Infor Birst vs i2 Analyst's Notebook

Infor Birst is an integrated cloud-based end-to-end solution for sourcing raw data, and extracting, warehousing and reporting for enterprise data analysis. With built-in tools for data integration and strong embedded analytics capabilities, users leverage its data visualization capabilities to create and share metric-specific dashboards and reports. Users who reviewed data management said that automated data warehouse creation was a strong feature of the platform, as well as its user-friendly interface. Many users who reviewed its functionality said that, equipped with a powerful ETL and efficient ODBC drivers for integration, the platform was flexible and scalable with a multitude of features for data discovery and analysis. Around 69% of users who reviewed ease of implementation said that deployment was easy with the integrated cloud platform, though some users said that the setup processes were unclear and they required in-house IT support for onboarding. On the flip side, users who mentioned performance said that the speed of data processing and data refresh was slow and this impacted report generation capabilities. Documentation was inconsistent and often incorrect, and the use of proprietary query language made the learning curve quite steep, many users who reviewed this feature said. Support turnaround times were woefully long, even extending up to several months as reported by a number of users. Some users who reviewed functionality said that the code was buggy and the platform stalled often when processing data for ad-hoc reporting. Many users complained that these bugs were not addressed for years, and new releases often impacted pre-existing features. Possibly because of its performance issues with large amounts of data, quite a few users rate it as a good BI tool for small and midsize companies that require less complex data analysis, rather than larger enterprises. In summary, Infor Birst is a BI ecosystem with a networked approach to data visualization and predictive analytics that eliminates data silos and serves as a single source of truth for enterprise data.

User reviews suggest that i2 Analyst's Notebook is a powerful tool for analyzing complex data, but it's not without its flaws. Users praise its ability to visualize data and identify patterns, which is crucial for understanding complex investigations. For example, one user highlighted how the software helped them uncover connections between seemingly unrelated events, leading to a successful prosecution. However, some users complain about the software's steep learning curve and clunky interface, which can be frustrating for new users. One user likened the experience to trying to navigate a maze with a blindfold on. Despite these drawbacks, i2 Analyst's Notebook remains a popular choice for law enforcement and intelligence agencies due to its robust features and ability to handle large datasets. The software's strength lies in its ability to connect the dots, making it ideal for investigations involving complex networks of individuals and organizations. For example, it can be used to track the movement of money, identify potential threats, and analyze social media data. However, the software's complexity can be a barrier for users who are not familiar with data analysis techniques. It's not a tool for casual users; it requires a dedicated team of analysts with the skills and training to use it effectively. Overall, i2 Analyst's Notebook is a powerful tool for organizations that need to analyze large amounts of data and identify patterns. However, it's not for everyone. If you're looking for a user-friendly tool with a gentle learning curve, this might not be the right choice. But if you're serious about uncovering hidden connections and gaining actionable insights, i2 Analyst's Notebook is worth considering.