Today’s analytics and BI (ABI) platforms must support the needs of IT, business analysts, and analytic content consumers. While tight integration with cloud ecosystems, business applications, and digital workplace tools is a key vendor selection requirement, buyers also need ABI platforms to support openness and interoperability. This research helps data and analytics leaders plan for and select these platforms.

Data storytelling offers a more engaging means of communicating findings than BI reporting or data visualization alone. This trend is an extension of the now dominant self-service model of BI, combining data visualization with narrative techniques. What is a data story? When and how should data storytelling be used? What new skills and techniques are needed to create compelling data stories?

Self-service analytics are rarely implemented successfully. To maximize its value, data and analytics leaders should certify and catalog D&A assets, promote cross-functional collaboration, optimize their tools portfolio and enable adaptive governance for analytic content in various phases.