Microsoft Corp. hopes to strengthen its cloud-based analytics business with the acquisition of Datazen Software, a mobile business intelligence and data visualization firm headquartered in Toronto.
Datazen started out way back in 2002 as ComponentArt a developer tools vendor that built user interfaces and data visualization technology. After 10 years, the company made a sharp pivot and began working on next-generation mobile BI products. In 2013, it released Datazen, a mobile BI, and data visualization software for Windows, IOS and Android devices. The product allows users to view their business’s latest data in graphs and charts and provides detailed analysis across all device types and platforms.
“This acquisition accelerates out Power BI strategy to help organizations create a data culture with easy-to-use accessible tools to extract maximum value from data – from anywhere, on any device,” said Kamal Hathi, partner director for cloud and enterprise business at Microsoft. “Datazen technology and solutions will complement Power BI, our cloud-based business analytics service, rounding out our mobile capabilities for customers who need a mobile BI solution implemented on-premises and optimized for SQL server.”
He said “SQL Server customers love Datazen,” because it is optimized for SQL server Analytics Services and the overall Microsoft platform.
Power BI is a cloud service that allows users to share, collaborate and access Excel reports anywhere, on any device. The service also provides a self-service analytics.
Over time, Hathi said, Microsoft intends to integrate Datazen technology with Power BI to build a hybrid bridge which will enable customers to transition on-premises systems to the cloud.
Datazen assured its customers and partners that the entire Datazen product stack, including server, publisher and all mobile clients will continue to be available in their current form.