Microsoft’s BI strategy is to leverage Excel’s substantial footprint in all levels of business. They want decision makers to solve Excel spreadsheet sprawl by implementing the Enterprise version SharePoint.
- SQL Server 2012 delivers improvements to the self-serve BI model including PowerView, a unified semantic layer, and self-serve SQL Server Report Services (SSRS) alerts.
- Previously released enhancements have evolved in the 2012 release. PowerPivot has been enhanced, Master Data Services is delivered through Excel, and SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) is complemented by Data Quality Services (DQS).
- Smaller customers may find that the full self-serve BI features are cost prohibitive because they require SharePoint 2010 Enterprise Edition and at least SQL Server 2012 Business Intelligence Edition. These customers will find Office 365 to be the most cost effective BI solution in 2013.
The impending release of Office 2013 and SharePoint 2013 is expected to deliver substantial enhancements to Microsoft’s BI capability, including mobile analytics. Undecided IT leaders are best to wait for this new release before committing human and financial resources.