Based on improved ad-hoc capabilities and recently announced changes to the licensing model of business intelligence software from Oracle, the ARP team has paused the current BRIO conversion and Tableau training activities to conduct a rapid technology and business case assessment of Oracle Analytics Server (OAS) and its ad hoc reporting tool, Oracle Data Visualizer (ODV). The potential for cost savings and the prospect of a having a unified Oracle reporting platform offering (possibly in addition to Tableau) presents an opportunity that must be explored further.
Please see the Ad Hoc Reporting wiki site for more details concerning this decision.
While the assessment of the Oracle tool is taking place, please note:
- The project team is committed to building excellent ad-hoc reporting services and offerings for the entire Harvard community
- If you have a current Tableau Desktop license, you can continue to use that license and Tableau; the pause in Tableau-related activities are limited to BRIO conversions and Tableau training activities, while the assessment is completed
- Ad Hoc Reporting Days (formerly Tableau Days) will continue into 2020
The OAS/ODV product is expected to be release in late January. While we await the release of the OAS, we will begin work on our OAS / ODV Assessment Plan:
- Review/refine case with Local Implementation Managers (LIMs)
- Identify a Core Assessment Team consisting of technical and functional resources from HUIT and the financial and sponsored ad hoc reporting community
- Create a detailed list of assessment activities and timeline
The Core Assessment Team will report its findings to the Executive & Steering Committees in March 2020
The enthusiasm and community engagement for the ARP project over the last year and a half has been extraordinary, and the team recognizes the disruption and confusion this may cause. However, project leadership and the team believe that this updated strategy for ad-hoc reporting will best position the Harvard community with high quality, cost effective ad-hoc reporting services moving forward.
The team looks forward to your continued engagement.
Please do not hesitate to contact the team at any time with questions you may have.