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April 24, 2008
BI on the Web: Ajax and Rich Internet Applications
For a long time in BI there was always a trade-off between desktop and web applications. Now, with new Web 2.0 technologies and Rich Internet Applications (RIA), we no longer have to compromise. Just because we don't have to doesn't mean we don't. There is still an unbelievable amount of things that can be improved.
Too often these technologies are used to create some gee whiz wow factor to help sell the product and not enough time enhancing the interaction and making it easier to get things done. While BI makes leaps and bounds in terms of technology achievements, I still think it has a long way to go to serve its audience. Some products are better than others but if the market demanded and the vendors spent as much time focusing on how people use the products as it does on features, I think it would go along way to making BI ubiquitous. No longer would it be intuition or gut feel vs. the data because BI would be a much more natural extension for decision making.
Ajax is just one of many technologies that provides a more rich and engaging web experience. It can be used to transforms slow, static websites into dynamic, responsive applications that feel more like traditional desktop software. When designed and implemented correctly, Ajax sites can effectively improve usability and user acceptance.
A colleague, Brian Dillard, recently wrote a white paper on the subject entitle: Ajax Roadmap: How to transform your website without starting from scratch. His paper outlines techniques for leveraging Ajax, and demonstrates, through case studies and examples, when and where Ajax and interactivity enhancements can help. So many of his examples hit home with me and my frustration with on-line applications. I thought it was a great read and I hope you find it useful too.
I think the key is making sure that the technology enhances the user experience. I know I am biased but I think that is often where BI misses the point.
Eleanor Taylor is Marketing Director at Pathfinder Development. She can be reached at etaylor@pathf.com or visit www.pathf.com
Posted by Eleanor Taylor at April 24, 2008 2:45 PM
