Quick Review: MicroStrategy's Refined Version 8Quick Review: MicroStrategy's Refined Version 8

On February 3, 2004, MicroStrategy launched version 8 of its business intelligence software suite. Details were provided at the user conference held in Las Vegas, CA. The new release adds functionality to round out an already broadly featured business intelligence suite. New features include a streamlined user interface targeted at business users, HTML support for Report Services, connectivity to SAP BW, custom SQL capabilities, and data mining enhancements. The version 8 release removes some competitive deficiencies relative to Cognos ReportNet and Business Objects XI. Combined with other pre-existing MicroStrategy suite advantages such as comprehensive platform integration and leading caching/SQL optimization features, the new capabilities of version 8 will make the suite a strong competitor in the BI suite market.

However, dashboard and scorecard features, such as collaboration support, are still stronger within Business Objects, Cognos and Hyperion business intelligence software products. Organizations looking to standardize their business intelligence software portfolio should consider MicroStrategy version 8. Organizations seeking leading software for implementing performance management solutions should look to Business Objects, Cognos and Hyperion, as they have deeper technology and understanding of what's needed to implement performance management.