Like many visualization applications, Microsoft's PerformancePoint Server offering is designed to integrate monitoring, analysis and planning into a single, configurable tool.
One obvious advantage for Microsoft is that the tool in this case is Excel, and the widespread familiarity with its Office system interface makes it easier for everyday users to translate data into visual decision-making aids, just as PerformancePoint allows companies to share these analyses. Such pre-installed familiarity also allows easier communication between business users and IT -- a major stumbling block in the drive for businesses to not only adopt, but effectively use, dashboard tools.
Brad Kenney is the former Technology Editor of IndustryWeek and now serves as director of the mobile/social platforms practice at R/GA, a global marketing/advertising firm in New York City.
