Top Free BI Tools

Here are some old notes from my analysis of the comparison of leading free BI tools.

1. Pentaho

Pros:
Can be considered as a complete BI tool
The learning curve is short
Has both paid and community edition.

Cons:
Community edition has some restrictions, so one needs to look carefully if looking for a free solution.

2. Talend

Pros:
Has support for charts and graphs
Has support for advanced features like big data

Cons:
Slower than Pentaho
The learning curve is more than Pentaho

3. Birst

Pros-
Can connect to Apps and Big data

Cons-
Does not provide too many details is documentation
Does not provide a free version
Looks interesting but does not open up too many details. If one is going for a paid solution, one can explore other options like Tibco as well.

4. Dynamic Reports

Pros:
Uses Jasper Report API to develop
One can write Java based code and use libraries to provide graphics

Cons:
Too much coding Required
It is like writing code to generate reports
Reports will be static (based on code).

5. Spago World / Spago BI

Pros: Completely open source solution

Cons: Community support does not look too active. One can get stuck with issues.

6. JasperSoft

Pros: Better quality graphics
Provides mobile support

Cons:
Lesser functionality than competitors like Pentaho.
It is suggested to use more in terms of reporting rather than a complete BI solution.

7. BIRT

Pros: Eclipse-based, hence low learning curve to get started
hosted reporting

Cons:
Looks more of ETL tool rather than a complete BI solution