Over the years, there have been many names of the different business intelligence methods and tools, such as:
Executive Information Systems (EIS)
Management Information Systems (MIS)
Online Analytical Processing (OLAP)
Decision Support Systems (DSS)
Management reporting
Ad hoc query and reporting
Do we really need an additional label for something that in principle is the same thing? The answer is yes.
There is a fundamental difference between older technologies and data discovery, and it is in the approach. Most of the preceding tools are oriented towards technology, but data discovery is not. Instead, data discovery is oriented towards people—towards the users who need the information in their daily work.
Most of the preceding tools were developed for a small, select number of decision-makers, but again, data discovery is not. Data discovery is for everyone.
Decisions are made at all levels in a company. Obviously, managers are decision-makers, but we sometimes forget...