What is our primary use case?
I mostly work in the oil and gas industry. Microsoft BI is primarily associated with surveillance, optimization, product, and forecasting-related items. While I am not currently using Microsoft BI, I have prior experience, and in my current position, I am guiding the team on a larger scale. I don't use it myself frequently, but I am the lead for that team, and when I do use it, I use it for reporting purposes.
What is most valuable?
Microsoft BI has a multitude of additional features. Overall it's an EDA tool, from which you can extract, transform, and load data. You can pull reports, visualize them in real-time, and connect them to a variety of other data sources.
When I compare other analytical tools to Microsoft BI, I believe Microsoft BI is far more accurate, and the frequency is also better.
It has additional features, which are very much useful. The most important thing I like is that it is just a data platform connecting to the overall process and it can be utilized in any sector.
What needs improvement?
Integrating it with the physics build model or the engineering model should be included. When we use engineering models linked to Microsoft BI or Salesforce, the engineering models are from a third-party application.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been working with Microsoft BI for the last three and a half years.
We are using the latest update.
I have used it both on-premises and on the cloud.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
In terms of stability, I have seen some cases where it is difficult as well as some cases where it is very easy. Overall, it is a stable and reliable product.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
It is easy to scale Microsoft BI.
We have a larger team. Microsoft BI specifically, is not limited to any subset or any team. I believe we have 1,000 plus users in my company currently who are using this application.
How are customer service and support?
I have been in touch with the technical team, but not specifically for Microsoft BI. Based on my experience with Microsft technical support, I would rate them a four out of five.
Technical support is pretty decent.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I use a variety of tools, including Salesforce, and I have developed a number of Python-based tools.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup was simple. However, when I did it the first time, it was complex. Once I understood the process it was simple.
My field was small due to the type of setup required. I scheduled it for one week, during which we also tested.
Definitely, it requires maintenance in terms of quality checking of the data, as well as whether or not the run times or schedules are working properly.
What about the implementation team?
I had some assistance when I deployed the first time, but I am now able to complete the deployment on my own.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
In terms of licensing, I've never worked on the contractual side of their license. However, I believe that the number of licenses currently in use is appropriate for our organization. It also adds value to the team. I have never worked on licensing, but I have heard that it is reasonable.
What other advice do I have?
I have not used it on the mobile app. I'm not sure how Microsoft BI works on a mobile app.
Mobile apps are sometimes third-party apps that are difficult to configure and use. As a result, mobile apps are something that will be required in the future, upcoming data transformation.
Before implementing Microsoft BI or any other analytical tool, we must first understand the domain. Basically, how the data is linked, what data you want to transform, and what output you need for the finished product. Then you proceed with your deployment in a sequential manner. It will be very simple.
I would rate Microsoft BI an eight out of ten. I haven't explored many other items that are feasible or possible, or the analytical part of Microsoft BI's functionality, which I haven't personally used, so there's a gap. Otherwise, I would have given it a ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner