US BUYER’S GUIDE · 5 PRODUCTS

Business intelligence

Can business users get dependable answers without creating another set of conflicting metrics?

Data connections, semantic models, dashboards, governance, and analytical AI.

Research desk · Oct 20, 2026 · Methodology

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Highest documented score first. Fit adds up the 28 feature checks below, including AI, across documented plans. Entry price does not include every capability. Unknown evidence appears as a range.

Product / good fit for	Pricing context	Documented fit	Next step
Microsoft Power BI Teams building governed reports within a Microsoft-oriented data stack.	$14.00per user/month, annual billing · billed annuallyPro	81–100/100 documented fit 81% evidence coverage	Full research →
Tableau Organizations emphasizing interactive exploration and varied analytical audiences.	Custom quoteroles or capacity; annual contractConfigured deployment	78–100/100 documented fit 78% evidence coverage	Full research →
Domo Businesses seeking a connected data-to-dashboard-to-action platform.	Usage basedconsumption creditsConfigured platform	70–100/100 documented fit 70% evidence coverage	Full research →
Qlik Cloud Analytics Teams combining interactive exploration with capacity-oriented analytics purchasing.	$300.00per month, annual billing; 10 users/10 GB · billed annuallyStarter	63–100/100 documented fit 63% evidence coverage	Full research →
Looker Data teams that want a maintained semantic model behind self-service analytics.	Custom quoteplatform plus named usersLooker Google Cloud core	57–100/100 documented fit 57% evidence coverage	Full research →

BEYOND A FEATURE CHECKMARK

How deep does the capability go?

Choose up to 3 for a closer look →

28 weighted checks: core capabilities contribute 32 points and workflow depth contributes 68. AI is included at the weight shown for this category. Expand Evidence for scope and sources, or ask for the same demonstration from each supplier.

Show checksShowing fewer rows does not change the score.

Business intelligence features for all 5 products
Feature / base weight	Microsoft Power BI 81–100/100 documented fit Core capabilities25.6–32 / 32 pts8/10 checks with established status Workflow depth55.5–68 / 68 pts13/18 checks with established status	Tableau 78–100/100 documented fit Core capabilities29.6–32 / 32 pts9/10 checks with established status Workflow depth48–68 / 68 pts10/18 checks with established status	Domo 70–100/100 documented fit Core capabilities24.8–32 / 32 pts8/10 checks with established status Workflow depth44.8–68 / 68 pts9/18 checks with established status	Qlik Cloud Analytics 63–100/100 documented fit Core capabilities32 / 32 pts10/10 checks with established status Workflow depth31.2–68 / 68 pts6/18 checks with established status	Looker 57–100/100 documented fit Core capabilities19.2–32 / 32 pts6/10 checks with established status Workflow depth37.6–68 / 68 pts8/18 checks with established status
Core capabilityDatabase connections4 points · Connect analytics to a database or data warehouse.	Supported4 / 4 pts Evidence Database connectors are documented. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported4 / 4 pts Evidence Database connections are documented. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported4 / 4 pts Evidence Database and warehouse connections include MySQL, BigQuery, Snowflake and Oracle. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported4 / 4 pts Evidence JDBC database connections load tables into analytics applications. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported4 / 4 pts Evidence LookML connects to SQL-backed data. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source
Core capabilityFile or spreadsheet connections4 points · Import or connect to file or spreadsheet data sources.	Supported4 / 4 pts Evidence File connectors are documented. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported4 / 4 pts Evidence File connections are documented. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported4 / 4 pts Evidence File uploads, Excel and Google Sheets connections are documented. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported4 / 4 pts Evidence CSV, Excel, JSON and other file formats are documented; password-protected Excel and XLSB files are excluded. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Not verified0–4 / 4 pts Evidence The reviewed documentation does not establish file or spreadsheet connections at this feature level. This is an evidence gap, not a finding that the capability is absent. Not verified · Oct 15, 2026Source
Depth checkScheduled refresh configuration5.6 points · Configure refresh timing for a connected dataset or extract. Ask for a demonstration Set a daily refresh and show the last successful and next scheduled runs. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test.	Supported5.6 / 5.6 pts Evidence Semantic model settings provide scheduled refresh and failure notifications; refresh history exposes errors for diagnosis. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported5.6 / 5.6 pts Evidence Cloud scheduled extracts expose failure alerts and connection diagnostics; correcting credentials or using Try again resumes a suspended schedule. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported5.6 / 5.6 pts Evidence The PostgreSQL connector documents dataset update schedules and configurable update/retry settings. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported5.6 / 5.6 pts Evidence Analytics refresh tasks support time or event triggers, with manual Run now available; subscription capacities apply. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported5.6 / 5.6 pts Evidence Datagroups configure time-triggered cache/PDT refresh policies, such as a 24-hour interval; database maintenance scheduling controls execution. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source
Depth checkRefresh failure visibility and recovery6.4 points · Surface a failed refresh and provide a documented retry or diagnostic route. Ask for a demonstration Break a test connection, show the failure detail, then restore and retry it. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test.	Supported6.4 / 6.4 pts Evidence Semantic model settings provide scheduled refresh and failure notifications; refresh history exposes errors for diagnosis. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported6.4 / 6.4 pts Evidence Cloud scheduled extracts expose failure alerts and connection diagnostics; correcting credentials or using Try again resumes a suspended schedule. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported6.4 / 6.4 pts Evidence The Aurora connector exposes run history, error messages and duration, with documented retry configuration. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported6.4 / 6.4 pts Evidence Reload history exposes failed executions and downloadable diagnostic logs; reloads can be run again after correction. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Not verified0–6.4 / 6.4 pts Evidence The reviewed evidence does not establish this advanced behavior: refresh failure visibility and recovery. Request the demonstration above; absence of public evidence does not establish absence of the feature. Not verified · Oct 15, 2026Source
Core capabilityData preparation or transformation4 points · Clean, combine or transform data before reporting.	Not verified0–4 / 4 pts Evidence The reviewed documentation does not establish data preparation or transformation at this feature level. This is an evidence gap, not a finding that the capability is absent. Not verified · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported4 / 4 pts Evidence Data preparation is documented. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported4 / 4 pts Evidence Data pipelines and transformations are documented. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported4 / 4 pts Evidence Data manager and load scripts transform and associate tables. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Not verified0–4 / 4 pts Evidence The reviewed documentation does not establish data preparation or transformation at this feature level. This is an evidence gap, not a finding that the capability is absent. Not verified · Oct 15, 2026Source
Core capabilityReusable measures or semantic model4 points · Define reusable measures, calculations or a shared analytical model.	Supported4 / 4 pts Evidence Semantic models and DAX define reusable analytical measures. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported4 / 4 pts Evidence Calculated analyses are documented. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Not verified0–4 / 4 pts Evidence The reviewed documentation does not establish reusable measures or semantic model at this feature level. This is an evidence gap, not a finding that the capability is absent. Not verified · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported4 / 4 pts Evidence A logical model can be defined for Insight Advisor with business logic. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported4 / 4 pts Evidence LookML supplies a reusable semantic model. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source
Depth checkExplicit data relationships5.6 points · Inspect or define joins, relationships or associations between source tables. Ask for a demonstration Join orders to customers and show how duplicate keys affect the result. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test.	Supported5.6 / 5.6 pts Evidence Model view exposes relationship columns, cardinality, active state and filter direction. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported5.6 / 5.6 pts Evidence The relationship editor combines source tables using selected matching fields while preserving each table's detail. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported5.6 / 5.6 pts Evidence Magic ETL joins streams on configured columns and Run Preview displays transformed results before running the saved pipeline. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported5.6 / 5.6 pts Evidence Data Manager allows explicit field associations, compound keys, and editing or breaking relationships. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported5.6 / 5.6 pts Evidence LookML model joins define related views, join types and relationships used by an Explore. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source
Depth checkCalculation or model validation6.4 points · Validate a measure/model, preview transformations or inspect errors before publishing. Ask for a demonstration Introduce an invalid calculation or transformation and show the validation error before release. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test.	Supported6.4 / 6.4 pts Evidence DAX authoring identifies syntax, semantic and calculation errors while defining formulas. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported6.4 / 6.4 pts Evidence The calculated-member editor provides Check Formula; invalid calculation/model combinations also surface errors during authoring. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported6.4 / 6.4 pts Evidence Magic ETL joins streams on configured columns and Run Preview displays transformed results before running the saved pipeline. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported6.4 / 6.4 pts Evidence The Cloud expression editor evaluates expressions and displays a hint when syntax is incorrect. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported6.4 / 6.4 pts Evidence Content Validator identifies broken model, Explore and field references in published content before deployment; develop permission applies. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source
Core capabilityInteractive dashboards or reports3.2 points · Build dashboards or reports that support interactive viewing.	Supported3.2 / 3.2 pts Evidence Interactive report authoring and sharing are documented. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported3.2 / 3.2 pts Evidence Interactive workbooks and dashboards are documented. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported3.2 / 3.2 pts Evidence Dashboards and analytical apps are documented. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported3.2 / 3.2 pts Evidence Interactive dashboards are documented. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported3.2 / 3.2 pts Evidence Dashboards and reports are documented. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source
Core capabilityExploration and drill-down3.2 points · Explore underlying data or alter an analytical view interactively.	Supported3.2 / 3.2 pts Evidence Report interaction supports analytical exploration. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported3.2 / 3.2 pts Evidence Interactive workbook analysis is documented. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Not verified0–3.2 / 3.2 pts Evidence The reviewed documentation does not establish exploration and drill-down at this feature level. This is an evidence gap, not a finding that the capability is absent. Not verified · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported3.2 / 3.2 pts Evidence Dashboard interactions support exploring combined data. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported3.2 / 3.2 pts Evidence Explores support analytical exploration. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source
Depth checkDrill to relevant underlying detail4.8 points · Navigate from an aggregate visual to a filtered detail view or underlying rows. Ask for a demonstration Select one segment and show only the underlying records behind it. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test.	Supported4.8 / 4.8 pts Evidence Drillthrough opens a detail page filtered to the selected entity; the author configures the destination fields. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported4.8 / 4.8 pts Evidence View Data opens rows for the selected marks or current view and downloads the displayed data, subject to permissions. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported4.8 / 4.8 pts Evidence Cards support drill paths and data export; page/card filters and personalized data permissions remain applied to exports. Export size and table limits vary. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Not verified0–4.8 / 4.8 pts Evidence The reviewed evidence does not establish this advanced behavior: drill to relevant underlying detail. Request the demonstration above; absence of public evidence does not establish absence of the feature. Not verified · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported4.8 / 4.8 pts Evidence Explore drill results refine the query to the selected value; Download Results exports that drill table subject to download permission. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source
Depth checkExport filtered analytical data4.8 points · Export analytical data while retaining the relevant filters or selection context. Ask for a demonstration Filter a report to one region and show that the exported rows reflect that scope. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test.	Supported4.8 / 4.8 pts Evidence Exports retain visual filtering; summarized and underlying data have separate permissions and documented row limits. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported4.8 / 4.8 pts Evidence View Data opens rows for the selected marks or current view and downloads the displayed data, subject to permissions. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported4.8 / 4.8 pts Evidence Cards support drill paths and data export; page/card filters and personalized data permissions remain applied to exports. Export size and table limits vary. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Not verified0–4.8 / 4.8 pts Evidence The reviewed evidence does not establish this advanced behavior: export filtered analytical data. Request the demonstration above; absence of public evidence does not establish absence of the feature. Not verified · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported4.8 / 4.8 pts Evidence Explore drill results refine the query to the selected value; Download Results exports that drill table subject to download permission. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source
Core capabilityData-access restrictions2.4 points · Control access to analytical data using row, model or comparable data permissions.	Supported2.4 / 2.4 pts Evidence Configured row-level security restricts rows. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Not verified0–2.4 / 2.4 pts Evidence The reviewed documentation does not establish data-access restrictions at this feature level. This is an evidence gap, not a finding that the capability is absent. Not verified · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported2.4 / 2.4 pts Evidence Personalized Data Permission policies restrict data by rows and user attributes. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported2.4 / 2.4 pts Evidence Section Access restricts rows and columns based on user identity. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported2.4 / 2.4 pts Evidence Model- and user-specific permissions are documented. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source
Core capabilityPublishing and workspace permissions2.4 points · Control who can publish, edit or manage analytical content.	Not verified0–2.4 / 2.4 pts Evidence The reviewed documentation does not establish publishing and workspace permissions at this feature level. This is an evidence gap, not a finding that the capability is absent. Not verified · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported2.4 / 2.4 pts Evidence Publishing and access use deployment-specific roles. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported2.4 / 2.4 pts Evidence Custom roles restrict administration features; connector accounts also have owner/edit/share/read access levels. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported2.4 / 2.4 pts Evidence Managed spaces require a tier above Starter. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Not verified0–2.4 / 2.4 pts Evidence The reviewed documentation does not establish publishing and workspace permissions at this feature level. This is an evidence gap, not a finding that the capability is absent. Not verified · Oct 15, 2026Source
Depth checkTest restricted analytical access3.2 points · Test or inspect how row/model permissions affect an ordinary user’s view. Ask for a demonstration Show the same report as two users with different permitted data. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test.	Supported3.2 / 3.2 pts Evidence Test as role previews report data restrictions. DirectQuery with SSO and some AI views are excluded; use a real viewer session for those cases. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported3.2 / 3.2 pts Evidence Preview as user tests virtual-connection data policies against a selected user's permitted rows; Data Management is required. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Not verified0–3.2 / 3.2 pts Evidence The reviewed evidence does not establish this advanced behavior: test restricted analytical access. Request the demonstration above; absence of public evidence does not establish absence of the feature. Not verified · Oct 15, 2026Source	Not verified0–3.2 / 3.2 pts Evidence The reviewed evidence does not establish this advanced behavior: test restricted analytical access. Request the demonstration above; absence of public evidence does not establish absence of the feature. Not verified · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported3.2 / 3.2 pts Evidence Privileged administrators can sudo as a user to validate that user's permissions; database OAuth identity constraints still apply. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source
Depth checkData lineage or impact visibility4 points · Inspect upstream/downstream dependencies before changing a data model or published dataset. Ask for a demonstration Select a dataset and show which reports depend on it before a field change. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test.	Supported4 / 4 pts Evidence Lineage view exposes upstream/downstream workspace artifacts and external sources; requires an eligible workspace role and Pro license. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported4 / 4 pts Evidence Catalog lineage and impact analysis expose downstream content; metadata visibility depends on asset permissions and filtering. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported4 / 4 pts Evidence Domo's product guide documents Data Lineage and Impact Analysis across datasets, cards and alerts. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported4 / 4 pts Evidence The lineage graph exposes upstream analytics transformations and sources; underlying data must be cataloged in Qlik Cloud. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Not verified0–4 / 4 pts Evidence The reviewed evidence does not establish this advanced behavior: data lineage or impact visibility. Request the demonstration above; absence of public evidence does not establish absence of the feature. Not verified · Oct 15, 2026Source
Core capabilityNatural-language analytics2.4 points · Ask questions or obtain explanations about analytical data.	Supported2.4 / 2.4 pts Evidence Copilot answers data questions; capacity, region and administrator requirements apply. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported2.4 / 2.4 pts Evidence Pulse metric explanations and Agent analysis require the relevant entitlement. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported2.4 / 2.4 pts Evidence The AI service layer supports conversational analytics using workload-based credits. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported2.4 / 2.4 pts Evidence Qlik Answers provides conversational knowledge answers within plan capacities. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported2.4 / 2.4 pts Evidence Gemini answers natural-language questions over permitted models with token allowances. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source
Core capabilityAI report or calculation assistance2.4 points · Use AI to create or alter a report, visual, calculation or analytical workflow.	Supported2.4 / 2.4 pts Evidence Copilot creates reports and assists DAX; Pro/PPU alone is insufficient. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported2.4 / 2.4 pts Evidence Agent visualization/calculation assistance is edition-specific. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported2.4 / 2.4 pts Evidence Model integration and AI data workflows use activity-based credits. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported2.4 / 2.4 pts Evidence Insight Advisor generates analyses from a configured logical model. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Not verified0–2.4 / 2.4 pts Evidence The reviewed documentation does not establish ai report or calculation assistance at this feature level. This is an evidence gap, not a finding that the capability is absent. Not verified · Oct 15, 2026Source
Depth checkAI grounded in governed models or sources3.2 points · Document that analytical AI uses configured models, permitted datasets or identified source context. Ask for a demonstration Ask an ambiguous metric question and show which model or data source the answer uses. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test.	Supported3.2 / 3.2 pts Evidence Copilot summaries use report data and link citations to supporting visuals. Eligible capacity, region and administrator enablement apply. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported3.2 / 3.2 pts Evidence Tableau Agent in Pulse analyzes configured metrics and provides insight-source citations; Tableau+ and site enablement apply. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported3.2 / 3.2 pts Evidence AI Chat uses selected DataSets/cards and exposes source links, generated SQL and processing steps; existing Domo data permissions apply. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported3.2 / 3.2 pts Evidence Insight Advisor uses the application's fields and relationships; Business logic lets authors configure the logical model. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported3.2 / 3.2 pts Evidence Conversational Analytics queries configured Explores/models and requires underlying data and feature permissions; insufficient access produces an error. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source
Depth checkInspect AI reasoning artifacts or source detail4 points · Inspect generated calculation/query, cited source or other supporting artifact behind an AI analytical answer. Ask for a demonstration Ask AI for a result, then open the source, calculation or query needed to verify it. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test.	Supported4 / 4 pts Evidence Copilot summaries use report data and link citations to supporting visuals. Eligible capacity, region and administrator enablement apply. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported4 / 4 pts Evidence Tableau Agent in Pulse analyzes configured metrics and provides insight-source citations; Tableau+ and site enablement apply. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported4 / 4 pts Evidence AI Chat uses selected DataSets/cards and exposes source links, generated SQL and processing steps; existing Domo data permissions apply. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source	Not verified0–4 / 4 pts Evidence The reviewed evidence does not establish this advanced behavior: inspect ai reasoning artifacts or source detail. Request the demonstration above; absence of public evidence does not establish absence of the feature. Not verified · Oct 15, 2026Source	Supported4 / 4 pts Evidence Conversational Analytics explains fields, filters and calculations. Agent settings can expose generated Looker queries and underlying data; advanced analysis also shows generated Python. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source
Depth checkHide individual model columns and their metadata2.5 points · Demonstrate: Hide individual model columns and their metadata. State the plan, limits and behaviour on failure. Use a restricted dataset and two different reader roles. Ask for a demonstration Demonstrate: Hide individual model columns and their metadata. State the plan, limits and behaviour on failure. Use a restricted dataset and two different reader roles. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test.	Supported2.5 / 2.5 pts Evidence OLS hides selected columns and their metadata. Semantic-model OLS, model roles and viewer restrictions; editing roles and unsupported features require review. Global capability evidence; local plan availability and interface language are not inferred. Official documentation · Oct 21, 2026Source	Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts Evidence This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source	Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts Evidence This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source	Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts Evidence This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source	Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts Evidence This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source
Depth checkCertify trusted datasets or metrics2.5 points · Demonstrate: Certify trusted datasets or metrics. State the plan, limits and behaviour on failure. Use a restricted dataset and two different reader roles. Ask for a demonstration Demonstrate: Certify trusted datasets or metrics. State the plan, limits and behaviour on failure. Use a restricted dataset and two different reader roles. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test.	Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts Evidence This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source	Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts Evidence This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source	Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts Evidence This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source	Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts Evidence This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source	Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts Evidence This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source
Depth checkRetain sensitivity protection in supported exports2.5 points · Demonstrate: Retain sensitivity protection in supported exports. State the plan, limits and behaviour on failure. Use a restricted dataset and two different reader roles. Ask for a demonstration Demonstrate: Retain sensitivity protection in supported exports. State the plan, limits and behaviour on failure. Use a restricted dataset and two different reader roles. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test.	Supported2.5 / 2.5 pts Evidence Supported exports preserve sensitivity labels and configured protection. Purview labels/licensing and encryption configuration required; only supported export paths retain protection. Global capability evidence; local plan availability and interface language are not inferred. Official documentation · Oct 21, 2026Source	Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts Evidence This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source	Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts Evidence This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source	Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts Evidence This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source	Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts Evidence This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source
Depth checkProduce parameterised paginated reports2.5 points · Demonstrate: Produce parameterised paginated reports. State the plan, limits and behaviour on failure. Use a restricted dataset and two different reader roles. Ask for a demonstration Demonstrate: Produce parameterised paginated reports. State the plan, limits and behaviour on failure. Use a restricted dataset and two different reader roles. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test.	Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts Evidence This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source	Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts Evidence This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source	Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts Evidence This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source	Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts Evidence This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source	Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts Evidence This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source
Depth checkTrace slow visual queries2.5 points · Demonstrate: Trace slow visual queries. State the plan, limits and behaviour on failure. Use a restricted dataset and two different reader roles. Ask for a demonstration Demonstrate: Trace slow visual queries. State the plan, limits and behaviour on failure. Use a restricted dataset and two different reader roles. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test.	Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts Evidence This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source	Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts Evidence This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source	Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts Evidence This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source	Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts Evidence This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source	Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts Evidence This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source
Depth checkRecalculate with user-controlled scenario parameters2.5 points · Demonstrate: Recalculate with user-controlled scenario parameters. State the plan, limits and behaviour on failure. Use a restricted dataset and two different reader roles. Ask for a demonstration Demonstrate: Recalculate with user-controlled scenario parameters. State the plan, limits and behaviour on failure. Use a restricted dataset and two different reader roles. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test.	Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts Evidence This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source	Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts Evidence This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source	Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts Evidence This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source	Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts Evidence This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source	Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts Evidence This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source
Depth checkWrite approved planning inputs to a source system2.5 points · Demonstrate: Write approved planning inputs to a source system. State the plan, limits and behaviour on failure. Use a restricted dataset and two different reader roles. Ask for a demonstration Demonstrate: Write approved planning inputs to a source system. State the plan, limits and behaviour on failure. Use a restricted dataset and two different reader roles. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test.	Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts Evidence This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source	Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts Evidence This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source	Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts Evidence This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source	Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts Evidence This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source	Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts Evidence This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source
Depth checkTranslate model labels for report readers2.5 points · Demonstrate: Translate model labels for report readers. State the plan, limits and behaviour on failure. Use a restricted dataset and two different reader roles. Ask for a demonstration Demonstrate: Translate model labels for report readers. State the plan, limits and behaviour on failure. Use a restricted dataset and two different reader roles. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test.	Supported2.5 / 2.5 pts Evidence Model captions can be translated for reader locales. Tabular-model metadata translations for supported Fabric/Power BI Premium models; client locale must be provided. Global capability evidence; local plan availability and interface language are not inferred. Official documentation · Oct 21, 2026Source	Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts Evidence This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source	Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts Evidence This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source	Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts Evidence This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source	Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts Evidence This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source

WHAT WE MEASURE

The criteria behind the score.

The established 20 checks contribute 80 points. Eight new operational checks contribute 20 points. AI checks are included in their own group and are excluded when AI priority is set to zero. These assess documented capability scope, not measured performance. Adjust group priorities in the comparison tool.

See the complete calculation →

Data connectivity 20%
Sources and refresh behavior determine usable coverage.
Modeling & preparation 20%
Shared definitions prevent conflicting answers.
Reports & exploration 16%
Users need useful exploration rather than static pictures.
Governed access 12%
Sensitive rows and publishing rights need control.
AI analytics 12%
AI answers require grounded models and explicit licensing.
Operational detail 20%
Specific workflow, integration and control checks beyond the established rubric.

THE PRACTICAL BUYER’S GUIDE

How to choose business intelligence.

Business intelligence should connect a decision to a defined metric, a trusted dataset, and a responsible owner. Start with the questions you need to answer, the systems that hold the data, and the people who will publish versus consume reports. A dashboard can look polished while joining incompatible dates, customer definitions, or revenue measures. Compare data connectivity, modeling, visualization, access controls, and AI separately. These platforms also use different commercial models: named users, capacity, data volume, or consumption credits. A small authoring price does not establish the total cost of sharing reports across the company or embedding them in a customer-facing product.

Start with one disputed business metric

Pick a metric that currently produces different answers in different meetings, such as active customers or recognized sales. Write its definition, time basis, exclusions, and owner. Ask each finalist to connect the required sources, implement the definition, and explain a discrepancy at the record level. Include a realistic data refresh and a schema change. This exposes the modeling and operating work behind the dashboard. If you already use a warehouse or lakehouse, establish which transformations should stay there and which belong in the BI model. Keep the architecture understandable enough that another analyst can maintain it.

Price the audience and the workload together

Count creators, editors, internal viewers, external viewers, and embedded customers. Ask which licenses each role needs and whether capacity changes that requirement. Then estimate data volume, refresh frequency, model size, query concurrency, and AI usage. Use the same representative workload in each trial; comparing a per-user plan with a consumption platform by sticker price alone is misleading. Include warehouse compute, connectors, gateway operation, and administration where applicable. Ask how the platform surfaces limits and how you would investigate a sudden cost increase. A forecast should include normal use and a busy reporting period.

Validate AI against governed questions

Give the AI a set of known questions with verified answers, including ambiguous terms and a request for data the user should not access. Inspect the generated query or explanation and the source model where available. Check whether the capability answers questions, generates calculations, builds charts, or takes actions in another system; these are distinct functions. Verify the necessary capacity, edition, region, permissions, and credit allowance. Some experiences are previews or promotions rather than stable entitlements. Keep a human owner for metric definitions, and measure how frequently AI requires clarification or correction before making it the default route for important business decisions.

What changes the total cost?

Creator, explorer, viewer, embedded, and capacity licensing.
Data storage, refreshes, queries, warehouse compute, and connectors.
AI capacity or token allowances plus modeling and governance work.

Where purchases go wrong

Treating a visually convincing dashboard as proof of correct definitions.
Assuming a per-user license automatically includes analytical Copilot.
Comparing consumption credits across vendors as if they were equivalent units.

Bring these questions to the demo

Reconcile this metric to the underlying records and explain the difference.
What does our complete internal and external audience cost?
Show row-level access and how it applies to AI questions.
Which workloads and AI requests consume additional capacity or credits?

Questions buyers ask

Is Looker the same product as Looker Studio?

No. Evaluate the specific product and commercial model in the quote; this catalog's Looker profile covers the enterprise BI platform.

Does an AI assistant remove the need for modeling?

No. Clear definitions and permissions remain essential inputs. Poorly prepared data can produce confident but incorrect answers.

Should we choose the cheapest authoring seat?

Calculate the full audience and workload cost. Sharing, embedded access, refresh requirements, and AI can change the economics substantially.

Business intelligence

Compare the options.

Microsoft Power BI

Tableau

Domo

Qlik Cloud Analytics

Looker