Google Looker
tool icon

Google Looker vs SAP Analytics Cloud: A Comparative Overview

Jump to

    Introduction

    Choosing the right business intelligence tool is crucial for data-driven decision-making. Google Looker and SAP Analytics Cloud are two leading platforms in this space, each with its unique strengths and use cases.

    In this comparison, we delve into the functionalities, user experience, and integration capabilities of both Google Looker and SAP Analytics Cloud. We aim to provide a clear understanding of what each platform offers to businesses looking to leverage their data.

    Additionally, we'll explore how Sourcetable offers a modernized, spreadsheet-like interface that syncs with your data, serving as an alternative for business intelligence tasks like reporting and data analytics.

    Google Looker

    What is Google Looker?

    Google Looker is a business intelligence platform that is part of the Google Cloud product suite. It provides a cloud-based environment where users can access, analyze, and interact with their data to inform business decisions.

    • Capabilities

    • Facilitates data access and analysis for users.
    • Enables the delivery of data experiences.
    • Provides a chat feature for interacting with business data.
    • Supports the use of generative AI for developing data-driven applications.
    • Allows building of custom applications with reliable metrics.

    • Integration and Governance

      As a self-service and governed BI platform, Google Looker can be integrated with existing BI environments and utilizes Looker modeling for maintaining data governance.

    tool icon

    What is SAP Analytics Cloud?

    SAP Analytics Cloud is a sophisticated reporting automation tool that leverages generative AI to streamline the reporting process. It employs the Joule copilot feature to assist in the creation of comprehensive business plans. As a multi-faceted platform, SAP Analytics Cloud is capable of delivering mission-critical analytics, enhancing business intelligence (BI) capabilities, and providing tailored analytics solutions for various industries.

    • Key Capabilities of SAP Analytics Cloud

    • Automates reporting with generative AI
    • Facilitates business planning with Joule copilot
    • Delivers mission-critical and industry-specific analytics
    • Enhances business intelligence (BI) capabilities
    • Transforms enterprise planning across multiple domains
    Google Looker

    Google Looker Features

    Business Intelligence Capabilities

    Looker is a robust BI tool providing enterprise-class business intelligence. It offers a real-time view of data that is fresh, consistent, and governed for reliability.

    Data Access and Management

    Looker enables access to data across multiple clouds, simplifying the creation of reports and dashboards. Analysts can define and manage business rules using LookML, a SQL-based modeling language, in a centrally managed system.

    Integration and Collaboration

    Integrated within the Google Cloud console, Looker is a core product available as a Google Cloud service. It promotes proactive insights by integrating with Looker Studio for enhanced data visualization and analysis.

    Version Control and Prebuilt Integrations

    Looker's data model is managed with Git version control, ensuring data integrity and collaboration. It also offers prebuilt integrations to streamline workflows and robust APIs for extended functionality.

    tool icon

    Key Features of SAP Analytics Cloud

    Latest Release Updates

    The latest release of SAP Analytics Cloud encompasses new features, functions, and highlights, enhancing its analytical capabilities.

    AI-Enhanced Automation

    SAP Analytics Cloud leverages generative AI to automate reporting processes, increasing efficiency and accuracy.

    Industry-Specific Business Content

    Pre-built business content in SAP Analytics Cloud offers tailored analytics for various industries, streamlining the analytical workflow.

    Collaborative Planning Functionality

    The platform facilitates collaborative planning, integrating financial, supply chain, and operational planning into a unified solution.

    Technical Requirements

    For optimal functionality, SAP Analytics Cloud requires that Javascript be enabled in the user's browser.

    Google Looker

    Advantages of Google Looker for Business Intelligence

    Enhanced Data Exploration and Reporting

    Looker Studio Pro serves as a robust business intelligence tool, enabling efficient data exploration and the creation of comprehensive reports. It supports users in answering critical business questions through advanced visualizations.

    Enterprise-Grade Capabilities

    With its enterprise capabilities, Looker Studio Pro is specifically designed for medium to large-scale environments, ensuring it meets the complex demands of such organizations.

    Content Management and Team Collaboration

    The platform facilitates effective management of team content and enhances collaboration, streamlining the sharing of dashboards and insights among team members.

    Enterprise Support and Environment Suitability

    Users gain access to enterprise-level support, improving the reliability and performance of business intelligence tasks. Looker Studio Pro is tailor-made for the needs of enterprise environments.

    Google Looker

    Disadvantages of Using Google Looker for Business Intelligence

    Steep Learning Curve

    Google Looker's complex functionality results in a steep learning curve, as noted by multiple users. This can impede quick adoption within organizations.

    Limited Intuitiveness and Performance Issues

    Users experience performance degradation with Looker, describing the platform as slow and laggy, especially when handling multiple graphs on a single page.

    Connectivity and Onboarding Challenges

    Difficulties with connectivity and a complicated sharing mechanism hinder efficient collaboration. Expensive onboarding increases the total cost of ownership.

    Documentation and Training Resources

    Lack of easily available training materials and documentation can delay user proficiency and reduce the overall effectiveness of Looker for business intelligence tasks.

    Data Migration and Security Constraints

    Migrating data from AWS to BigQuery is a cumbersome process, and stringent security measures may limit necessary access for users.

    Google Looker

    Frequently Asked Questions About Google Looker

    What are the hours of operation for Looker Support in Japanese?

    Support in Japanese is available from 9:00 AM JST to 5:00 PM JST, Monday through Friday, and from 5:00 PM JST to 9:00 AM JST on Monday, Saturday, weekends, and holidays.

    How do I ensure my Looker instance is eligible for support?

    Your Looker instance must be running an officially supported Looker version. Instances hosted by Looker will update automatically, but customer-hosted instances must be updated manually if they are running an unsupported Looker version. Additionally, Looker (original) instances require the Google Cloud Project number to be filled in on the Admin General Settings page.

    Who is eligible to receive Looker Support?

    Looker Support is available to users with the Tech Support Editor IAM role, as well as to administrators and developers on instances using Legacy Support.

    Is Looker Support available around the clock?

    Looker Support is available 24/7 in English. However, Japanese language support follows specific hours.

    What should I do when submitting a support request?

    You may be prompted to choose from a product area when submitting a support request.

    Use Cases for Google Looker

    • Google Looker

      Reducing client report time as demonstrated by Wpromote

    • Google Looker

      Modernizing business intelligence like MLB

    • Google Looker

      Embedding Looker into specific platforms, such as Subskribes quote-to-revenue platform

    tool icon

    Advantages of SAP Analytics Cloud for Business Intelligence

    Cloud-Based Solution

    SAP Analytics Cloud operates in the cloud, ensuring accessibility and scalability for business intelligence (BI) tasks.

    Generative AI Capabilities

    Generative AI within SAP Analytics Cloud can automate reporting processes, reveal new insights, and assist in developing business plans.

    Enhanced BI Capabilities

    The platform elevates BI capabilities by delivering mission-critical and industry-specific analytics with pre-built content.

    Comprehensive Enterprise Planning

    It unifies financial, supply chain, and operational planning, transforming enterprise planning into a cohesive process.

    tool icon

    Disadvantages of Using SAP Analytics Cloud for Business Intelligence

    Performance Issues

    Data Synchronization Delays

  • SAP Analytics Cloud exhibits lags between acquired data and live data, impacting real-time analysis.

    • Scalability and Speed Limitations

  • Performance degrades when removing cell limitations, leading to inefficiencies.
  • Large volumes of data significantly slow down the system, hindering workflow.

    • Integration and Compatibility Challenges

    Complex Integration Process

  • Integrating with existing legacy systems is complex and resource-intensive.
  • Connections to different data sources are cumbersome, complicating data management.

    • Dependency on SAP Ecosystem

  • Heavy reliance on other SAP products can limit flexibility and increase costs.

    • User Experience

    Interface and Usability

  • The user interface of both the platform and mobile app requires enhancements for better usability.
  • The mobile app's performance is suboptimal, necessitating improvements for on-the-go use.

    • Customization and Collaboration

    Limited Customization and Team Collaboration

  • Lack of customization features restricts the ability to tailor the platform to specific business needs.
  • Collaboration features are limited, which can impede teamwork and shared analytics efforts.

    • Data Management and Predictive Analysis

    Model Rebuilding and Data Validation

  • Model rebuilding can lead to data validation loss, necessitating extensive rework.

    • Predictive Analysis Complexities

  • Adding sequences to the Predictive Analytics server is a complex process, potentially slowing down predictive tasks.

    • Cost Considerations

    Expense

  • The cost of SAP Analytics Cloud is high, which may be prohibitive for some businesses.
    • tool icon

    Frequently Asked Questions About SAP Analytics Cloud

    What is SAP Analytics Cloud?

    SAP Analytics Cloud is a solution for business intelligence, augmented and predictive analytics, and enterprise planning.

    Can SAP Analytics Cloud connect to various data sources?

    Yes, SAP Analytics Cloud can connect to various on-premise and cloud data sources including SAP HANA, SAP BW, SAP BPC, OData, Google BigQuery, SQL, and SAP Universes.

    Is SAP Analytics Cloud available as an on-premise solution?

    No, SAP Analytics Cloud is only accessible in the cloud.

    How often is SAP Analytics Cloud updated?

    SAP Analytics Cloud is updated frequently with a quarterly release cycle, and it has a weekly maintenance window for updates and system maintenance.

    Does SAP Analytics Cloud offer mobile capabilities?

    Yes, SAP Analytics Cloud offers a mobile app for iOS devices.

    Use Cases for SAP Analytics Cloud

    • tool icon

      Analytics for human resources

    • tool icon

      Analytics for daily operations

    • tool icon

      Analytics for reporting

    • tool icon

      Analytics for data privacy and protection

    • tool icon

      Analytics for utilities

    sourcetable

    Comparing Sourcetable to Google Looker and SAP Analytics Cloud

    • Ease of Use

      Sourcetable provides a streamlined approach to business intelligence by integrating data from various services into a familiar spreadsheet interface. This contrasts with Google Looker and SAP Analytics Cloud, which may require more specialized knowledge for data modeling and analysis.

    • Reporting Simplification

      With its spreadsheet-like setup, Sourcetable simplifies the reporting process, allowing users to create and manage reports with ease, a process that can be more complex in Google Looker and SAP Analytics Cloud.

    • Data Syncing

      Sourcetable automates the syncing of data across services, offering real-time insights without the need for manual intervention. Google Looker and SAP Analytics Cloud also facilitate data access and analysis but may not provide the same level of simplicity in consolidating data.

    • User Experience

      The user-friendly interface of Sourcetable is designed for quick adoption, reducing the learning curve associated with more sophisticated platforms like Google Looker and SAP Analytics Cloud.

    Google Looker
    vs
    tool icon

    Comparison between Google Looker and SAP Analytics Cloud

    Business Intelligence Capabilities

    Both Google Looker and SAP Analytics Cloud serve as business intelligence platforms. They provide organizational business intelligence solutions, enabling enterprises to access, analyze, and act on data. This similarity offers businesses the tools needed for data-driven decision-making.

    Self-Service and Governed BI

    Google Looker and SAP Analytics Cloud facilitate self-service and governed BI. Users can independently explore data while adhering to governance protocols. This ensures that data analysis is both flexible and secure within organizations.

    Data-Powered Applications

    Both platforms allow the building of data-powered applications. They enable the creation of workflows and applications that are informed by and interact with business data. This feature supports the integration of intelligence into operational processes.

    Embedded Analytics

    Google Looker and SAP Analytics Cloud can be used for embedded analytics applications. They provide the capability to integrate analytics into existing business applications, enhancing the value and contextual relevance of these applications.

    Google Looker
    vs
    tool icon

    Google Looker vs. SAP Analytics Cloud

    Business Intelligence Approach

    Google Looker provides self-service and governed BI, enabling users to access, analyze, and act on data independently. Looker supports organizational and self-service business intelligence, catering to a wide range of BI needs. In contrast, SAP Analytics Cloud is known for its advanced analytics with predictive features and integrated planning functionalities, appealing to users seeking an all-in-one solution for business intelligence, planning, and predictive analytics.

    Data-Powered Applications

    Looker allows users to build data-powered applications and workflows, facilitating the creation of customized data experiences. It is also capable of embedded analytics and data modeling, making it versatile for developers. SAP Analytics Cloud, while offering analytical applications, emphasizes its ready-to-use business content and end-to-end decision-making capabilities, with a focus on business users.

    Generative AI and Chat Features

    One of the distinguishing features of Google Looker is its generative AI capability, which expands its analytical power. Additionally, Looker enables users to chat with business data, providing an interactive way to derive insights. SAP Analytics Cloud does not specifically emphasize generative AI or chat capabilities as core features of its platform.

    Trusted Data Experiences

    Google Looker places a strong emphasis on delivering trusted data experiences, ensuring the reliability of data across applications. SAP Analytics Cloud also focuses on trust and governance but integrates these within its broader suite of analytics and planning tools.

    sourcetable

    Comparison: Google Looker, SAP Analytics Cloud, and Sourcetable

    Google Looker

    Google Looker is a comprehensive business intelligence platform that facilitates self-service and governed BI. It enables the creation of data-powered applications and provides tools for accessing, analyzing, and acting on data. Its generative AI feature and capabilities for delivering trusted data experiences set it apart. Looker supports embedded analytics and data modeling, and is versatile enough for both organizational and self-service BI. Additionally, Looker has the unique feature of allowing users to chat with business data, enabling quick and conversational data inquiries.

    SAP Analytics Cloud

    SAP Analytics Cloud is known for its all-in-one cloud platform for business intelligence, planning, and predictive analytics. It provides real-time analytics and the ability to integrate with SAP and non-SAP data sources. Similar to Looker, it offers self-service capabilities; however, SAP Analytics Cloud emphasizes its augmented analytics with machine learning technology. It is often recognized for its strong planning and simulation features which may not be as pronounced in Looker.

    Sourcetable

    Sourcetable is a spreadsheet-integrated BI tool that focuses on simplifying data analysis for non-technical users. Unlike Looker and SAP Analytics Cloud, Sourcetable is tailored to offer a more familiar spreadsheet-like experience, making it more accessible to users accustomed to traditional spreadsheet software. Sourcetable's niche is in its simplicity and ease of use for day-to-day data tasks, which contrasts with the more advanced and enterprise-oriented features of Looker and SAP Analytics Cloud.

    Contrast Summary

  • Google Looker provides a broad range of BI tools, including the ability to chat with data and generative AI features, catering to both self-service and enterprise needs.
  • SAP Analytics Cloud focuses on predictive analytics and planning, with strong integration within SAP ecosystems and a focus on machine learning.
  • Sourcetable offers a spreadsheet-centric approach to BI, prioritizing ease of use and accessibility for non-technical users over advanced BI features.
    • sourcetable

    Frequently Asked Questions About Sourcetable

    What is Sourcetable and who is it for?

    Sourcetable is a spreadsheet that allows users to access data from most 3rd party applications, query data, and build live models that automatically update. It replaces workflows typically done in Excel, Google Sheets, and Business Intelligence tools. It is used by growth teams and business operations folks, and is ideal for anyone needing to centralize, analyze, and model data that updates over time.

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

    No, Sourcetable does not require coding, making it accessible for users to create reports and build live models without any programming knowledge.

    How often does Sourcetable sync data from other applications?

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

    What is the cost of using Sourcetable?

    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.

    Is there a trial period for Sourcetable?

    Yes, all plans have a 14-day free trial period, allowing users to test the features before committing to a subscription.

    Google Looker

    Google Looker Cost Overview

    Google Looker's pricing structure includes two primary components: platform pricing and user pricing. Platform pricing encompasses the costs associated with running a Looker instance, such as platform administration, integrations, and semantic modeling capabilities. User pricing refers to the licensing fees for individual users to access the Looker platform. The overall cost of utilizing Looker varies depending on user types and their permissions.

    • Platform Pricing

      Looker platform pricing is the foundational cost for deploying a Looker instance. It covers essential services like platform administration and integrations. The specific pricing for platform usage is determined by the edition chosen, with three options available: Standard, Enterprise, and Embed. Each edition's cost is influenced by the user's role and permissions within the Looker platform.

    • User Pricing

      User pricing is determined by the type of Looker license required for each user. There are three types of licenses: Developer User, Standard User, and Viewer User. The cost for each license type depends on the level of access and permissions granted to the user within the Looker platform.

    • Billing and Subscription Terms

      All Looker instances are linked to a billing account, which is charged for any new instances created or additional users added. Looker offers annual subscriptions with one, two, and three-year term options, allowing for flexibility in planning and budgeting.

    tool icon

    SAP Analytics Cloud Cost

    • Subscription and Licensing

      SAP Analytics Cloud is accessible through a subscription-based model. The service provides a range of flexible licensing options to accommodate different user needs and preferences.

    • Pricing and Minimums

      Specific pricing details for SAP Analytics Cloud can be obtained upon request. Organizations interested in adopting SAP Analytics Cloud must license a minimum of 5 users. A contract with a duration of at least 12 months is required.

    • Payment Options

      Invoice payments are accepted for SAP Analytics Cloud across all countries. The option to pay via credit card may be available, although it depends on the user's location.

    Google Looker

    User Reviews of Google Looker

    Google Looker is acknowledged as a business intelligence (BI) and analytics platform. Users have expressed diverse opinions about its functionality and user experience.

    • Negative Feedback

    • Some users have labeled Looker as the worst reporting tool available in the market.
    • Common criticisms include the platform being slow and suffering from bugs.
    • The user interface has been described as unintuitive, hindering efficient use.

    • Comparative Performance

    • Comparative analysis suggests that both free and paid alternatives, such as Data Studio and Tableau, outperform Looker.

      • The reviews and ratings mentioned are derived from user feedback across various platforms but specific sources are not cited.

    Conclusion

    In comparing Google Looker and SAP Analytics Cloud, it's evident that both platforms offer robust capabilities for business intelligence. Looker provides deep integration with Google's ecosystem, while SAP Analytics Cloud offers a wide array of advanced analytics features.

    Sourcetable, on the other hand, offers a more streamlined business intelligence solution. It allows for real-time data syncing across various services into a spreadsheet interface that many users find familiar and easy to use.

    Each tool has its own strengths and is best suited for different types of users and use cases. When choosing a business intelligence solution, consider the specific needs of your organization and the expertise of your team.

    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