Both Tableau and Qlik are leading Data Analytics and Business Intelligence tools out in the market. According to Gartner’s Magic Quadrant 2021, both Tableau and Qlik are leaders in the space of Business Intelligence and Data Analytics. We will start with comparisons between the two tools, then discuss the benefits and disadvantages of these tools, compare key features, pricing, and finally with the best-suited user for a particular tool.
Data being the new oil, businesses globally require a tool that will help them gain maximum actionable insight from the data they possess. Today to thrive in a data-driven Business Intelligence and Data Analytics domain, the tools must offer a wide range of functionalities like:
- Data Mining
- Data Preparation
- Insight Generation
- Visual Exploration, etc.
Businesses today require modern, flexible, scalable cloud tools offering even greater capabilities. They need cloud tools to offer all the existing functionalities.
Features comparison
Qlik offers end-to-end Data Analytics and Data Integration solutions for Business Intelligence needs. Qlik leverages Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cloud Computing to deliver real-time, actionable insights and automation using the Active Intelligence Platform. If you are interested in mastering Qlik and acquiring certs, check out this Qlikview certification course from a reputed training partner.
One of the biggest advantages, when compared to other BI tools, is that it doesn’t depend on SQL like other tools. It can work with any existing data format. Qlik offers its users this flexibility in multiple ways that include SaaS additions, on-premise options, and multi-cloud solutions.
Tableau is one step ahead of Qlik in Gartner’s Magic Quadrant 2021. It is a leader in the BI and Data Analytics domain. It offers Data Management, Visual Analytics, and collaboration. If you are analyzing data using a traditional analysis tool, then you have to choose a data subset, organize them into a table, generate a chart from the table, all by yourself. If you are using Tableau, then VizQL, the core of Tableau, converts data into intuitive, interactive charts directly without you needing to put in the effort.
Insight Advisor, Qlik Sense’s AI assistant offers task automation, insight generation, natural language interaction, etc. Here users can connect and load data, make visualizations, drag and drop to build analytics apps. The Insight Advisor offers embedded analytics and interactive mobile analytics.
Qlik’s cloud analytics leveraging AI capabilities is all about transforming the traditional way of passive data consumption to activating relevant, timely data for making decisions in real-time. Qlik offers an open cloud architecture, meaning users can use analytics with a cloud service provider of their choice.
Tableau has more than 70 local data connectors that enable them to ingest data from many sources. Tableau users can ingest data into the data engine or push queries to databases.
Pricing matters
Coming to the pricing section, Qlik Sense delivers BI and core analytics capabilities within one license. Any further addition, such as Insight Advisor, Qlik Catalog, Qlik NPrinting, etc., will need additional licensing. But if you are using Qlik’s SaaS platform, it will simplify everything to one standard subscription. Still, many Qlik users complain about complexities in pricing terms.
When it comes to Tableau, it’s more open compared to Qlik. Tableau offers an enterprise subscription plan at a set price. But Tableau too is not free of customer complaints regarding its pricing.
What are some similarities and differences in both tools?
Tableau and Qlik are very similar in their offerings and are the best in their business. Users will not be at a disadvantage while choosing one over the other. Both tools offer interactive and intuitive customized charts and dashboards. Tableau and Qlik are flexible in choosing an on-premises or cloud environment. Both the tools leverage AI, ML, and augmented analytics to simplify Data Analysis. Both these tools deliver Data Management capabilities to assist organizations in curating and controlling data. That is the reason why these tools are equally beneficial for Data scientists as well. Those who are aspiring to become Data scientists can check out this Data Science course tutorial.
Tableau believes it works more efficiently than Qlik while connecting to modern databases. It’s because Tableau could connect to live data which means they could perform queries in-database and get output in real-time and also in-memory. It lets customers have better control than Qlik over cost, performance, etc. Tableau’s VizQL helps even non-tech people explore data without needing IT expertise. If we compare their communities, we can say that Qlik focuses more on IT experts, developers, professionals with more back-end integration experience, and system integrators. While Tableau is more catered towards non-technical professionals.
Who is the ideal user for each tool?
Qlik, as we discussed before, offers a platform that is catered towards IT professionals and Data Analysts. Qlik offers scalable and flexible solutions to companies invested in cloud environments. Whereas, Tableau is more suited to non-technical professionals who make effective decisions after understanding data effectively.
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