There are a few key players in the market regarding business intelligence (BI). Tableau and Power BI are two of the most widely used options, but which is best for you?
Tableau is a desktop-based BI tool that includes data visualization, reporting, and dashboarding, among its many features. It has a large user base and has been around since 2003.
Power BI is a more recent tool, having been released in 2015. It's cloud-based and includes many of the same features as Tableau and some additional features such as collaboration and automation.
So, how do you decide which tool to use? The answer depends on your needs and preferences. Continue reading to learn more about the comparison and difference between Both Power BI and Tableau;
What Is a Tableau?
Tableau is a BI software application that lets users create and share visualizations, reports, and dashboards. It was released for the first time in 2003. Tableau is a desktop application, which means it must be downloaded and installed on the user's computer. Data visualization, reporting, and dashboarding are just a few of Tableau's features. Since its inception, the company has amassed a sizable user base.
What Exactly Is Power Bi?
Power BI is a more recent business intelligence tool, having debuted in 2015. It is cloud-based, which means it does not require any computer installation. Many of the same features as Tableau are available in Power BI and some additional features like collaboration and automation. In a short period, the company has amassed a sizable user base.
Power Bi Report Server
Users can create, share, and manage reports using the power bi report server, a cloud-based service. Power BI Desktop is a stand-alone application for making reports and dashboards. Users can access information and dashboards from any device using power bi online, a cloud-based service.
Users can access reports and dashboards on the go with power bi mobile, a mobile app.
History of Power Bi and Tableau
Power BI and Tableau are two of the most popular BI tools. However, they did not always exist in this form.
In 2001, Tableau was founded by two Stanford graduates, Chris Stolte and Pat Hanrahan. The company started as a research project to help make data more accessible to non-technical employees.
In 2010, Microsoft released PowerPivot, a free add-on for Excel, allowing users to create their data models and reports. In 2012, Microsoft released Power View, which was later renamed Power BI.
Tableau and Power BI has grown in popularity over the years, and they are now considered some of the best BI tools available. They are both used by businesses of all sizes, from small to large enterprise organizations.
Tableau or Power Bi: Which Should You Choose?
Tableau desktop-based BI tool includes data visualization, reporting, and dashboarding, among its many features. Its counterpart is the newer cloud-based solution offering additional options.
So, how do you decide which tool to use? The answer is contingent on your requirements and preferences. To help you decide, here are some advantages and disadvantages of each tool.
Tableau Pros:
1) Easy to use – Tableau is one of the easiest BI tools to learn. The drag-and-drop interface makes it simple to create visualizations and reports.
2) Large user base – Tableau has a large user base of over 350,000 people. This means that a large community of users can help you with tips and tricks.
3) Wide range of features – Tableau offers various features, including data visualization, reporting, and dashboarding. This makes it a versatile tool for almost any business need.
Tableau Cons:
1) Desktop-based – Tableau is a desktop-based application, meaning that it must be installed on a user's computer. It can be a disadvantage if the user does not have administrative privileges to install the software.
2) High price tag – Tableau is one of the more expensive BI tools. The cost can be a barrier for some businesses.
Power BI Pros:
1) Cloud-based – Because Power BI is a cloud-based application, it does not require installation on any computers. If the user does not have administrative privileges to install the software, this can be advantageous.
2) Lower price tag – Power BI is one of the less expensive BI tools. The cost can be an advantage for some businesses.
3) Extra features – Power BI offers some extra features not available in Tableau, like collaboration and automation.
Power BI Cons:
Limited user base- Power BI has a relatively small user base of around 40,000 people. This can be a disadvantage if you need tips and tricks from the power bi users.
Newer tool- Power BI is a newer tool, which can be an issue if you require support for older software versions.
Cloud-based- Power BI is a cloud-based application, which can be a drawback if you do not have access to the internet.
So, how do you pick the right tool for the job? Your requirements and preferences will determine the answer. If you need a powerful BI tool with a lot of features, Tableau is a good choice. If you want a cloud-based tool with extra features like collaboration and automation, Power BI might be a better choice.
Which Is Easier to Learn: Tableau or Power Bi?
Tableau is one of the most straightforward BI tools to master. The drag-and-drop interface ensures that creating the visualizations and reports is a breeze. Power BI is also simple, with a drag-and-drop on the user interface that makes creating any visualizations and reports a breeze.
However, while Power BI has a small user base, Tableau has a large one. Tableau may be a better choice if you need community assistance with tips and tricks.
Which Is More in Demand: Tableau or Power Bi?
Tableau is one of the most popular BI tools on the market. It has a large user base of over 350,000 people and many features. Microsoft power bi is also a popular BI tool, with a user base of around 40,000 people.
However, Power BI is newer than Tableau, first released in 2015. So, if you need support for older versions of the software, Tableau may be a better choice.
Power BI Vs. Tableau: Difference and Comparison
Key Differences
The visualization capabilities of Power BI vs. Tableau differ significantly in terms of extracting data from various servers. The most significant differences between Power BI and Tableau are listed below.
Visualization:
Tableau offers a wide range of visualizations, including data visualization tools, reporting, and dashboarding. It makes it a versatile data analytics tool for almost any business need. Power BI offers some extra features not available in Tableau, like collaboration and automation.
Desktop-based vs. Cloud-based
Tableau is a desktop-based application, meaning that it must be installed on a user's computer. It can be a disadvantage if the user does not have administrative privileges to install the software.
Power BI is a cloud-based application, meaning that it does not need to be installed on any computers. It can be an advantage if the user does not have administrative privileges to install the software.
Price
Tableau is one of the more expensive BI tools on the market. The cost of a business course can be a barrier for some businesses. Power BI is one of the less expensive BI tools on the market. The cost can be an advantage for some businesses.
Data Accessibility
Tableau can connect to almost any data source, including files, databases, and web services. Power BI can also connect to almost any data source, but it has some limitations with certain data sources.
Customer Support
Tableau requires some coding knowledge to perform more complex tasks. Power BI does not require any coding knowledge.
Ease of Use
Tableau is one of the easiest BI tools to learn. The interface makes it simple to create visualizations data analysis reports. Power BI is also a straightforward tool to learn, with a drag-and-drop interface that makes it simple when creating visualizations and reports.
However, Power BI has a limited user base while Tableau has a large user base. So, if you need help from the community with tips and tricks, Tableau may be a better choice.
Maintenance
Since Tableau is a desktop-based application, it requires regular updates to stay current with the latest features. Power BI is a cloud-based application, so it does not require updates.
Data Size
Tableau can handle large data sets more easily than Power BI. For example, Tableau can connect to data warehouses containing millions of data rows. Power BI can only connect to data sources that contain up to 1 million rows of data.
Comparing Ease of Use:
Both Power BI service and Tableau are easy to use, but Tableau is easier to learn.
Comparing Visualization Capabilities:
- Price; Tableau offers more visualizations than Power BI, including data visualization, reporting, and dashboarding.
- Maintenance; Power BI can connect to almost any data source, while Tableau can connect to almost any data source with some limitations.
- Data Size; Since Tableau is a desktop-based application, it requires regular updates to stay current with the latest features. Power BI does not require any updates.
Tableau can handle large data sets more easily than Power BI.
Tableau is better for businesses that need coding knowledge to perform more complex tasks.
Comparing Community and Customer Support:
Tableau server has a larger user base than Power BI, so it may be easier to find help from the community. Tableau also offers customer service, which Power BI does not offer.
Overall, Tableau is a better choice for businesses that need a wide range of data preparation, visualizations, coding knowledge for more complex tasks, and customer support. Power BI is a good choice for businesses that need collaboration and automation features.
Final Thought
Both Power BI and Tableau are excellent business intelligence tools with a lot to offer. There are, however, some significant differences between the two products.
Tableau online is better for companies that require a wide range of visualizations, coding expertise for more complex tasks, and customer service. Power BI is a good option for companies that require collaboration and automation. It's critical to pick the right BI tool for your company based on your specific requirements.
Because both Power BI and Tableau offer free trials, it's worth checking out both to see which one is best for you. If you want to learn more about the Tableau and the Power Bi online course do not hesitate to visit our website for more insights.
