Google adds BI to free apps

Google has added analytics and reporting to its free web-based apps by teaming up with Panorama Software.

The pair recently launched the Beta version of Panorama Analytics for Google Docs, which integrates software as a service (SaaS) into Google Docs' spreadsheets. The addition offers users business intelligence (BI) fucntions such as advanced analytical, reporting and data visualisation, using pivot table and charting table functionality.

"The debut of pivot table functionality is great news for Google Docs users, whether they are businesspeople or consumers," said Oudi Antebi, vice president of marketing and strategy for Panorama Software, in a statement.

The tool will let individual users manage their personal expenses, bank statements and other records. Businesses, small or large, can use the free tool to analyse spreadsheet data to aid decision making, Panorama said.

"Google Docs is designed to help people generate and share information easily, whether it's for personal or business use," said Jonathan Rochelle, senior product manager for Google Docs. "Panorama's solution gives our users much more analytical and reporting power through pivot table functionality - it adds a lot of value to Google Docs. We look forward to seeing more great tools like this."

Ovum analyst Madan Sheina said Google will be focusing on the business angle to make a dent in Microsoft's market. "Google will be hoping that this BI tie-up will do more than just drive greater use of its Spreadsheet application in more consumer BI applications, for example, to analyse personal expenses. It also believes it will be a boon to small and medium sized businesses that use Google Apps and want more enterprise-friendly capabilities," Sheina said.

Sheina noted that this is the second Google attempt to tie Panorama intelligence into its own spreadsheet application, saying this time around, the integration and collaboration is much deeper. "This could perhaps signal the start of a much deeper level of integration that mirrors Panorama's relationship with Google-rival Microsoft," Sheina said.

The Panorama-Google option gives customers more choice in the free BI market, and could put the heat on Microsoft's Excel, Sheina said: "It could prompt Excel users to re-evaluate the per-set licensing they have invested in Excel as they consider the shifting dynamics of delivering BI from desktop to online (cloud) environments."

But the analyst added: "That said, Google still has some way to go to before it can match Microsoft's BI capabilities in Excel. But this integration is a good start."

Panorama said it looking to eventually integrate its system with other Google applications, including their analytics and AdWords platforms.