Choosing InetSoft Over Microsoft PerformancePoint

Differentiating Features

Enterprise Data Mashup– InetSoft’s StyleBI is built upon an enterprise data mash-up platform, while PerformancePoint is based on Microsoft’s SQL Analysis Service. Enterprise data mashup refers to the ability to pull source data from any location and in almost any format and mash it up on the fly for dynamic information requests. The result is a structured virtual data model that consists of reusable data blocks that can be queried in real-time for presentation in StyleBI dashboards and reports, or used by 3rd-party applications. PerformancePoint has no data mashup feature.

Self-Service – InetSoft's data mashup functionality is available to both business and IT users which helps to maximize self-service. Through a drag-and-drop design interface, business users can create interactive visual analyses, dashboards, and reports to answer unanticipated questions without IT's help. In contrast, any unanticipated data manipulation in PerformancePoint requires significant IT intervention to redefine data models. InetSoft enables further levels of self-service for less sophisticated users such as point-and-click personalization and modification of IT-built dashboards and analyses.

Data Cache Parallelization – InetSoft's data cache parallelization architecture sits below the enterprise data mashup platform and delivers massive query performance boosts by relieving source data systems of potential overload from user queries. The architecture was inspired by columnar database technology and the Map Reduce algorithm allowing data in InetSoft's virtual data model to be cached and queried in parallel across servers. PerformancePoint has no such feature.

Design – InetSoft design takes place in a zero-client web browser environment allowing for both business users and IT to define rich dashboards, reports, and data mashup on any terminal.  PerformancePoint requires a desktop application to be installed on the machine of every user who wishes to design a dashboard or report.  InetSoft’s free form design allows for users to have the freedom to build any component any way they choose with full customization. PerformancePoint implements strict rules on every component and additionally where each component is allowed to be placed.

Data Source Flexibility – InetSoft allows for complete control what data you wish to implement.  Connections form any JDBC/ODBC database, relational database, XML, flat file, web service (SOAP), or any custom data source or API, allowing for any organization to have the freedom to use any data at their disposal. PerformancePoint can only pull data from Microsoft sources such as SharePoint, Excel and MSSQL with very limited data manipulation capabilities e.g. tabular data can only be used in scorecards and filters.

About InetSoft

Since 1996 InetSoft has been delivering easy, agile, and robust business intelligence software that makes it possible for organizations and solution providers of all sizes to deploy or embed full-featured business intelligence solutions. InetSoft solutions have been deployed at over 5,000 organizations worldwide, including 25% of Fortune 500 companies, spanning all types of industries. InetSoft was ranked among the top 5 BI vendors in Gleanster's customer survey report.

What Are Reasons to Migrate from Microsoft PerformancePoint to InetSoft StyleBI?

1. End of Life for PerformancePoint

• Discontinued Product: Microsoft has officially discontinued PerformancePoint Services, and it is no longer actively developed or supported.
• No New Features or Updates: Users are stuck with outdated functionality and increasing technical debt.
• Security Risks: Unsupported platforms pose compliance and security vulnerabilities.

2. Modern Architecture and Microservices

• Cloud-Native Option: StyleBI supports both on-prem and cloud deployments, with container-based microservices architecture.
• Lightweight Footprint: StyleBI is lightweight and designed for easy horizontal scaling.
• Low Maintenance Overhead: Unlike PerformancePoint's heavy reliance on SharePoint, StyleBI minimizes infrastructure complexity.

3. Advanced and Flexible Visualizations

• Beyond Basic Charts: StyleBI offers bullet charts, heatmaps, scatter plots, radar charts, waterfall charts, and more.
• Custom Dashboards: Drag-and-drop dashboard design with real-time previews and interactivity.
• Mobile-Responsive Design: Dashboards can be viewed on any device without needing customization.

4. Ease of Embedding and White-Labeling

• Embeddable in Third-Party Applications: Full API and JavaScript SDK support for tight integration.
• White-Label Capabilities: Rebrand UI to match your product or service offering.
• Seamless SSO Integration: Compatible with SAML, OAuth, and other identity providers.

5. Self-Service Data Preparation

• End-User Data Wrangling: Non-technical users can blend, clean, and transform data without coding.
• Reusable Data Blocks: Create modular datasets for multiple dashboards.
• Real-Time Data Modeling: Live previews while transforming and joining data.

6. Real-Time and Big Data Ready

• Live Data Connectivity: Connect directly to live databases, APIs, and streaming data sources.
• Elastic Data Engine: Designed to handle both small and large datasets with high performance.
• Supports Modern Data Stacks: Works with Snowflake, BigQuery, Redshift, and other modern cloud data warehouses.

7. Granular Security and Access Control

• Multi-Tenant Support: Perfect for SaaS applications needing isolated data and UI for each client.
• Role-Based Permissions: Control who can view, edit, or publish reports at a granular level.
• Data-Level Security: Filter data visibility by user role or profile.

8. Better Performance and User Experience

• No SharePoint Dependency: StyleBI runs independently, improving performance and deployment flexibility.
• Optimized UI: Built for fast rendering and responsiveness across browsers.
• Rich Interaction: Users can drill, filter, sort, and explore data with minimal clicks.

9. Smooth Migration Process

• Professional Migration Support: InetSoft provides tools and guidance to port over dashboards, metrics, and logic.
• Data Source Compatibility: Connects to all major relational, NoSQL, and web data sources.
• Dashboard Redesign Tools: Modern replacements for KPIs, scorecards, and dashboards with better UX.

10. Cost-Efficiency and Licensing Flexibility

• Simplified Licensing: Per-user, per-core, and SaaS licensing options available.
• No SharePoint Overhead: Reduce costs by eliminating SharePoint infrastructure.
• Modular Add-Ons: Only pay for features you need—data mashup, embedded analytics, etc.

11. Smart Analytics and Machine Learning

• Integrated Predictive Analytics: Run forecasts and models directly within dashboards.
• Custom Scripting: Extend logic using expressions and scripting.
• Sensor and Time Series Data Support: Built-in tools for analyzing real-time industrial or IoT data.

12. Stronger Vendor Support and Innovation

• Active Development Roadmap: Regular updates and feature releases.
• Enterprise Support Options: Get help via chat, tickets, or dedicated success teams.
• Training and Onboarding Resources: Webinars, docs, and personalized sessions.

Summary Table: Why StyleBI is a Modern Replacement for PerformancePoint

Feature / Benefit	Microsoft PerformancePoint	InetSoft StyleBI
Product Status	Discontinued	Actively developed
Architecture	SharePoint-dependent	Microservices, standalone
Visualization	Limited, dated	Rich, modern, interactive
Embeddability	Poor	Full-featured API + white-labeling
Real-Time Data	Limited	Full support
Data Preparation	Developer-heavy	Self-service, visual
Mobile & Responsive	No	Yes
Cost-Effectiveness	High total cost	Modular and flexible pricing