Data Mashup: A Key Role in BI

In a conversation with the CEO of InetSoft, the unique features of data mashup within a Business Intelligence (BI) Network were discussed. Some hot topics were discussed in the world of business intelligence and he offered to provide key insights into the industry. The CEO went on to inform us how formal data is often represented as data warehouses and data marts, which function as well-designed and thought-out repositories for data. Informal BI, occurs in everyday business life, and is not as well designed. Both formal forms of data management (i.e., data warehouses) and informal data mashup are expected to blend to create a more eclectic system for data analysis and retrieval.

InetSoft believes that data mashup must be coupled with business intelligence tools in order to fully explore and exploit data assets. Before we get into that there are tools that need are required. The tools required: reporting, analysis tools, and visualization – are all business intelligence tools. Ineto offers a data mashup that connects to various data sources and is coupled with their visualization and reporting tools (BI) that draw out the full potential of data mashup. To do that, data infrastructure must be built out that supports easier data incorporation and transfer between mashup and data warehouses, critical to integrating new data sources (Source: http://www.inetsoft.com/company/pressr/data_mashup_unique_in_BI.jsp).

A new report by the Aberdeen Group reveals that companies that use mashup are more likely to retrieve information they need when they need it. New data sources used in ad hoc analysis, or for specific queries, have, as a rule, time-sensitive integration cycles. The average 31 days required to integrate a new data source into an existing data warehouse amply prove the need for more agile alternatives. Data mashup provides such an alternative, due to their faster integration time and this in turn will help companies operate efficiently.

The ability to retrieve any dataset online, from various sources, make it difficult to determine which will actually most effectively serve a company’s best interests in terms of time and cost. InetSoft’s Visual Composer provides a shortcut in the discovery process, enabling managers to rapidly assess whether or not a new data source should be integrated (Source: http://www.inetsoft.com/blog/2013/10/new-report-aberdeen-value-of-inetsoft-data-mashup/). Data mashup is going to continue to be an ever-expanding role in business intelligence and companies have begun to notice its importance.

If your company isn’t using business intelligence software they should start by first looking to build a business intelligence strategy. The first step is to start by building a business intelligence roadmap, which in turn will ease this process and create value for their business. For more information on building a business intelligence strategy, here’s a useful guide online: Building a Business Intelligence Strategy for Your Company. Implementing a business intelligence strategy will require a great deal of research and will not happen overnight. Take the time to weigh the pros and cons and find the right software for your company. Just remember the importance of data mash up and the key role it plays in business intelligence.