Open Source Business Intelligence (BI) does not have to be slower than commercial solutions. On the contrary, the processing time of Palo Server 2.0 has picked up 10 times the speed compared to its previous version and in-memory OLAP database applications used for planning, reporting, consolidation and analysis run that much faster. In fact, BI applications based on Palo 2.0 may run faster than popular commercial BI solutions.
Palo Server facilitates high speed by keeping processed data in memory (In-Memory OLAP). Queries for base and also aggregated data cells take place in real-time and provide results quickly. With that, Palo Server provides a great contrast to popular multidimensional databases, which are based on relational technologies (ROLAP). Further, in-memory planning – both top/down as well as bottom/up – is supported by the functionality to write-back data into the cubes.
“Speed is one of the most frequently mentioned BI application requirements and, interestingly enough, is among its top points of criticism. Data queries that take longer than two to three seconds are no longer acceptable to most users. This threshold is not exceeded by Palo Server 2.0; data query results are generally displayed within milliseconds”, Kristian Raue, CEO of Jedox GmbH, explains.
Palo Server 2.0 is particularly suitable as the data engine for Microsoft Excel. Palo extends Excel by the missing back-end technology and thereby standardizes the data basis of Excel applications distributed throughout the corporation. The multi-dimensional data server centrally maintains any number of spreadsheet cells, which may be spread across several data cubes. The resulting Enterprise Spreadsheets ensure consolidation, control and distribution of the Excel data, while users continue to benefit from Excel’s advantages. The Worksheet Server technology offered by Jedox allows for Palo data to be queried and entered via the Web.
Version 2.0 enables data- and structure-driven analyses of corporate figures, e.g. ABC and Top/Down Analyses. Such instruments, adjustable to meet individual requirements, are a great tool for users to conduct specific situational and planning analyses. The resulting figures facilitate executives in their business decision-making.
The open API provided by Jedox facilitates the development of interfaces that connect Palo Server with other applications.
The Jedox team provides consulting and support services to their clients to assist them in implementing Palo Server 2.0 quickly and enable them to fully utilize the server’s flexible application capabilities.