Google Looker vs Business Objects: A Comparative Analysis
Introduction
Comparing Google Looker and Business Objects is essential for businesses seeking the right business intelligence tool to harness their data effectively. These platforms offer different features and functionalities that cater to various analytics needs.
Google Looker is known for its integration with Google's data services and real-time analysis, while Business Objects has a long-standing presence with robust reporting capabilities. Deciding between the two requires a deep dive into their unique strengths and use cases.
This page provides an insightful comparison of Google Looker and Business Objects, focusing on their core features and suitability for different business scenarios. Additionally, we'll explore how Sourcetable offers a contemporary, spreadsheet-like interface that seamlessly syncs with your data, presenting an alternative for accomplishing business intelligence tasks such as reporting and data analytics.
What is Google Looker?
Google Looker is a business intelligence platform that is part of the Google Cloud suite of products. It provides a cloud-based environment where users can access, analyze, and act on their data to drive business decisions. Looker offers capabilities for delivering data experiences and building custom applications using trusted metrics.
-
Google Looker is a business intelligence platform that is part of the Google Cloud suite of products. It provides a cloud-based environment where users can access, analyze, and act on their data to drive business decisions. Looker offers capabilities for delivering data experiences and building custom applications using trusted metrics.
-
Key Features
- Access and analyze data across the enterprise.
- Deliver data experiences tailored to business needs.
- Chat functionality to engage with business data.
- Generative AI for constructing data-powered applications.
- Self-service and governed BI environment.
- Integration with existing BI tools through Looker modeling.
-
Availability and Governance
Available in the cloud, Google Looker ensures that users can build and use applications with reliable metrics while benefiting from a self-service and governed BI platform.
What is Business Objects?
SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence (BI) is a robust suite that serves as the on-premise BI layer for SAP’s Business Technology Platform. It specializes in data reporting, visualization, and sharing capabilities. Known for its centralized approach, it processes and transforms raw data into actionable insights that are accessible anytime and from anywhere.
-
SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence (BI) is a robust suite that serves as the on-premise BI layer for SAP’s Business Technology Platform. It specializes in data reporting, visualization, and sharing capabilities. Known for its centralized approach, it processes and transforms raw data into actionable insights that are accessible anytime and from anywhere.
-
Key Features
- On-premise deployment ensuring data is managed within the organization's infrastructure.
- Real-time business intelligence for up-to-date decision-making.
- Enhanced user autonomy through user-friendly interfaces and tools.
- Personalized, simplified, and dynamic consumption of information.
-
Benefits
- Provides valuable insights by leveraging data across the organization.
- Supports informed decision-making processes with its real-time analytics.
- Improves productivity by allowing users to customize and manage their reports.
Try Sourcetable
Simplify your BI tooling with a spreadsheet that syncs with all your data.
Learn More
Google Looker Features
Business Intelligence Capabilities |
Looker functions as a powerful BI tool offering enterprise-class business intelligence. It is a core product within the Google Cloud portfolio, ensuring a fresh, consistent, and governed real-time view of data. |
Data Management and Modeling |
With LookML, Looker's SQL-based modeling language, analysts can define and manage business rules and data definitions centrally. The platform uses a Git version-controlled data model for enhanced data governance. |
Data Integration and Accessibility |
Looker supports data access from multiple cloud sources and integrates seamlessly with Looker Studio for comprehensive data exploration and visualization. |
Reporting and Dashboards |
The tool simplifies the creation of reports and dashboards, enabling users to gain insights directly in their workflow environments. |
Collaboration and Integration |
Looker is designed to fit into users' daily operations through robust APIs and prebuilt integrations, enhancing proactive insights and collaborative analytics. |
Infrastructure and Availability |
Built on Google Cloud infrastructure, Looker is readily available as a Google Cloud service and is integrated within the Google Cloud console, ensuring easy access and management. |
Key Features of Business Objects
Reporting and Analysis |
The SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence suite delivers robust reporting and analysis tools that facilitate understanding of business trends and root causes through ad hoc queries and BI reporting. |
Data Visualization and Analytics |
This suite includes advanced data visualization and analytics applications, enabling the creation of compelling visualizations, dashboards, and applications for comprehensive business insights. |
Risk and Opportunity Assessment |
Applications within the suite support risk assessment, efficiency improvements, and opportunity identification, crucial for strategic decision-making. |
Office Integration |
Integration with office applications is a key feature, simplifying data manipulation and enhancing productivity through familiar interfaces. |
Advanced Data Handling |
Users can filter and manipulate multidimensional data with ease, allowing for effective identification of trends and outliers within complex datasets. |
Advantages of Google Looker for Business Intelligence
Data Exploration and Reporting
Google Looker Studio Pro enhances data exploration, enabling users to delve into datasets and extract answers to complex business questions. This process is streamlined through the construction of visualizations and reporting dashboards, simplifying data analysis tasks.
Enterprise Capabilities
Designed for medium to large-scale environments, Looker Studio Pro's enterprise capabilities ensure robust management of team content, fostering efficient team collaboration and sharing of insights.
Support and Collaboration
The platform offers access to enterprise support, aiding in the resolution of issues and optimizing the user experience. Team collaboration is facilitated through shared dashboards, promoting informed decision-making across the enterprise.
Disadvantages of Using Google Looker for Business Intelligence
Connectivity and Integration Challenges
Migrating data from AWS to BigQuery can be a complex and painful process, indicating potential difficulties in integrating Looker with certain data ecosystems.
Complex Sharing and Security Measures
The platform's sharing mechanism is considered complicated, which may hinder collaboration. Additionally, stringent security measures can limit accessibility, impacting user experience.
User Experience and Learning Curve
Cost and Resource Implications
Onboarding is notably expensive, and the lack of readily available training materials and documentation can increase the time and resources needed to become proficient in using Looker.
Frequently Asked Questions About Google Looker
When is Looker Support available for English and Japanese languages?
Looker Support is available 24/7 in English. For 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.
Is support available for all versions of Looker?
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 if they are running an unsupported one.
What do I need to do to get Looker Support for my Looker (original) instance?
For Looker (original) instances, you need to have the Google Cloud Project number filled in on the Admin General Settings page to receive Looker Support.
Who is eligible to receive Looker Support?
Looker Support is only available to users with the Tech Support EditorIAM role and to administrators and developers on instances using Legacy Support.
What should I expect when submitting a support request to Looker?
You may be prompted to choose from a product area when submitting a support request.
Use Cases for Google Looker
-
Reducing client report time
-
Modernizing business intelligence
-
Embedding analytics in a quote-to-revenue platform
Advantages of Business Objects for Business Intelligence
User-Friendly BI Applications
BusinessObjects delivers intuitive interfaces for business intelligence, enhancing user adoption and productivity.
Enterprise Reporting Management
Organizations can streamline their enterprise reporting with BusinessObjects, ensuring effective management of reporting requirements.
Ad-Hoc Query Capability
The platform's ad-hoc query functionality allows users to perform data analysis on-the-fly without predefined reports.
Robust Data Analysis
BusinessObjects offers comprehensive data analysis tools for deep insights, supporting informed decision-making.
Reduced Total Cost of Ownership
With BusinessObjects, companies can lower their total cost of ownership for business intelligence infrastructure.
Enhanced BI Productivity
The platform increases productivity in business intelligence tasks, streamlining workflows and reducing time to insight.
Operational Stability and Efficiency
BusinessObjects contributes to operational stability and efficiency, maintaining performance as data volume grows.
Scalability and Flexibility
As a scalable and flexible BI platform, BusinessObjects adapts to the evolving needs of businesses of all sizes.
Disadvantages of Business Objects for Business Intelligence
High Deployment Costs
Business Objects is associated with high deployment costs, making it a less attractive option for businesses looking to manage expenses.
Upgrade Challenges
Businesses face difficulties when upgrading Business Objects, which can lead to operational disruptions and additional costs.
Data Migration Complexities
Migrating data into Business Objects can be particularly challenging compared to other platforms, adding complexity to business intelligence initiatives.
Frequently Asked Questions About Business Objects
How can I use specific features of BusinessObjects?
To use specific features of BusinessObjects, you can refer to the FAQs that explain how to use BusinessObjects features, or consult the how-tos for step-by-step guidance.
Where can I find tips for using BusinessObjects more effectively?
You can find tips for using BusinessObjects more effectively in the FAQs that are specifically dedicated to providing tips for users.
What should I do if I encounter issues with BusinessObjects?
If you encounter issues with BusinessObjects, you should look at the troubleshooting section of the FAQs which are designed to help resolve common problems.
Use Cases for Business Objects
-
Enterprise Reporting
-
Data Visualization
-
Dashboard Creation
-
Ad-Hoc Reporting
-
Self-Service BI
Comparing Sourcetable with Google Looker and Business Objects
-
Simplified Reporting and Data Analytics
Sourcetable streamlines the process of reporting and analyzing data by integrating with various services and presenting information in a familiar spreadsheet-like interface. This approach reduces the complexity typically associated with business intelligence tools.
-
Unified Data Synchronization
Unlike Google Looker and Business Objects which may require multiple steps for data access and analysis, Sourcetable syncs data across services, providing a central point for data management and decision-making.
-
User-Friendly Interface
The spreadsheet-like interface offered by Sourcetable is intuitive, catering to users who prefer the simplicity and familiarity of spreadsheets for data manipulation and reporting functions.
-
Efficiency in Business Intelligence Tasks
Sourcetable's design focuses on efficiency, allowing users to quickly perform tasks that might be more complex in Google Looker or Business Objects, such as embedded analytics or data modeling.
Try Sourcetable
Simplify your BI tooling with a spreadsheet that syncs with all your data.
Learn More
Comparison Between Google Looker and Business Objects
Business Intelligence Platform
Both Google Looker and Business Objects serve as business intelligence platforms. They enable organizations to analyze and interpret complex data.
Self-Service and Governed BI
Looker and Business Objects offer self-service and governed BI capabilities. This allows users to perform data analysis with varying levels of control and management.
Data Access and Analysis
Both platforms enable users to access, analyze, and act on data. They support data-driven decision-making within organizations.
Embedded Analytics
Google Looker and Business Objects can be used for embedded analytics applications. They allow for the integration of analytics into existing business applications.
Business Intelligence Uses
Both platforms can be utilized for organizational and self-service business intelligence, catering to different user needs within a company.
Google Looker vs Business Objects
Business Intelligence Approach
Google Looker is a modern business intelligence platform offering self-service capabilities, whereas Business Objects traditionally focuses on governed, enterprise-level BI reporting.
Data-Powered Applications
Looker provides tools for building data-powered applications, a feature not typically associated with Business Objects.
Generative AI Feature
Google Looker includes a generative AI feature, distinguishing it from Business Objects which lacks this functionality.
Data Accessibility and Analysis
Both Looker and Business Objects allow data access and analysis; however, Looker emphasizes a self-service model that empowers users to act on data without deep technical knowledge.
Embedded Analytics
Looker can be used for embedded analytics and data modeling within other applications, a use case that is possible but not as central to Business Objects.
Self-Service vs Governed BI
Looker caters to both organizational and self-service business intelligence needs, whereas Business Objects is more traditionally aligned with governed BI.
Interactivity with Data
Looker offers the ability to chat with business data, a more interactive feature compared to the standard reporting capabilities of Business Objects.
Comparison of Google Looker, Business Objects, and Sourcetable
Google Looker
Google Looker is a business intelligence platform that offers both self-service and governed BI. It enables users to build data-powered applications and provides a generative AI feature. Looker can be used for accessing, analyzing, and acting on data, delivering trusted data experiences, and embedding analytics applications. It supports embedded data modeling, organizational business intelligence, self-service business intelligence, building workflows and applications, and chatting with business data.
Business Objects
Business Objects is a veteran in the business intelligence space, known for its robust reporting and data visualization capabilities. It specializes in providing solutions for reporting, querying, and analyzing corporate data. Unlike Looker, Business Objects does not natively support data-powered application development or generative AI features. It is typically used for enterprise reporting and data visualization rather than for building applications or embedding analytics directly into existing applications.
Sourcetable
Sourcetable is a modern tool designed to simplify data collaboration by aggregating data from multiple sources into a single, easy-to-use spreadsheet interface. It is aimed at users who prefer a spreadsheet-like experience for data analysis. Sourcetable may not offer the same level of data modeling capabilities or the ability to build data-powered applications as Looker. It focuses on data accessibility and collaboration, making it suitable for users who seek a more straightforward approach to data analysis without the need for advanced BI features.
Contrast
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 replaces workflows typically done in Excel, Google Sheets, and Business Intelligence tools. It is primarily used by growth teams and business operations teams.
How much does Sourcetable cost?
Sourcetable costs $50 per month for the starter plan and $250 per month for the pro plan. Each additional seat costs $20 per month.
Does Sourcetable offer a trial period?
Yes, all plans have a 14-day free trial period.
How often does Sourcetable update data integrations?
Data integrations update every 15 minutes on the regular plan and every 5 minutes on the pro plan.
Is coding required to use Sourcetable?
No, Sourcetable does not require coding to use.
Google Looker Pricing Structure
-
Platform Pricing
Looker's platform pricing is the foundational cost for running a Looker instance. It encompasses expenses related to platform administration, integrations, and semantic modeling capabilities.
-
User Pricing
User pricing refers to the licensing costs for individual users to access the Looker platform. Prices vary depending on the user type and their permissions.
-
Billing and Account Management
Each Looker instance is linked to a billing account responsible for all incurred charges, including new instances and added users.
-
Platform Editions and Cost Variation
Looker offers Standard, Enterprise, and Embed editions, with costs fluctuating based on user types and permissions.
-
Subscription Terms
Looker provides annual subscription options with one, two, or three-year terms.
-
License Types
- Developer User License
- Standard User License
- Viewer User License
Business Objects Cost Analysis
The starting annual price for SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence (BI) is $14,000.00, with a monthly option starting at $75.00. Compared to competing BI tools like Tableau and Domo, SAP BusinessObjects BI is more cost-effective, positioning it as a less expensive alternative in the BI market. Despite its competitive pricing, potential limitations include a cap on row numbers, restricted query combinations, and the absence of integrated data masking solutions.
-
The starting annual price for SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence (BI) is $14,000.00, with a monthly option starting at $75.00. Compared to competing BI tools like Tableau and Domo, SAP BusinessObjects BI is more cost-effective, positioning it as a less expensive alternative in the BI market. Despite its competitive pricing, potential limitations include a cap on row numbers, restricted query combinations, and the absence of integrated data masking solutions.
-
Cost Comparison
- SAP BusinessObjects BI is cheaper than Tableau and other BI tools.
- Price advantage positions SAP BusinessObjects BI as a financially viable option for businesses seeking BI solutions.
-
Additional Considerations
- Customer service for SAP BusinessObjects BI is regarded as satisfactory.
- Dashboard views and certain functionalities, such as query combination and data masking, may be limited.
User Reviews of Google Looker
Google Looker has garnered feedback as a business intelligence (BI) and analytics platform. User reviews outline a mix of experiences and opinions.
-
Google Looker has garnered feedback as a business intelligence (BI) and analytics platform. User reviews outline a mix of experiences and opinions.
-
Negative Feedback
Some users have expressed dissatisfaction, labeling Looker as the worst reporting tool available. Common criticisms include performance issues, with users finding the platform slow and buggy. Additionally, the user interface is described as unintuitive, posing challenges for effective use.
-
Comparative Analysis
Comparisons drawn by users between Looker and other BI tools suggest a preference for alternatives. Notably, both free and paid products, such as Data Studio and Tableau, are often highlighted as superior options to Looker.
Conclusion
In comparing Google Looker and Business Objects for business intelligence, we observe key differences in their approach to data analysis and visualization. Looker emphasizes a modern, web-based interface and its proprietary modeling language, LookML, while Business Objects offers robust reporting features and a long-standing market presence.
Both platforms require a certain level of expertise to fully leverage their capabilities and might be complex for users not well-versed in data analytics.
Sourcetable offers an alternative by simplifying the business intelligence process. It achieves this by syncing data in real-time across various services into a spreadsheet interface that many users find familiar and easy to use.
Try Sourcetable
Simplify your BI tooling with a spreadsheet that syncs with all your data.
Learn More
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.