications, facilitating advanced data analytics and reporting.
Embedded Analytics
Google Looker and Azure Analysis Services can be utilized for embedded analytics applications. This integration helps in delivering analytics within user interfaces for better insights.
Google Looker vs Azure Analysis Services
Business Intelligence Capabilities
Google Looker is a comprehensive business intelligence platform that offers both self-service and governed BI, enabling users to perform data analysis and build data-powered applications. Looker also supports organizational and self-service business intelligence. In contrast, Azure Analysis Services is primarily a data modeling tool that provides enterprise-grade data models in the cloud.
Data Modeling and Analytics
Looker's embedded data modeling allows for the creation of data models within the platform, while Azure Analysis Services is focused on semantic data modeling capabilities for analytics. Looker enables embedded analytics applications, whereas Azure Analysis Services emphasizes on the development of sophisticated analytics solutions that can be consumed in business intelligence tools.
AI and Machine Learning
Looker features a generative AI feature, which is not a primary function of Azure Analysis Services. Azure Analysis Services integrates with Azure Machine Learning for advanced analytics, but it does not offer a generative AI feature within the service itself.
Application Development
Looker provides the tools to build workflows and applications directly connected to the data, facilitating a wide range of data-driven operations. Azure Analysis Services does not specifically cater to building applications but rather serves as a backend to BI applications requiring complex data models.
Data Interaction
Looker allows users to chat with business data, offering a more interactive experience. Azure Analysis Services does not include a feature for conversing with data, focusing instead on the traditional approach of data analysis and reporting.
Comparison: Google Looker, Azure Analysis Services, and Sourcetable
Google Looker
Google Looker is a comprehensive business intelligence platform that enables both self-service and governed BI. It facilitates the creation of data-powered applications and features generative AI capabilities. Looker stands out for its ability to provide trusted data experiences and is versatile in usage scenarios, including embedded analytics and data modeling. It also supports organizational and self-service business intelligence, workflow creation, and even conversational interactions with business data.
Azure Analysis Services
Azure Analysis Services is a fully managed platform as a service (PaaS) that provides enterprise-grade data modeling in the cloud. It's a part of the Microsoft Azure platform and integrates seamlessly with other Azure services. Unlike Looker, Azure Analysis Services is primarily focused on semantic data modeling and is not known for generative AI features. It is designed to support large-scale business intelligence projects within the Azure ecosystem, offering high performance and complex data mashup capabilities.
Sourcetable
Sourcetable is a relatively newer player in the business intelligence space, focusing on simplicity and ease of use. It offers spreadsheet-like interfaces that are approachable for non-technical users. While it may not have the advanced data modeling and AI features of Looker or the enterprise-scale capabilities of Azure Analysis Services, Sourcetable is well-suited for smaller teams and straightforward data analysis tasks. It emphasizes quick setup and user-friendly design for immediate insights.
Differences and Similarities
Try Sourcetable
Simplify your BI tooling with a spreadsheet that syncs with all your data.
Learn More
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, centralize, analyze, and model data that updates over time. It is typically used by growth teams and business operations teams.
Do I need to know how to code to use Sourcetable?
No, Sourcetable does not require coding to use its features.
How often does Sourcetable sync data from other applications?
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. All plans have a 14-day free trial, and additional seats cost $20 per month per user.
How quickly can I start creating reports with Sourcetable?
Users can start creating reports with Sourcetable within minutes.
Google Looker Cost Structure
-
Platform Pricing
Looker platform pricing constitutes the base cost for running a Looker instance. It covers platform administration, integrations, and semantic modeling capabilities.
-
User Pricing
User pricing is determined by the cost to license individual users to access the Looker platform. This varies based on the user's role and permissions.
-
Billing and Subscription Terms
Each Looker instance is linked to a billing account, which is charged for the creation of new instances and addition of users. Looker offers annual subscriptions with one to three-year term options.
-
Platform Editions and User Licenses
Looker provides three platform editions: Standard, Enterprise, and Embed. Costs for these editions depend on user types and permissions. Additionally, there are three types of Looker licenses: Developer User, Standard User, and Viewer User.
Azure Analysis Services Cost
-
Service Tiers
Azure Analysis Services offers three tiers: developer, basic, and standard. The developer tier is tailored for evaluation, development, and testing, without SLA. The basic tier caters to production solutions with small models and simple refresh needs. The standard tier is designed for larger, mission-critical applications with elastic concurrency and growing data models.
-
Billing and Charges
Billing for Azure Analysis Services is dependent on the service tier and the performance level of the instances. Charges are based on the actual usage, calculated to the second when the instance is active. Users can pause instances to halt charges, as there are no costs for inactive instances.
-
Cost Management
Instances can be paused, allowing for cost control by stopping charges from accruing when services are not in use. This feature aids in managing expenses and optimizing the cost-effectiveness of the service.
User Reviews of Google Looker
-
General Sentiment
Google Looker is recognized as a business intelligence (BI) and analytics platform. Among some users, it has been criticized as the worst reporting tool available.
-
Performance Issues
Users have reported that Looker can be slow and buggy, affecting its overall usability.
-
Usability Concerns
The platform has also been described as unintuitive by a portion of its user base.
-
Comparative Product Analysis
- Data Studio
- Tableau
Both free and paid alternatives, specifically Data Studio and Tableau, are often highlighted as superior to Looker by users.
Conclusion
In comparing Google Looker and Azure Analysis Services, it's evident that each platform offers distinct advantages depending on the business intelligence needs of a company. Looker provides integrated data visualization and business intelligence capabilities within the Google Cloud Platform, while Azure Analysis Services offers a robust enterprise-grade analytics engine with deep integration with other Microsoft products.
For organizations seeking a more streamlined and intuitive approach to business intelligence, Sourcetable may present a viable alternative. It simplifies the process by syncing data in real-time from various services into a familiar spreadsheet interface, potentially reducing the learning curve and increasing accessibility for users with different levels of technical expertise.
Try Sourcetable
Simplify your BI tooling with a spreadsheet that syncs with all your data.
Learn More
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.