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QlikView vs Azure Analysis Services: Detailed Comparison

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    Introduction

    Choosing the right business intelligence tool is critical for data analysis and reporting. Qlikview and Azure Analysis Services are two prominent options, each with its unique strengths and use cases.

    This comparison will delve into the features, performance, and scalability of Qlikview and Azure Analysis Services to inform your decision. We'll also discuss Sourcetable, offering a modernized, spreadsheet-like interface that syncs with your data, as a streamlined alternative for business intelligence tasks.

    Qlikview

    What is QlikView?

    QlikView is a guided analytics solution designed for rapid development and delivery of guided analytics applications and dashboards. It features an associative engine that dynamically generates new data views, enabling an associative experience across all data used for analysis.

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    What is Azure Analysis Services?

    Azure Analysis Services is an enterprise-grade analytics engine provided as a service. It facilitates the visualization of data by transforming complex datasets into a unified and comprehensible version of the truth. The service enables the combination of multiple data sources into a single Business Intelligence (BI) semantic model, streamlining the data analysis process.

    • Usability and Cost Efficiency

      The service is designed to be user-friendly and adopts a pay-as-you-go pricing model, eliminating upfront costs and termination fees. This approach ensures cost-effective scalability for businesses of all sizes.

    • Security and Compliance

      Azure Analysis Services offers robust security features, including a range of compliance certifications. It is part of Microsoft’s substantial annual investment in cybersecurity and is supported by a dedicated team of over 3,500 security professionals.

    • Getting Started

      Users can access Azure Analysis Services with a free Azure account, making it readily available for those looking to explore its capabilities.

    Qlikview

    Key Features of QlikView

    Associative Engine

    The associative engine is central to QlikView's uniqueness, enabling users to explore data connections in a highly intuitive manner.

    Visual Discovery

    QlikView's intuitive visual discovery aids in the easy interpretation of data, enhancing user experience and understanding.

    Qlik Cloud Analytics and Qlik Sense

    These platforms support QlikView by promoting active analytics through AI-powered insights, with Qlik Cloud Analytics offering a cloud-based SaaS solution and Qlik Sense available as an on-premises option.

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    Azure Analysis Services Features

    Managed PaaS and Enterprise-Grade Data Models

    Azure Analysis Services is a fully managed platform as a service (PaaS), providing enterprise-grade data models in the cloud. The service enables advanced mashup and modeling features, allowing data from multiple sources to be combined and metrics to be defined within a trusted tabular semantic data model.

    Data Modeling and Analysis

    The tabular data model offers an easier and faster method for ad hoc data analysis. Supporting tabular models at the 1200 and higher compatibility levels, Azure Analysis Services facilitates relational modeling constructs, defined in Tabular Model Scripting Language (TMSL) and Tabular Object Model (TOM). Features include partitions, perspectives, row-level security, bi-directional relationships, and translations.

    Integration and Orchestration

    Integration with various Azure services is a key feature of Azure Analysis Services, including secure role-based access to data. It works with Azure Data Factory pipelines for data loading, and Azure Automation and Azure Functions for orchestration.

    Service Tiers

    Available in Developer, Basic, and Standard tiers, Azure Analysis Services caters to different use cases from development and testing to mission-critical applications with varying requirements for model size, user concurrency, and data refresh complexity.

    Storage and Security

    Azure Analysis Services uses Azure Blob storage to persist data and metadata. With Azure Blob Server Side Encryption (SSE), the service ensures encrypted data storage. In DirectQuery mode, only metadata is stored. An On-premises data gateway enables access to on-premises data sources.

    Data Access Modes

    Tabular models support in-memory and DirectQuery modes. In-memory is the default, supporting multiple data sources and delivering fast query responses. DirectQuery mode allows handling of extremely large data sets without complex data model refresh scenarios by leveraging the backend relational database.

    Security Features

    Row-level security is implemented across all compatibility levels of tabular models, while object-level security is available for models at the 1400 and higher compatibility levels.

    Monitoring and Management

    Azure Analysis Services integrates with Azure Monitor metrics and supports the use of Dynamic Management Views (DMVs) for monitoring and managing system performance.

    Qlikview

    Advantages of Using Qlikview for Business Intelligence

    Efficiency in Data Interpretation: Qlikview's dynamic dashboards provide a platform for quick and efficient data interpretation, streamlining the process of analyzing complex datasets. Its good data visualization capabilities enhance the clarity and impact of reports.

    Qlikview

    Disadvantages of Using Qlikview for Business Intelligence

    Inefficiency in Real-Time Data Analysis

    Qlikview may not be the best choice for real-time data analysis due to potential inefficiencies.

    Technical Expertise Requirement

    The development of applications in Qlikview requires a certain level of technical expertise, which may not be readily available in all businesses.

    Integration Challenges

    Embedding Qlikview with other software solutions may result in compatibility issues or an odd user experience.

    Limited Customer Support

    Users have reported instances of less than satisfactory customer support from Qlikview.

    Outdated Tools and Interfaces

    Qlikview may feature older tools and interfaces, potentially leading to a less modern user experience.

    Cost Concerns for Small and Medium Businesses

    The cost of Qlikview might be prohibitive for small or medium-sized enterprises, making it a less viable option.

    User Satisfaction

    Poor ratings in surveys may reflect lower user satisfaction with Qlikview's performance in business intelligence tasks.

    Qlikview

    Frequently Asked Questions About Qlikview

    Can QlikView handle large data sets?

    Yes, QlikView can handle a few million rows of typical transaction data on a PC with 512MB of RAM and up to one billion rows on large servers.

    How does QlikView join fields from different data sources?

    QlikView can automatically join fields with the same name and can join fields with different names using an alias or AS statement.

    Is it possible to update QlikView documents with new data?

    Yes, QlikView can update a document using incremental reloads.

    Can QlikView read data from web pages?

    Yes, QlikView can read tables from web pages using the table file wizard.

    How can QlikView be shared with others?

    QlikView can be shared with others using QlikView Server or QlikView Publisher.

    Use Cases for Qlikview

    • Qlikview

      Improving efficiency, customer service, and sales

    • Qlikview

      Simplifying analytics with a company-wide portal

    • Qlikview

      Boosting operational success

    • Qlikview

      Lowering costs and reducing effort to convert loan prospects

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    Benefits of Azure Analysis Services for Business Intelligence

    Managed Analytics Service

    Azure Analysis Services is a managed service, eliminating the need for manual oversight and reducing maintenance tasks. This allows businesses to focus on insights rather than infrastructure management.

    Data Visualization Integration

    The service integrates effortlessly with popular data visualization tools, facilitating seamless visualization of data to support informed decision-making.

    Scalability

    Scalability features of Azure Analysis Services enable businesses to adjust resources in line with their requirements, ensuring cost efficiency and performance alignment with business activity levels.

    Rapid Deployment

    Quick deployment capabilities through Azure Resource Manager streamline the setup process, accelerating the path from data to insights.

    Cost Management

    With a pay-as-you-go model, businesses have financial flexibility, paying only for the resources used, with no upfront costs or termination fees.

    Data Modeling

    Azure Analysis Services simplifies data modeling, allowing the combination of various data sources into a single semantic model, clarifying data views and structures for users.

    Performance Matching

    The service is designed to match business pace, providing rapid responses for time-sensitive analytics and reporting tasks, even on large, complex datasets.

    High Availability

    Azure Analysis Services guarantees 99.9% availability, ensuring consistent access to business intelligence applications and data analytics.

    Security and Compliance

    Role-based security with Azure Active Directory support offers robust access control, while extensive security and compliance features, including numerous certifications, provide peace of mind regarding data protection.

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    Disadvantages of Azure Analysis Services

    Cost Implications

    Azure Analysis Services presents a high expense, making it a costly option for business intelligence and data analytics.

    User Interface Complexity

    The complexity of the user interface can pose a challenge for users, potentially hindering efficient utilization of the service for reporting and analytics tasks.

    Behavioral Inconsistencies

    Instances of unusual behavior may occur, affecting the reliability of the tool during critical data analysis processes.

    Stability Issues

    There may be times when Azure Analysis Services becomes unstable, which can disrupt the continuity of business intelligence operations.

    Monitoring Requirements

    Effective use of this tool often requires extensive monitoring, which can add to the operational overhead for businesses.

    Experience Necessity

    A significant amount of platform experience is needed to navigate and manage Azure Analysis Services effectively, potentially leading to a steeper learning curve.

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    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.

    How do I 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 I use 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

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      Enabling self-service and data discovery for business users

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      Reducing time-to-insights on large and complex datasets

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      Combining data from multiple sources into a single BI semantic model

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      Connecting to real-time operational data using DirectQuery

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      Providing secured access to BI solutions anytime, from anywhere

    sourcetable

    Why Sourcetable Tops Qlikview and Azure Analysis Services for Business Intelligence

    • Streamlined Data Integration

      Sourcetable offers a unified platform that integrates data from various services, optimizing the process of data consolidation for businesses. Unlike the complex interfaces of Qlikview and Azure Analysis Services, Sourcetable provides a spreadsheet-like interface that simplifies data analysis and reporting.

    • User-Friendly Interface

      The intuitive design of Sourcetable's interface reduces the learning curve and allows for easier adoption across organizations. In contrast, Qlikview's associative engine, while powerful, has a steeper learning curve, and Azure Analysis Services requires familiarity with the Microsoft ecosystem.

    • Real-Time Collaboration

      While Qlikview and Azure Analysis Services provide collaboration features, Sourcetable's approach to real-time collaboration is straightforward and seamless, reminiscent of working with traditional spreadsheets, which can be more accessible for team-wide strategic decision-making.

    • Cost-Effectiveness

      Sourcetable's centralized platform can be more cost-effective compared to the separate cloud-based and on-premises solutions of Qlikview, as well as the infrastructure costs associated with Azure Analysis Services.

    • Agility and Speed

      Sourcetable enhances agility and speed in business intelligence tasks, providing live performance views without the need for extensive setup or specialized training, as may be required by Qlikview's Qlik Cloud Analytics and Qlik Sense or Azure Analysis Services.

    Qlikview
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    Comparison of QlikView and Azure Analysis Services

    Both QlikView and Azure Analysis Services are advanced analytics solutions that allow organizations to handle and analyze large datasets. Both services offer robust data modeling capabilities, enabling efficient data management and complex computational analysis. They support visual data exploration, providing intuitive interfaces for users to discover insights through data visualization.

    Cloud-Based Deployment

    QlikView and Azure Analysis Services can be deployed in the cloud, offering flexibility and scalability. QlikView with its Qlik Cloud Analytics and Azure Analysis Services both provide a SaaS deployment option, simplifying the management of infrastructure and ensuring that users can access analytics capabilities from anywhere.

    Business Intelligence

    Both platforms enhance business intelligence by enabling more people within an organization to use analytics tools. QlikView's associative engine and Azure Analysis Services' robust BI semantic model democratize data analysis, making it accessible to a broader range of users.

    Real-Time Collaboration

    Real-time collaboration is a feature of both QlikView and Azure Analysis Services, facilitating teamwork and quicker decision-making. Users can share insights and work collectively on data analysis, enhancing organizational agility and responsiveness.

    Qlikview
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    QlikView vs. Azure Analysis Services

    Deployment and Accessibility

    QlikView offers flexible deployment options, including cloud-based SaaS with Qlik Cloud Analytics and an on-premises solution with Qlik Sense. Azure Analysis Services is primarily a cloud-based PaaS offering, integrating with Azure's suite of cloud services.

    Data Processing Engine

    QlikView utilizes an associative engine for data processing, which allows intuitive visual discovery and real-time collaboration. Azure Analysis Services uses a tabular model for data processing, which is optimized for complex data modeling and large-scale datasets.

    User Interface and Discovery

    QlikView's intuitive visual discovery interface caters to a broader range of business users. Azure Analysis Services is more technical, requiring a higher degree of expertise to manage data models and queries.

    Artificial Intelligence and Insights

    QlikView leverages AI-powered insights to augment human intuition, enhancing the decision-making process. Azure Analysis Services focuses on providing robust BI capabilities but requires additional Azure services to integrate AI functionalities.

    Regulatory Compliance and Data Governance

    Qlik Sense, the on-premises solution for QlikView, is suitable for industries with strict data regulations. Azure Analysis Services, being part of the Azure platform, offers comprehensive compliance coverage and advanced data governance features.

    sourcetable

    Comparison between Qlikview, Azure Analysis Services, and Sourcetable

    Qlikview

    Qlikview is an established analytics solution with a focus on an associative engine for data processing, enabling intuitive visual discovery. This approach transformed how organizations interact with data, promoting real-time collaboration and active analytics. Qlikview offers deployment flexibility, being available both on the cloud through Qlik Cloud Analytics and on-premises with Qlik Sense. Its integration with AI aids in enhancing human intuition for insights.

    Azure Analysis Services

    Azure Analysis Services is a cloud-based analytics service provided by Microsoft. It features highly scalable data modeling capabilities and serves as an enterprise-grade analytics engine. Azure Analysis Services integrates with other Azure services, ensuring seamless data management and advanced analytics within the Microsoft ecosystem. It offers developers the ability to create complex data models and use advanced mashup and modeling features.

    Sourcetable

    Sourcetable is not explicitly described in the provided list of facts, thus no direct comparison can be drawn from the given information. As such, details about Sourcetable's features, deployment options, and capabilities are not included in this comparison.

    Contrast

  • Qlikview's associative engine is unique, focusing on intuitive visual discovery, whereas Azure Analysis Services emphasizes data modeling and integration within the Microsoft ecosystem.
  • Qlikview is available both as a cloud-based SaaS with Qlik Cloud Analytics and an on-premises solution with Qlik Sense, offering flexibility for different business needs. Azure Analysis Services is primarily a cloud-based service.
  • Both Qlikview and Azure Analysis Services support AI-powered insights, but Qlikview specifically promotes enhancing human intuition with AI.
  • Qlikview allows for real-time collaboration and action across its platforms, a feature not specifically attributed to Azure Analysis Services in the provided facts.

    • Without information regarding Sourcetable, it remains an unknown variable in the comparison, emphasizing the necessity of detailed product knowledge for accurate assessment.

    sourcetable

    Frequently Asked Questions About Sourcetable

    What is Sourcetable and who typically uses it?

    Sourcetable is a spreadsheet application that replaces traditional workflows done in Excel, Google Sheets, and Business Intelligence tools. It is typically used by growth teams and business operations teams who need to centralize, analyze, and model data that updates over time.

    How does Sourcetable integrate with other applications?

    Sourcetable syncs data from over 100 applications and most databases, allowing users to access data from most 3rd party applications without needing to code.

    What are the data update intervals for Sourcetable plans?

    Data integrations update every 15 minutes on the regular plan and every 5 minutes on the pro plan.

    How much does Sourcetable cost and what does the trial include?

    Sourcetable costs $50 per month for the starter plan and $250 per month for the pro plan. All plans come with a 14-day free trial which includes up to 5 users, with additional seats available at $20 per month each.

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

    No, Sourcetable does not require any coding from users. They can query data, build live models, and start creating reports within minutes.

    Qlikview

    Qlikview Pricing Structure

    • Standard Plan

      The Qlikview standard plan requires a minimum subscription for 20 full users. It offers 25 GB/year of data for analysis, integration with hundreds of data sources, interactive data visualizations, and dashboards. It also includes augmented analytics with AI, collaboration features, and 24x7 customer support.

    • Premium Plan

      Qlikview's premium plan enhances the standard offering by doubling the data analysis capacity to 50 GB/year. It adds features such as automated report compilation, extended data source connections, predictive analytics with machine learning, no-code automation triggers, and a personalized customer success plan.

    • Enterprise Plan

      The enterprise plan is tailored for large-scale needs, providing 500 GB/year for data analysis. It encompasses all premium features along with enterprise-grade data governance, ensuring robust control over data usage and compliance.

    • Additional Features

    • Automated report compilation and delivery.
    • Additional data source connectivity.
    • Predictive analytics with automated machine learning.
    • No-code automation builder triggers.
    • Enterprise-grade data governance.
    • Personalized customer success plan.

    • Usage Notifications

      Qlikview alerts users proactively as they approach their data capacity limit, allowing for timely adjustments to their plan.

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    Azure Analysis Services Cost

    • Service Tiers

      Azure Analysis Services offers three service tiers: developer, basic, and standard. The developer tier is aimed at scenarios such as evaluation, development, and testing, without an SLA. The basic tier caters to production solutions with small Tabular models and simple data refresh needs. For mission-critical applications with growing data models and elastic user concurrency, the standard tier is appropriate.

    • Billing and Charges

      Billing for Azure Analysis Services is contingent on the service tier and performance level selected. Charges are computed based on the active seconds of the instance. When instances are paused, no charges are incurred, providing a cost-saving measure.

    • Instance Management

      Users can control costs by pausing instances, which halts the accrual of charges. This feature allows for financial efficiency, particularly in non-continuous usage scenarios.

    Qlikview

    User Reviews and Ratings of QlikView

    • Overall Impressions

      QlikView has garnered an overall rating of 4.3, signifying a high level of satisfaction among users. It is praised for its functionality, with a 4.5 rating, and receives solid scores for ease-of-use, customer support, and value for money, all standing at 4.

    • Functional Capabilities

      Considered a powerful business intelligence (BI) tool, QlikView excels in data visualization and is particularly useful for creating sales and inventory dashboards. Despite its strong capabilities, it is noted that QlikView's data visualization options are not best in class.

    • Usability

      Users find QlikView versatile for combining multiple data sources to generate complex reports. However, it faces criticism for its user interface being clunky and less user-friendly when working with certain data sources such as BW and Big Data.

    • Performance

      While QlikView is recognized for its fast data processing and in-memory processing, it is also reported to have a slow response with heavy data volumes and a slight delay in real-time data synchronization.

    • Limitations

    • QlikView does not allow exporting of a list of all currently licensed users.
    • R integration with QlikView is not possible, limiting its use in advanced statistical analysis.
    • It does not allow write-back to the database, which can be a significant constraint for some users.
    • QlikView is not as favored as other tools like Qlik Sense, Tableau, or PowerBI for certain capabilities.

    • Support and Community

      There is a supportive aspect noted with QlikView having a wide user group over the internet and a dedicated support forum. This makes it a valuable resource for users, including students who are writing their thesis.

    • Cost

      Although QlikView is considered expensive, many users feel it provides a ton of value. It offers a free version that is fully featured, making it accessible for users who wish to explore its capabilities without initial investment.

    • Customization and Integration

      QlikView allows for significant customization, enabling users to tailor reports and processes using VBA or other programming languages. Additionally, it can be used for the automation of report distribution and creation, and it supports scheduled batch jobs for ETL (Extract, Transform, Load).

    Conclusion

    In summary, Qlikview and Azure Analysis Services offer robust business intelligence solutions with different strengths. Qlikview excels with its in-memory processing and user-friendly interface, while Azure Analysis Services is highly scalable and integrates seamlessly with other Azure services.

    For those seeking a more streamlined approach, Sourcetable provides a unique solution by syncing data in real-time across various services into a spreadsheet interface, simplifying the business intelligence process.

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