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Analysts working with Business Analytics and Data Management systems. Corporate strategy for finance, operations, sales, and marketing.

IntroductionThe software development landscape has experienced a significant transformation over the last decade,with low-code and no-code platforms playing a pivotal role in democratizing app development.These platforms emerged with a promise: to enable non-developers to create functional applications quickly,without needing deep coding expertise. However, the early days of this movement were marked by an overwhelming number of options,each targeting specific niches.It was a chaotic marketplace, with every new platform claiming to be the ultimate solution for rapid application development. Fast forward to today, and the landscape looks very different.We now see a more defined set of players, with several consolidations and exits having streamlined the options available. The Rise and Consolidation of Low-Code/No-Code In the early 2010s,the idea of empowering "citizen developers" gained traction.Businesses of all sizes were eager to find ways to reduce their reliance on traditional IT departments for every little app or workflow they needed.This gave rise to a plethora of low-code and no-code platforms, each with its unique selling proposition. However, the abundance of options led to a fragmented market.There was a platform for nearly every use case: some focused on mobile apps, others on web forms, and some on internal workflows.This fragmentation was both a blessing and a curse. While it allowed users to find highly specialized tools,it also made it difficult for businesses to standardize on a single platform. Today’s Dominant Players (as of August, 2024) The market has since matured,with a handful of platforms emerging as clear leaders. These platforms have managed to strike a balance between ease of use for non-developers and the depth needed by IT professionals to integrate with existing systems. Here are the five most popular low-code platforms today: 1. OutSystems - Market Share: ~24%<ul><li style="list-style-type: none;"><ul><li>Best For: Enterprise-grade applications with extensive customization needs. </li><li>Overview: <a data-mce-href="https://www.outsystems.com/" href="https://www.outsystems.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">OutSystems</a> has become a go-to platform for enterprises looking to build robust, scalable applications.Its strength lies in its integration capabilities, making it an ideal choice for complex projects that need to interact with a variety of systems and services. </li></ul></li></ul>2. <a data-mce-href="https://www.mendix.com/" href="https://www.mendix.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mendix</a> - Market Share: ~19%<ul><li style="list-style-type: none;"><ul><li>Best For: Multi-experience applications and fast development.</li><li>Overview: <a data-mce-href="https://www.mendix.com/" href="https://www.mendix.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mendix</a> is particularly popular in large organizations that need to develop applications rapidly.Its flexibility allows both business users and developers to work together, making it a powerful tool for collaborative projects.</li></ul></li></ul>3. Microsoft Power Apps - Market Share: ~15% <ul><li style="list-style-type: none;"><ul><li>Best For: Businesses within the Microsoft ecosystem.</li><li>Overview: Power Apps is an excellent choice for organizations already invested in Microsoft 365 and Azure.Its seamless integration with other Microsoft tools makes it easy to create custom apps that enhance productivity without leaving the familiar Microsoft environment.</li></ul></li></ul>4. Appian - Market Share: ~10%<ul><li style="list-style-type: none;"><ul><li>Best For: Process automation and case management.</li><li>Overview: Appian is favored in industries like finance and healthcare, where process management is critical. Its low-code capabilities allow businesses to automate complex workflows while maintaining the rigorous standards required by these industries.</li></ul></li></ul>5. Salesforce Lightning - Market Share: ~8% <ul><li style="list-style-type: none;"><ul><li>Best For: Extending Salesforce CRM capabilities.</li><li>Overview: Salesforce Lightning is tailored for users who need to build custom apps within the Salesforce ecosystem.It's particularly useful for organizations that want to extend their CRM capabilities without requiring significant development resources.</li></ul></li></ul>Consolidation and Market ShiftsThe maturity of the low-code market has led to significant consolidation. Many niche platforms have either been acquired by larger players or faded into obscurity, unable to compete. For example, <a data-mce-href="https://www.temenos.com/news/2020/10/16/kony-is-now-temenos/" href="https://www.temenos.com/news/2020/10/16/kony-is-now-temenos/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kony</a> was acquired by Temenos, a banking software provider, while<a data-mce-href="https://www.nintex.com/platforms/cloud-automation/app-development/?referrer=skuid" href="https://www.nintex.com/platforms/cloud-automation/app-development/?referrer=skuid" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Skuid</a> has pivoted away from its original low-code mission to focus more on user interface design.Interestingly, even big names haven't been immune to the market's realities. <a data-mce-href="https://press.aboutamazon.com/2020/6/aws-announces-amazon-honeycode" href="https://press.aboutamazon.com/2020/6/aws-announces-amazon-honeycode" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AWS Honeycode</a>, one of the platforms we worked with, was Amazon's attempt to break into the no-code space. Despite the brand power and initial excitement, <a data-mce-href="https://press.aboutamazon.com/2020/6/aws-announces-amazon-honeycode" href="https://press.aboutamazon.com/2020/6/aws-announces-amazon-honeycode" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Honeycode</a> struggled to find a sustainable niche and is no longer in the market.This highlights that even giants in the tech world can't simply waltz into this space and expect success without addressing the specific needs of the market.The Myth of “No-Code”One of the biggest misconceptions in this space is the idea of "no-code." While the term is great for marketing, the reality is more nuanced. True no-code platforms promise that users can build fully functional applications without writing a single line of code. However, as soon as you try to scale the application,integrate it with other systems, or customize it beyond the basic templates, you’ll quickly find that some level of coding is inevitable.For practical applications, "low-code" is a more accurate term.These platforms significantly reduce the amount of coding required, making development faster and more accessible, but they still provide the depth needed to handle more complex requirements.Low-code is particularly valuable for integrating applications with existing systems, which is often where no-code solutions fall short. Why Low-Code is the Future As businesses continue to face pressure to innovate faster and at lower costs, low-code platforms are poised to become even more integral to digital transformation strategies. They offer the perfect balance: empowering non-developers to create functional applications while still providing the necessary tools for developers to handle more complex integrations and customizations.Moreover, as low-code platforms continue to evolve,we can expect even greater flexibility and power.The lines between low-code and traditional development are likely to blur further,making these platforms indispensable tools for both IT departments and business users alike.ConclusionThe journey from a fragmented, niche market to a more defined and consolidated industry has been fascinating to watch. While the early days of low-code/no-code were marked by an overwhelming number of options,today we see a more mature market with clear leaders.As the industry continues to evolve, low-code platforms will play an increasingly vital role in helping businesses accelerate their digital transformation efforts. For those of us who remember the early chaos, it’s clear that the market has come a long way.And while the promise of no-code remains more marketing than reality,low-code is proving to be the real game-changer in how we think about software development.<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;" border="1" data-mce-style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td style="width: 10%;" data-mce-style="width: 10%;"> </td><td style="width: 10%;" data-mce-style="width: 10%;"> </td><td style="width: 10%;" data-mce-style="width: 10%;"> </td><td style="width: 10%;" data-mce-style="width: 10%;"> </td><td style="width: 10%;" data-mce-style="width: 10%;"> </td><td style="width: 10%;" data-mce-style="width: 10%;"> </td><td style="width: 10%;" data-mce-style="width: 10%;"> </td><td style="width: 10%;" data-mce-style="width: 10%;"> </td><td style="width: 10%;" data-mce-style="width: 10%;"> </td><td style="width: 10%;" data-mce-style="width: 10%;"> </td></tr></tbody></table>Based in Burbank,California since 2015,Vimware is dedicated to supporting small to midsize businesses and agencies with their behind-the-scenes IT needs.As a Managed Service Provider (MSP), we offer a range of services including cloud solutions, custom programming, mobile app development, marketing dashboards, and strategic IT consulting.Our goal is to ensure your technology infrastructure operates smoothly and efficiently, allowing you to focus on growing your business.<a data-mce-href="https://vimware.com/about/contact-us" href="https://vimware.com/about/contact-us" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">Contact us</a> to learn how we can assist in optimizing your IT operations.

The Evolution of Low-Code/No-Code: From a Fragmented Niche to a Defined Industry

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape,businesses are under constant pressure to innovate and adapt quickly.One of the most significant developments in recent years has been the rise of low-code platforms like Microsoft Power Apps.These tools empower organizations to build and deploy applications rapidly,even with limited technical expertise.But just how much of the software development process can be managed by low-code solutions today? And what types of applications are best suited for these platforms? <h3>The Growing Role of Low-Code in Software Development </h3>Low-code platforms are designed to simplify the development process by providing a visual interface where users can drag and drop components to build applications.This approach dramatically reduces the amount of manual coding required, making it accessible to a broader audience, including business analysts and other non-developers.Studies and industry reports suggest that up to 70% of software development tasks can now be handled by low-code platforms like Power Apps.This includes everything from automating workflows to creating internal business applications,data management tools,and customer service dashboards.The versatility and speed of low-code platforms are making them an increasingly attractive option for businesses looking to innovate without the typical resource-intensive development cycle. <h3>Applications Perfect for Low-Code Platforms </h3>1. Internal Business Applications:<ul><li>Low-code platforms excel at automating routine business processes. For example, companies can quickly build apps that streamline approval workflows,manage employee onboarding, or track inventory.These applications are typically straightforward and benefit from the rapid deployment that low-code platforms offer. </li></ul>2. Data Entry &amp; Management:<ul><li>Organizations often need tools for managing data across various departments.Low-code solutions allow users to create custom forms and databases that can handle data collection, storage, and reporting with minimal development time. Power Apps, for instance,can easily connect to various data sources like Excel,SharePoint, or SQL Server,making it a powerful tool for managing organizational data.</li></ul>3. Customer Service Tools:<ul><li>Custom dashboards,CRM tools, and customer portals are other areas where low-code platforms shine.These applications typically require integration with existing systems and can be customized to fit specific business needs, all without the need for extensive coding.</li></ul><h3>Applications Not Ideal for Low-Code Platforms</h3>While low-code platforms are incredibly versatile, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Certain applications are still best developed using traditional coding methods due to their complexity or specific requirements. 1. Complex Enterprise Systems:<ul><li>Large-scale, highly integrated enterprise systems often require custom development to meet unique business needs. These systems may involve complex workflows, multiple data integrations, and performance optimizations that go beyond what low-code platforms can efficiently handle. </li></ul>2. Real-Time Applications:<ul><li>Applications that require real-time data processing, high performance, and low latency are typically not suited for low-code platforms. Examples include financial trading systems, real-time analytics, and IoT applications. These applications demand a level of precision and optimization that is best achieved through traditional development. </li></ul>3. Advanced AI/ML Projects:<ul><li>While some low-code platforms are beginning to incorporate AI and machine learning capabilities, projects involving complex algorithms, deep learning models, or significant data processing are still better suited for custom development. These projects require specialized knowledge and a level of customization that low-code platforms currently cannot provide. </li></ul><h3>The Future of Low-Code Development </h3>As technology continues to evolve, the capabilities of low-code platforms will undoubtedly expand. We can expect to see more advanced features, better integration options, and improved performance in the coming years. However, it’s essential for businesses to understand the strengths and limitations of low-code platforms to make informed decisions about when and where to use them.In conclusion,low-code solutions like Power Apps are transforming the way organizations approach software development, allowing up to 70% of applications to be built faster and with fewer resources. However, for more complex, real-time, or AI-driven applications, traditional development methods remain the best approach. By leveraging the strengths of both low-code and traditional development,businesses can stay agile and competitive in today’s digital landscape.<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;" border="1"><tbody><tr><td style="width: 10%;"> </td><td style="width: 10%;"> </td><td style="width: 10%;"> </td><td style="width: 10%;"> </td><td style="width: 10%;"> </td><td style="width: 10%;"> </td><td style="width: 10%;"> </td><td style="width: 10%;"> </td><td style="width: 10%;"> </td><td style="width: 10%;"> </td></tr></tbody></table>Based in Burbank,California since 2015,Vimware is dedicated to supporting small to midsize businesses and agencies with their behind-the-scenes IT needs.As a Managed Service Provider (MSP),we offer a range of services including cloud solutions, custom programming,mobile app development, marketing dashboards,and strategic IT consulting.Our goal is to ensure your technology infrastructure operates smoothly and efficiently, allowing you to focus on growing your business.<a data-mce-href="https://vimware.com/about/contact-us" href="https://vimware.com/about/contact-us">Contact us</a> to learn how we can assist in optimizing your IT operations.

The Rise of Low-Code Solutions: What Percentage of Software Development Can Be Handled by Tools Like Power Apps Today?

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In today's fast-paced business environment, small to mid-sized companies often find themselves in a challenging position when it comes to software development.The need for custom applications to streamline operations, manage data,and improve customer interactions is clear,yet the resources to develop such solutions are often scarce.This is where Microsoft’s Power Apps and Power Automate come into play,offering a powerful,cost-effective alternative to traditional software development.<h3>The Power of Low-Code Platforms </h3>Power Apps is a low-code platform that allows businesses to create custom applications without needing extensive programming knowledge. It provides a user-friendly interface where users can drag and drop elements to build apps that meet their specific needs.This democratization of app development means that even those with minimal technical expertise can create functional,business-specific applications.Power Automate, on the other hand, is a service that helps automate workflows between apps and services.It allows users to create automated processes, known as "flows," to handle repetitive tasks, integrate systems, and ensure that data moves smoothly between applications.This not only saves time but also reduces the risk of human error.<h3>Simplifying Costs</h3>For small to mid-sized companies, the financial benefits of using Power Apps and Power Automate are substantial: <ol><li style="list-style-type: none;" data-mce-style="list-style-type: none;"><ol><li>Reduced Development Costs: Traditional software development often requires hiring skilled developers or outsourcing projects to development firms, which can be prohibitively expensive.Power Apps and Power Automate enable businesses to build and maintain their applications in-house, significantly reducing costs. </li><li>Faster Time to Market: These platforms allow for rapid development and deployment of applications. Businesses can respond more quickly to market changes and operational needs, gaining a competitive edge. </li><li>Lower Maintenance Costs: Applications built on Power Apps and Power Automate are easier to update and maintain. Changes can be made without the need for extensive coding, ensuring that apps remain relevant and functional without ongoing high expenses. </li></ol></li></ol><h3>Current Limitations</h3>While Power Apps and Power Automate offer significant advantages, they are not without their limitations: <ol><li style="list-style-type: none;" data-mce-style="list-style-type: none;"><ol><li>Complexity of Advanced Customizations: For highly specialized or complex applications, the low-code nature of Power Apps might fall short. Businesses with very specific needs may still require professional developers to achieve the desired functionality. </li><li>Performance Issues: As with any platform, there can be performance issues, especially with more complex applications or when handling large amounts of data. Ensuring optimal performance may require a deeper understanding of the underlying technology and best practices. </li><li>Integration Challenges: While Power Automate excels at integrating with many Microsoft and third-party services, there can be limitations or difficulties when integrating with less common or highly specialized systems.</li></ol></li></ol><h3>Data Storage and Management</h3>One of the critical aspects of using Power Apps and Power Automate is data storage. Businesses need to ensure that their data is stored securely and is easily accessible by their applications.<ol><li style="list-style-type: none;"><ol><li><a data-mce-href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/dataverse" href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/dataverse" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;Microsoft Dataverse</a>: Formerly known as the Common Data Service, Dataverse is a scalable data platform that allows users to securely store and manage data used by business applications. It's designed to work seamlessly with Power Apps and Power Automate, providing a unified and consistent data layer.</li><li>SharePoint: Many businesses use SharePoint for document management and collaboration. Power Apps can easily connect to SharePoint lists and libraries, making it a convenient option for data storage. </li><li>Excel and OneDrive: For smaller datasets or simpler applications, storing data in Excel files on OneDrive or SharePoint can be an effective solution. While this may not be suitable for large-scale applications, it’s an accessible starting point for many businesses.</li><li>Azure SQL Database: For more advanced needs, businesses can leverage Azure SQL Database. It offers a robust, scalable solution for storing relational data and integrates well with Power Apps and Power Automate. </li></ol></li></ol><h3>Conclusion </h3>Power Apps and Power Automate represent a significant shift in how small to mid-sized companies can approach software development.By lowering the barriers to entry, these platforms enable businesses to create custom applications and automate workflows without the need for extensive technical expertise or high costs. While there are limitations,particularly with more complex needs, the benefits often outweigh the challenges for many companies. With careful planning and an understanding of the best practices for data storage and management, businesses can harness the power of these tools to drive efficiency and innovation.In summary,Power Apps and Power Automate can be game-changers for businesses looking to optimize their operations without breaking the bank. As these platforms continue to evolve and improve, their potential to simplify software development and reduce costs will only grow,making them indispensable tools for businesses of all sizes.<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;" border="1" data-mce-style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td style="width: 10%;" data-mce-style="width: 10%;"> </td><td style="width: 10%;" data-mce-style="width: 10%;"> </td><td style="width: 10%;" data-mce-style="width: 10%;"> </td><td style="width: 10%;" data-mce-style="width: 10%;"> </td><td style="width: 10%;" data-mce-style="width: 10%;"> </td><td style="width: 10%;" data-mce-style="width: 10%;"> </td><td style="width: 10%;" data-mce-style="width: 10%;"> </td><td style="width: 10%;" data-mce-style="width: 10%;"> </td><td style="width: 10%;" data-mce-style="width: 10%;"> </td><td style="width: 10%;" data-mce-style="width: 10%;"> </td></tr></tbody></table>Based in Burbank,California since 2015,Vimware is dedicated to supporting small to midsize businesses and agencies with their behind-the-scenes IT needs.As a Managed Service Provider (MSP),we offer a range of services including cloud solutions, custom programming, mobile app development, marketing dashboards, and strategic IT consulting.Our goal is to ensure your technology infrastructure operates smoothly and efficiently, allowing you to focus on growing your business.<a data-mce-href="https://vimware.com/about/contact-us" href="https://vimware.com/about/contact-us" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">Contact us</a> to learn how we can assist in optimizing your IT operations.

Simplifying Software Development Costs with Power Apps and Power Automate

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In the fast-paced world of modern business, data is king.It drives decisions,fuels strategies,and empowers organizations to stay ahead of the competition.However,accessing and analyzing this data has traditionally required technical skills,often limiting its use to IT departments and data analysts. But what if marketing teams, sales managers,or any non-technical stakeholders could easily query their data without waiting for IT resources? Enter Natural Language Querying (NLQ) with Power BI and <a data-mce-href="https://copilot.microsoft.com/chats/5p2rvFSnZxnkFnxeNN8XK" href="https://copilot.microsoft.com/chats/5p2rvFSnZxnkFnxeNN8XK" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CoPilot.</a><h3>What is Natural Language Querying (NLQ)?</h3>Natural Language Querying (NLQ) is a groundbreaking feature that allows users to interact with data using everyday language. Instead of writing complex SQL queries or navigating through intricate data models,users can simply type questions in plain English (or any supported language) and get instant answers.This intuitive approach democratizes data access,making it available to everyone in the organization,regardless of their technical expertise.<h3>Power BI and <a data-mce-href="https://copilot.microsoft.com/chats/5p2rvFSnZxnkFnxeNN8XK" href="https://copilot.microsoft.com/chats/5p2rvFSnZxnkFnxeNN8XK" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CoPilot</a>: A Perfect Match</h3>Power BI, Microsoft's powerful business intelligence tool,has been at the forefront of data visualization and reporting.With the integration of NLQ and CoPilot,Power BI takes a giant leap forward in making data accessible and understandable to all stakeholders.Key Features of NLQ in Power BI with <a data-mce-href="https://copilot.microsoft.com/chats/5p2rvFSnZxnkFnxeNN8XK" href="https://copilot.microsoft.com/chats/5p2rvFSnZxnkFnxeNN8XK" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CoPilot</a>:<ol><li style="list-style-type: none;"><ol><li>Ease of Use: Users can ask questions in natural language and get real-time answers. For example,"What were the sales figures for Q1 2024?" or "Show me the top-performing products last month."</li><li>Instant Insights: No need to wait for reports or dashboards. NLQ provides immediate responses, helping users make quick, informed decisions.</li><li>User-Friendly Interface: <a data-mce-href="https://copilot.microsoft.com/chats/5p2rvFSnZxnkFnxeNN8XK" href="https://copilot.microsoft.com/chats/5p2rvFSnZxnkFnxeNN8XK" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CoPilot</a> guides users through the querying process, offering suggestions and helping refine questions for more accurate results.</li><li>Customization and Flexibility: Users can tailor their questions to specific needs, filter data, and drill down into details without any technical know-how.</li><li>Collaboration: Share insights and visualizations easily with colleagues, fostering a data-driven culture within the organization.</li></ol></li></ol><h3>Benefits for Marketing and Non-Tech Stakeholders </h3>1. Empowerment and Independence<ul><li>Marketing teams and other non-technical stakeholders no longer need to rely on IT or data analysts to access and analyze data. With NLQ, they can independently query the data they need, when they need it. This autonomy accelerates decision-making processes and enhances productivity. </li></ul>2. Faster Time to Insights<ul><li>In the dynamic business environment, speed is crucial. NLQ enables users to get answers instantly, reducing the time lag between data request and data insight.This agility is particularly beneficial for marketing campaigns,sales strategies,and customer engagement initiatives.</li></ul>3. Enhanced Creativity and Innovation<ul><li>By lowering the barrier to data access, NLQ fosters a culture of curiosity and experimentation. Marketing teams can explore data,identify trends, and test hypotheses without technical constraints.This freedom fuels creativity and innovation,leading to more effective and impactful marketing strategies.</li></ul>4. Improved Collaboration<ul><li>NLQ promotes a collaborative environment where insights are easily shared across teams. Marketing, sales, finance,and other departments can work together more seamlessly,aligning their efforts and driving cohesive strategies based on shared data insights.</li></ul>5. Cost and Resource Efficiency<ul><li>Reducing the dependency on IT and data analyst resources for routine queries allows these specialized teams to focus on more complex and value-added tasks.This efficiency translates to cost savings and better utilization of organizational resources. </li></ul><h3>Getting Started with NLQ in Power BI </h3>Step 1: Enable NLQ in Power BIEnsure that NLQ is enabled in your Power BI settings. Administrators can activate this feature,making it available to all users within the organization. Step 2: Familiarize Yourself with<a data-mce-href="https://copilot.microsoft.com/chats/5p2rvFSnZxnkFnxeNN8XK" href="https://copilot.microsoft.com/chats/5p2rvFSnZxnkFnxeNN8XK" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> CoPilot</a><a data-mce-href="https://copilot.microsoft.com/chats/5p2rvFSnZxnkFnxeNN8XK" href="https://copilot.microsoft.com/chats/5p2rvFSnZxnkFnxeNN8XK" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CoPilot,</a> an AI-driven assistant,enhances the NLQ experience by providing guidance and suggestions.Spend some time exploring <a data-mce-href="https://copilot.microsoft.com/chats/5p2rvFSnZxnkFnxeNN8XK" href="https://copilot.microsoft.com/chats/5p2rvFSnZxnkFnxeNN8XK" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CoPilot's</a> capabilities and understanding how it can assist you in querying data.Step 3: Start Asking QuestionsBegin by typing your questions into the Power BI interface.Experiment with different queries to see how NLQ interprets and responds.<a data-mce-href="https://copilot.microsoft.com/chats/5p2rvFSnZxnkFnxeNN8XK" href="https://copilot.microsoft.com/chats/5p2rvFSnZxnkFnxeNN8XK" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CoPilot </a>will help refine your questions to improve accuracy.Step 4: Visualize and Share InsightsNLQ in Power BI not only provides answers but also allows you to visualize the data.Create charts, graphs, and reports based on your queries,and share these visualizations with your team.Step 5: Iterate and ImproveAs you become more comfortable with NLQ, continue to explore its capabilities.Iterate on your queries, dive deeper into the data,and leverage the insights to drive your marketing and business strategies.<h3>Conclusion</h3>Natural Language Querying with Power BI and CoPilot is transforming the way organizations access and analyze data. By empowering marketing teams and non-technical stakeholders to query data effortlessly, NLQ fosters a data-driven culture, enhances decision-making, and drives innovation. Embrace this powerful tool to unlock the full potential of your organizational data and stay ahead in the competitive landscape.Start exploring the world of NLQ in Power BI today and see how it can revolutionize your approach to data-driven insights!<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;" border="1" data-mce-style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td style="width: 10%;" data-mce-style="width: 10%;"> </td><td style="width: 10%;" data-mce-style="width: 10%;"> </td><td style="width: 10%;" data-mce-style="width: 10%;"> </td><td style="width: 10%;" data-mce-style="width: 10%;"> </td><td style="width: 10%;" data-mce-style="width: 10%;"> </td><td style="width: 10%;" data-mce-style="width: 10%;"> </td><td style="width: 10%;" data-mce-style="width: 10%;"> </td><td style="width: 10%;" data-mce-style="width: 10%;"> </td><td style="width: 10%;" data-mce-style="width: 10%;"> </td><td style="width: 10%;" data-mce-style="width: 10%;"> </td></tr></tbody></table>Based in Burbank,California since 2015,Vimware is dedicated to supporting small to midsize businesses and agencies with their behind-the-scenes IT needs.As a Managed Service Provider (MSP),we offer a range of services including cloud solutions, custom programming, mobile app development, marketing dashboards, and strategic IT consulting.Our goal is to ensure your technology infrastructure operates smoothly and efficiently, allowing you to focus on growing your business.<a data-mce-href="https://vimware.com/about/contact-us" href="https://vimware.com/about/contact-us" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">Contact us</a> to learn how we can assist in optimizing your IT operations.

Revolutionizing Data Queries: Leveraging Natural Language Querying in Power BI with CoPilot

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In today's fast-paced business environment, decision-making speed and accuracy are paramount.For non-technical executives,accessing and understanding complex data without relying on IT departments or data analysts has long been a challenge.However,modern tools like Power BI,AWS <a data-mce-href="https://quicksight.com/" href="https://quicksight.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">QuickSight</a>,Looker,Sisense,Tableau,Einstein,Yellowfin,Qlik,and ThoughtSpot are revolutionizing the way executives interact with data.These platforms allow users to ask questions in natural language and receive insightful visuals that can be easily modified,thereby streamlining the decision-making process and democratizing data access across organizations.<h3>Natural Language Querying: <a data-mce-href="https://chatgpt.com/" href="https://chatgpt.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ChatGPT</a> for Your Data</h3>These tools function similarly to <a data-mce-href="https://chatgpt.com/" href="https://chatgpt.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ChatGPT</a>,an AI model known for its conversational abilities.Imagine having the power to ask your data anything, just as you would with a colleague,and receiving a clear,visual response.This capability eliminates the traditional bottlenecks where executives had to wait for IT or data analysts to generate reports.Instead, they can now: <ul><li style="list-style-type: none;"><ul><li>Ask Complex Questions in Simple Language: By typing or speaking questions in everyday language,users can query their data without needing to know SQL or other technical query languages.</li><li>Instant Visual Insights: The tools convert queries into visual representations like charts,graphs,and dashboards,making it easier to understand trends and patterns. </li><li>Interactive Modifications: Users can drill down into specifics,filter results,and customize visuals on the fly,facilitating a deeper dive into the data without additional technical assistance.</li></ul></li></ul><h3>Speeding Up the Decision-Making Process</h3>By removing the dependency on technical teams, these tools significantly speed up the process from query to insight. Executives can: <ul><li style="list-style-type: none;"><ul><li>Make Real-Time Decisions: With immediate access to data insights, executives can respond to market changes,customer needs,and operational issues in real time. </li><li>Increase Productivity: Time saved from not having to request and wait for reports allows executives to focus more on strategy and less on data wrangling.</li><li>Enhance Collaboration: Sharing interactive dashboards with stakeholders enables more dynamic discussions and collaborative decision-making. </li></ul></li></ul><h3>Democratizing Data with Built-In User Permissions</h3>While these tools open up data access,they also ensure that sensitive information remains secure through robust user permissions.For instance:<ul><li style="list-style-type: none;"><ul><li>Role-Based Access: Different users have access to different data sets based on their role within the organization.A CFO might query salary and financial data, while an analyst might access sales and marketing data.</li><li>Data Governance: Organizations can maintain control over who sees what, ensuring that data privacy and compliance requirements are met. </li></ul></li></ul><h3>Tools Leading the Charge</h3>1. Power BI and <a data-mce-href="https://copilot.microsoft.com/chats/5p2rvFSnZxnkFnxeNN8XK" href="https://copilot.microsoft.com/chats/5p2rvFSnZxnkFnxeNN8XK" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CoPilot</a>: With natural language Q&amp;A features, users can type questions directly into the search bar and receive visual answers. Power BI's integration with other Microsoft tools,combined with <a data-mce-href="https://copilot.microsoft.com/chats/5p2rvFSnZxnkFnxeNN8XK" href="https://copilot.microsoft.com/chats/5p2rvFSnZxnkFnxeNN8XK" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CoPilot's</a> AI-driven insights and recommendations, makes it a seamless and powerful addition to many business environments.2. AWS <a data-mce-href="https://quicksight.com/" href="https://quicksight.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">QuickSight</a> and Q: AWS <a data-mce-href="https://quicksight.com/" href="https://quicksight.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">QuickSight </a>provides a powerful BI platform, and its Q feature allows users to ask questions in natural language. It leverages machine learning to understand context and intent, delivering accurate and relevant visualizations.3. Google Looker: Looker’s natural language processing capabilities enable users to query and explore data effortlessly,providing immediate visual feedback.4. Sisense: Sisense offers a user-friendly interface for natural language queries, turning complex data requests into easy-to-understand visuals. 5. Salesforce Tableau and Einstein: Tableau's Ask Data feature lets users ask questions in natural language and receive interactive visualizations, making data analysis more intuitive. Einstein Analytics allows Salesforce users to interact with their data using natural language,integrating AI-powered insights seamlessly into the CRM platform.6. Yellowfin: Yellowfin’s natural language query functionality helps users ask questions and get visual answers quickly, enhancing data accessibility.7. Qlik: Qlik's Insight Advisor provides AI-driven insights and allows natural language queries, enabling users to discover and visualize data easily.8. ThoughtSpot: ThoughtSpot’s search-driven analytics platform enables users to query data using natural language and receive instant, clear visualizations. <h3>Conclusion</h3>The evolution of data querying tools that understand natural language is transforming how non-technical executives interact with data. By providing instant, modifiable visual insights, and robust security measures, these tools not only speed up decision-making but also empower stakeholders to engage with data in ways previously unimaginable. This democratization of data access is akin to having a <a data-mce-href="https://chatgpt.com/" href="https://chatgpt.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ChatGPT</a> for your data, making advanced analytics accessible to everyone in the organization, regardless of technical proficiency.<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;" border="1" data-mce-style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td style="width: 10%;" data-mce-style="width: 10%;"> </td><td style="width: 10%;" data-mce-style="width: 10%;"> </td><td style="width: 10%;" data-mce-style="width: 10%;"> </td><td style="width: 10%;" data-mce-style="width: 10%;"> </td><td style="width: 10%;" data-mce-style="width: 10%;"> </td><td style="width: 10%;" data-mce-style="width: 10%;"> </td><td style="width: 10%;" data-mce-style="width: 10%;"> </td><td style="width: 10%;" data-mce-style="width: 10%;"> </td><td style="width: 10%;" data-mce-style="width: 10%;"> </td><td style="width: 10%;" data-mce-style="width: 10%;"> </td></tr></tbody></table>Based in Burbank,California since 2015,Vimware is dedicated to supporting small to midsize businesses and agencies with their behind-the-scenes IT needs.As a Managed Service Provider (MSP),we offer a range of services including cloud solutions, custom programming,mobile app development, marketing dashboards, and strategic IT consulting.Our goal is to ensure your technology infrastructure operates smoothly and efficiently, allowing you to focus on growing your business.<a data-mce-href="https://vimware.com/about/contact-us" href="https://vimware.com/about/contact-us" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">Contact us</a> to learn how we can assist in optimizing your IT operations.

Talk to Your Data: Empowering Non-Technical Users with Natural Language (NLQ) BI Tools

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In today's fast-paced digital environment,the performance of your applications can significantly impact user experience and business operations.One common challenge many organizations face is the intermittent slow download speeds from Amazon S3 buckets,which can be particularly problematic for applications that rely on rapid access to large files, such as audio or video content.Fortunately,AWS provides a powerful feature called AMS Accelerate,designed to enhance the performance of S3 buckets and resolve such issues. <h3>Understanding the Problem</h3>In one of our recent projects,we encountered an issue where audio files stored in S3 buckets were taking an unusually long time to download.This intermittent delay was affecting the application's overall performance and user satisfaction.Despite various attempts to optimize the system,the problem persisted,leading us to explore more advanced solutions. <h3>The Common Solution: CloudFront</h3>Amazon CloudFront,AWS's Content Delivery Network (CDN),is the most common way to enhance performance. By caching content at edge locations worldwide,CloudFront reduces latency and improves download speeds for users regardless of their location.However,in scenarios where minimal latency is crucial,such as remote surgery where a surgeon operates from a different location,even faster performance may be necessary. <h3>The Solution: AWS AMS Accelerate</h3>AMS Accelerate is an AWS Managed Service that offers a range of features designed to improve the performance and management of AWS environments.When applied to S3 buckets,AMS Accelerate optimizes data transfer speeds by leveraging AWS's global network of edge locations. This significantly reduces latency and increases throughput,making it an excellent choice for applications where minimal latency is critical. <h3>Implementation and Results</h3>After enabling AMS Accelerate on our S3 buckets,we observed a dramatic improvement in the download speeds of our audio files.The feature helped mitigate the intermittent delays,providing a smoother and faster experience for end-users.The optimization process involved the following steps: <ol><li style="list-style-type: none;"><ol><li>Testing in Development: Like with all changes,it's crucial to test thoroughly in a development environment before deploying to production. We started by enabling AMS Accelerate on our DEV S3 buckets,running various performance tests to ensure stability and reliability.</li><li>Updating URLs: AMS Accelerate works on URLs,so it was essential to ensure that all URLs in our staging and production environments were updated to use the accelerate endpoint. This step involved auditing and modifying our application's codebase to point to the new accelerated URLs.</li><li>Monitoring Performance: After deploying the changes,we continuously monitored the application's performance metrics to verify the improvements and ensure there were no unforeseen issues.</li></ol></li></ol><h3>Best Practices</h3>While AMS Accelerate can significantly enhance the performance of your S3 buckets, it's important to follow best practices to maximize its benefits:<ul><li style="list-style-type: none;"><ul><li>Thorough Testing: Always test changes in a controlled development environment before rolling them out to production.This helps identify potential issues and ensures the stability of your application. </li><li>URL Management: Ensure all relevant URLs are updated to use the accelerate endpoint in both staging and production environments.This step is critical for leveraging the full benefits of AMS Accelerate.</li><li>Continuous Monitoring: After implementation,continuously monitor the performance of your application to ensure the changes are having the desired effect and to catch any anomalies early.</li></ul></li></ul><h3>Conclusion</h3>AWS AMS Accelerate is a powerful tool that can help resolve performance issues with S3 buckets, particularly those related to intermittent slow download speeds.By optimizing data transfer speeds and reducing latency, AMS Accelerate can significantly improve the performance and user experience of applications that rely on S3 storage.In our case,implementing AMS Accelerate resolved the issue with slow audio file downloads,demonstrating its effectiveness.However,as with any significant change,thorough testing and careful implementation are essential to ensure success.If you're facing similar performance challenges with your S3 buckets, consider leveraging AWS AMS Accelerate to enhance your application's efficiency and user satisfaction. For scenarios where latency needs to be minimized, such as remote surgery, AMS Accelerate offers a robust solution to ensure optimal performance and reliability.<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;" border="1" data-mce-style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td style="width: 10%;" data-mce-style="width: 10%;"> </td><td style="width: 10%;" data-mce-style="width: 10%;"> </td><td style="width: 10%;" data-mce-style="width: 10%;"> </td><td style="width: 10%;" data-mce-style="width: 10%;"> </td><td style="width: 10%;" data-mce-style="width: 10%;"> </td><td style="width: 10%;" data-mce-style="width: 10%;"> </td><td style="width: 10%;" data-mce-style="width: 10%;"> </td><td style="width: 10%;" data-mce-style="width: 10%;"> </td><td style="width: 10%;" data-mce-style="width: 10%;"> </td><td style="width: 10%;" data-mce-style="width: 10%;"> </td></tr></tbody></table>Based in Burbank,California since 2015,Vimware is dedicated to supporting small to midsize businesses and agencies with their behind-the-scenes IT needs.As a Managed Service Provider (MSP),we offer a range of services including cloud solutions, custom programming,mobile app development,marketing dashboards, and strategic IT consulting. Our goal is to ensure your technology infrastructure operates smoothly and efficiently, allowing you to focus on growing your business.<a data-mce-href="https://vimware.com/about/contact-us" href="https://vimware.com/about/contact-us" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">Contact us</a> to learn how we can assist in optimizing your IT operations.

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