Smart Business Computing with Business Intelligence

Swine Flu Map in Real Time

2009-04-29T03:49:00.000-07:00

View H1N1 Swine Flu in a larger map

Impromptu versus ReportNet

2008-09-13T00:19:00.000-07:00

Did I get your attention?!? Okay, just to make it simple for everyone. I did like working with ReportNet more than I liked working with Impromptu. I found the program to be faster yet more complex on the user level (ReportNet). Impromptu was better for the average users that I was working with that wanted to build tools. People who do not work with web construction applications (Dreamweaver, Hotdog Homesite, HTML kit, etc.) will find Impromptu to be a relief if they do not have a background with web applications.

Impromptu was a “no-brainer” as in interface but it didn’t give the developer much control over how user’s accessed the information when they got the tool in their hot little mitts. ReportNet can be a hell for anyone who is not familiar with this type of developer interface/screen/developer tool. Most people are used to looking at the one screen or split screen view. Most programs that are commonplace in the mainstream market have this kindof screen. Impromptu was more similar to a desktop publishing screen. Don’t get me wrong, it also does the job.

I luved ReportNet because of the “control” over building the interface (the screen that user’s look at when they are using the tool) and the “little fish” that was on the bottom of the screen when I was waiting for a report to populate (finish generating) was gone. Did I like the “fish”? On a good day, “yes”, on a difficult day when I was strapped for time on deadline “no”. When I was strapped for time, I felt like batting the “fish” over the head because watching it seemed to make the time go slower and I needed the report tool done! Just remember, this is my opinion. Try both applications, if you have the opportunity for yourself.

Overall, Cognos ROCKS!

The 5 W’s of Business Intelligence

2008-08-25T03:24:00.000-07:00

What is "Business Intelligence"?

"Business Intelligence" are data-driven Decision Support Systems. They are the practices, technologies, and applications used to help businesses and organizations make better business decisions which should help to improve business or operations on varying levels. Business information is collected, integrated, analyzed and presented in a way that is consumable for decision makers.

When was the term "Business Intelligence" defined?

The term "Business Intelligence" was defined around 1957/1958 by Hans Peter Luhn who was a computer scientist for IBM. The definition at the time was an "automatic method to provide current awareness services to scientists and engineers".

Who made "Business Intelligence" or "BI" popular?

"BI" was popularized by Howard Dresner in 1989 to describe "concepts and methods to improve business decision making by using fact-based support systems."

Where is "Business Intelligence" used today?

Behind the doors of many corporations and organizations throughout the world there may be a "Business Intelligence" team or developer assisting a variety of industries such as Technology, Insurance, Government, Banking & Finance, Education and many others.

Why use "Business Intelligence"?

Historical and current business data utilized through "Business Intelligence" systems can provide predictive views of business operations and its direction and patterns.