Looker is a cloud-based Business Intelligence (BI) tool that helps you explore, share, and visualize data that drive better business decisions. It is now a part of the Google Cloud Platform
- Looker offers a centralized hub for data exploration, reporting, and collaboration by connecting to multiple data sources
- It is an enterprise platform for BI, data applications, and embedded analytics that helps you explore and share insights in real time
- You can use Looker to analyze your company’s data and make better business decisions.
When to Use Looker
If you’re looking for customized visuals, collaborative dashboards, and a single source of truth, plus top-of-the-line customer support, Looker might be the best BI platform for you. Being fully browser-based cuts down on potential confusion as your team gets up and running, and pricing customized to your company means you get exactly what you need to meet your company’s analytics goals.
When Not to Use Looker
If you’ve already bought into the Microsoft ecosystem, Power BI is your best bet. Introducing another tool will likely only create confusion and increase costs.
Looker vs. Looker Studio
Looker Studio is a part of Google’s Looker Suite for business intelligence. Looker Studio is a self-serve BI solution where less technical users can create charts and reports, while Looker is a complete, enterprise BI platform, where technical users can build complex models that consider every aspect of the business. Looker Studio offers both free and pro versions, while Looker is not available for free. Looker and Looker Studio integrate with each other to support both types of analysis at your business.