Oracle Analytics Cloud Reviews & Pricing

Key Features

• Deployment: Install and run anywhere, including as a hybrid solution. Scale the instance depending on your workload — deploy OCPUs in multiples of two, extending up to 52. Or pause it when idle. Though identity management is available, there is the option to use one’s own SSO provider. Admins can set user, group and role-based permissions.
• Connectivity: Make decisions based on data; connect to social media feeds, data lakes and IoT sources. Store and process data at scale, irrespective of its volume, velocity and variety. Get started as soon as you log in with over 40 readymade connectors.
• Direct Query: Oracle Analytics Cloud uses live queries and data caching to fetch responses. Each has its downside. Live connections are heavier on the system, and you might have to compromise on data freshness with data caching. A combination of both might be best. Consider live queries for critical KPIs and data caching for less frequent queries.
• Data Preparation: Enrich data from the interface — get data quality insights as you work. Remove the grunt work — create reusable flows for transforming data you can test, share and schedule. Add custom calculations or write regular expressions in the dataset editor.
• Semantic Data Modeling: Engage business, dev and data teams in meaningful discussions. Give them data views with a presentation layer that simplifies metrics. Hide the physical data structure with a logical one that speaks the business language. Give stakeholders the power to explore data independently.
• AI/ML: Boost productivity with embedded machine learning and natural language insights every step of the way. Display quick forecasts, trend lines and clusters from a popup menu with one click. View the basic facts, key drivers and anomalies with the Explain option. Hit the ground running with recommendations on dimensions, measures and attributes to use when you don’t know where to start.
• Oracle Analytics Publisher: Generate reports from any dataset or semantic model. Create formatted documents unique to your business, be it shipping labels, checks, letters or PDF forms.
• Data Visualizations: Put your best foot forward with suitable charts and graphs that convey your message effectively. Modify them to answer users’ questions better. Choose from over 45 visualization types, or build your own using extensions from its vast library.
• Embedded AI On Mobile: Get real-time alerts and intelligent recommendations on mobile. The Oracle Analytics mobile app captures your preferences and location. Upload datasets just like on the desktop or create a workbook from existing data. Powerful searches enable access to your favorite worksheets; add them to your home screen for a quick view. Use voice-enabled searches and listen to the results as a podcast.

Approach to Common Challenges

• Data Silos & Integration Issues: Oracle Analytics Cloud provides pre-built connectors and APIs for seamless integration with various data sources, eliminating data silos and enabling unified analysis.
• Limited Self-Service Capabilities: Visual Builder offers a drag-and-drop interface for creating dashboards and reports, empowering business users to analyze data independently without relying heavily on IT.
• Complex Data Preparation: Data Flows automates data preparation and transformation processes, reducing manual effort and streamlining workflows for faster insights.
• Limited Accessibility & Collaboration: Interactive dashboards and reports facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing among users, ensuring everyone has access to relevant information.
• Lack of Scalability & Agility: The elastic cloud infrastructure allows for scaling resources up or down based on changing needs, ensuring optimal performance and cost-efficiency.
• Limited Advanced Analytics: Machine Learning features offer AI-powered insights for predictive analytics and forecasting, enabling data-driven decision making.
• Security & Governance Concerns: Oracle Analytics Cloud prioritizes data security and compliance, adhering to strict regulations and offering robust access controls.

Cost Of Ownership

Limitations

• Isn't flexible when designing visualizations.
• Has a steep learning curve, unlike Power BI and Tableau, which I found to be more intuitive.
• Doesn’t perform as well with heavy data loads.
• Requires additional effort when using external data, its primary focus being Oracle products.
• Licensing is complicated.

Demo Resources

• Interactive Product Tour: Explore a guided tour of the platform's key features and functionalities, allowing you to virtually experience the user interface and core workflows.
• Public Library: Access pre-built dashboards, reports, and data models showcasing various use cases and capabilities, providing inspiration and a starting point for your own data exploration.
• Idea Lab: Discover innovative examples and real-world applications of the platform created by users, showcasing its potential across diverse industries and scenarios.
• Live Demos: Attend live webinars and online sessions hosted by Oracle experts, where you can witness the platform in action, ask questions, and gain valuable insights.
• Training Resources: Utilize online documentation, tutorials, and training modules to delve deeper into specific features and functionalities, enabling you to master the platform at your own pace.

FAQs