10 Predictions From the Industry
1. Evolution of Self-Service BI
"In the coming year, self-service analytics will evolve beyond just self-service for analysts. There will be self-service information for the masses delivered not through tools but through purpose-built interfaces and apps. Just as the ATM in banking evolved from a cash-dispensing machine to a full transaction and account management terminal, so too will self-service mature and spread to the masses." -Dr. Rado Kotorov, Chief Innovation Officer at Information Builders
2. More Advanced, Customizable Visualizations
"There will be an emphasis on tools that will create more powerful graphics and, in particular, more advanced cloud authoring capabilities. While this will satisfy the data engineers, the industry will continue to struggle with user-friendly tools for the occasional consumer. Business analytics in the SMB space will slowly begin to move away from the traditional compliance reporting involving rows and columns to visualization snippets in the form of dashboards for browser-based applications, and simple graphical elements on mobile devices and tablets." -Chuck Vigeant, M.Ed, President at Clearify
3. A Screen In the Hand Is Worth Two On the Desk
"BI and visualization solutions that don't support users moving from device to device, often and at speed, will not deliver the kinds of experience people want, including governed data discovery. Governed data enables users to ask 'why?' frequently throughout the discovery process, rather than questioning whether the data is correct when the report is submitted. Since everyone is using the same information, more efficient, accurate and timely decisions will be made." -James Richardson, Business Analytic Strategist at Qlik.
4. The Rise Of API Deployment
In 2016, companies move towards an even broader use of [software-as-a-service] SaaS apps to complement or replace enterprise applications and, as mobile apps continue to multiply, the need for APIs and cloud connectivity will grow, with an increased emphasis on better developer tools and productivity." -Mark Palmer, SVP of Event Processing and Integration at TIBCO Software Inc.
5. Data Is the New Water
"Data is everywhere and essential for businesses to live, grow, and thrive. In 2016, we will see the onset of 'wars' over access and usage rights over data, and monopolistic behavior from several companies seeking to restrict the ability of consumers and businesses to manage its free flow." -Paul Weiskopf, Senior Vice President of Corporate Development at Domo.