Open source business applications have started to mature into robust platforms, serving sales, finance and operational needs. Now, open source business intelligence (OSBI) platforms are also gaining attention, as owners of proprietary BI applications are navigating market consolidation, product roadmap changes and ever-increasing licensing costs.
OSBI platforms are typically marketed as commercial open source software (COSS), similar to the model popularized by Red Hat. COSS companies generate revenue from support, subscriptions and training. Most CIOs feel it’s critical for their applications to have an identified commercial entity standing behind business infrastructure rather than relying on the promise of community alone.
A good OSBI platform has at least three components: a database layer for organizing business data, a business intelligence layer to transform and present information and an analytics/performance management layer to predict business outcomes and opportunities.
Figure 1: A business intelligence platform includes three layers: a database layer, a business intelligence layer, and an analytics/performance management layer.
The Database Layer
Two of the more popular open source databases for business intelligence are MySQL and PostgreSQL. The strong capabilities of these core databases have spun off new commercial offerings like Kickfire and Infobright, both based on MySQL, and EnterpriseDB, Vertica and Greenplum, all based on PostgreSQL.
MySQL supports features found in…
Please log in to view this content.
Not Yet a Member?
Register with LinuxMagazine.com and get free access to the entire archive, including:
