Periscope vs Power BI: What are the differences?

Introduction:

Periscope and Power BI are both powerful data visualization tools that allow users to analyze and present data in a visually appealing way. However, there are several key differences between the two platforms that set them apart from each other. In this article, we will explore these differences in detail.

1. Integration with other tools: One key difference between Periscope and Power BI is the level of integration they offer with other tools. Periscope is known for its seamless integration with popular data storage and warehousing solutions such as Amazon Redshift, Google BigQuery, and Snowflake. On the other hand, Power BI offers built-in integration with Microsoft Azure services, SQL Server Analysis Services, and Excel.

2. Data connectivity options: When it comes to connecting to various data sources, Periscope and Power BI differ in their capabilities. Periscope offers a wide range of connectors to different databases, cloud storage platforms, and web services. Power BI, on the other hand, provides an extensive list of native connectors but also allows users to build custom connectors using Power Query. This gives users more flexibility and control over connecting to their data sources.

3. Collaboration and sharing features: Periscope and Power BI also differ in their collaboration and sharing capabilities. Periscope provides a real-time collaborative environment where multiple users can work on the same dashboard simultaneously. Its sharing options allow users to easily share dashboards with anyone, even if they do not have a Periscope account. Power BI, on the other hand, offers collaboration features through its Power BI service, allowing users to collaborate and share dashboards with their team members.

4. Data modeling and transformation: While both Periscope and Power BI offer data modeling and transformation capabilities, their approaches differ. Periscope provides a SQL-based interface that allows users to write queries and create custom transformations using SQL. Power BI, on the other hand, uses a graphical interface called Power Query, which enables users to visually define data transformations through a series of steps. This makes it easier for users who are not proficient in SQL to work with data.

5. Natural language query: Power BI offers a unique feature called "Q&A" which allows users to ask questions about their data using natural language queries. This feature utilizes advanced algorithms to interpret the user's intent and generate relevant visualizations and insights. Periscope does not currently offer a similar natural language query feature.

6. Deployment options: Another key difference between Periscope and Power BI lies in their deployment options. Periscope is a cloud-based platform that runs entirely on the server infrastructure provided by Periscope Data. Power BI, on the other hand, offers both cloud-based deployment through Power BI service and on-premises deployment through Power BI Report Server. This gives users the flexibility to choose the deployment option that best suits their needs.

In summary, Periscope and Power BI have key differences in terms of their integration capabilities, data connectivity options, collaboration and sharing features, data modeling and transformation approaches, natural language query capabilities, and deployment options. These differences make each platform unique and cater to different user preferences and requirements.