Top Business Intelligence Software Vendors You Should Know About

Over the last few years, with companies focused on Business Intelligence and developing software with excellent analytics, vendors have been competing for market share.  In 2007, when Hyperion, Business Objects and Cognos merged, the reorganization of Business Intelligence Software Vendors began.  Since then, some commonly known names have stayed at the top, while some newcomers have made a real splash.  Vendors you should know about focus on excellent analytics and data management, combined with working toward giving as much versatility as possible to the client with the application of their product.

As you might expect, IBM is still at the top of the heap in Business Intelligence.  Recently, IBM has launched it’s own Business Analytics and Optimization Group, which houses over four thousand consultants working with companies to implement Business Intelligence.  In addition, known for being on the cutting-edge of analytics, IBM has purchased SPSS, Inc., a specialist in data mining and predictive analysis. 

Microsoft is another name that should be familiar to you, even if you are new to the Business Intelligence arena.  As usual Microsoft is doing a great job getting their product out to customers.  They are focusing on adding Business Intelligence to their products with software such as SharePoint, Office and SQL Server.  As usual, Microsoft is approaching customers with something that is always appreciated– low-cost bundling.

Another vendor to watch is SAP.  SAP has a huge customer base and they are loyal because customers love the way the SAP products so easily work together.  One of their newest projects entails building semantic layers into the current product line and developing in-memory database solutions.  And, customer service is now becoming one of their top priorities. 

Oracle is another company that is continuing to develop innovative Business Intelligence solutions.  Recently, Oracle has developed the Business Intelligence Enterprise Edition suite.  This suite of has taken two products– Siebel and Hyperion– and brought them together into one package.  Also known for their complete database solutions, Oracle is a leader in the Business Intelligence industry. 

MicroStrategy offers a unique approach to Business Intelligence by taking data management and reporting needs mobile.  With the ability to not only report, monitor and analyze information that an organization has gathered, MicroStrategy has made them micro-sized.  As a unique offering, their Business Intelligence software can deliver results via iPhone, iPad, email and other mobile devices.  Completely scalable, MicroStrategy offers a user-friendly Business Intelligence solution especially for those companies where the workforce is not centrally located.

Finally, SAS is another vendor to watch.  In business since 1976, SAS is a privately held company that does work around the globe in integrating customer information, corporate performance, predictive analysis, and monitoring financials.  With their focus on customer satisfaction, SAS is a company worth watching.

Clearly, there are many Business Intelligence vendors in the market today.  IBM, Microsoft, SAP, Oracle, MicroStrategy and SAS are just a few that are working on cutting-edge solutions to help businesses deal with millions of pieces of data.  Their efforts help businesses make better decisions every day, protecting the viability of companies and jobs.