Zoho Launches AI-Rich, Highly Extensible Version of Zoho Analytics, Democratizing Self-Service BI to Any Persona or Business.
Introducing unified metrics, generative AI-powered reports and insights, and a custom ML model building studio
Austin, Texas – September 12, 2024 — Zoho Corporation, a leading global technology company, today launched a new version of Zoho Analytics —Zoho’s self-service BI and analytics platform. Among more than 100 other enhancements, Zoho Analytics has developed powerful new AI and ML capabilities, enabling diagnostic insights, predictive analysis, and automated report and dashboard generation. Additional advancements to Zoho Analytics include a custom ML model-building studio, seamless integration with OpenAI, and third-party BI platform extensions. The new version of Zoho Analytics has added power, intelligence, and flexibility to serve a broader range of businesses and users than competitors in the market.
“Like Zoho, our company invests heavily in R&D, engineering all weather pools and spas that respond to the changing climate, cost, and technological concerns of our customers said,” Philip Edey, Head of Business Analytics at Arctic Spas, a global leader in cutting-edge, all-weather innovations. “Zoho Analytics has played a crucial role in the company, helping us plan strategically and stay ahead of the competition. The platform’s data prep tools ensure that our strategy is guided by accurate, actionable data, which Ask Zia and other AI capabilities can analyze quickly. From there, the platform’s predictive analytics allow us to forecast future trends accurately, while the new multi-layered mapping feature gives us the ability to visualize our geographical data at multiple levels. Whether it’s sales regions or customer demographics, we can now drill down into detailed map views to uncover trends and insights that drive strategic decisions. Developing a new line of spas is a significant undertaking and comes with considerable risk, but Zoho Analytics enables us to innovate and be first to market with great confidence and success.”
“Zoho Analytics launched in 2009 as Zoho Reports, long before technology had caught up to Zoho’s vision for business intelligence said,” Raju Vegesna, Chief Evangelist for Zoho. “Since then, Zoho has made considerable investments around automation, no-code/low-code development, third-party integration, machine learning, and Zia, Zoho’s in-house AI engine. The latest version of Zoho Analytics is one of the first solutions from the company that takes advantage of every one of these decades-long investments. The result is a democratized platform that is powerful, intelligent, flexible, and simple to use.”
The latest version of Zoho Analytics has advanced across four key areas: Data Management, AI, Data Science & Machine Learning, and Extensibility. Below are notable highlights of the platform across these four categories.
Data Management Hub
Zoho Analytics has expanded its data management capabilities, ensuring more accurate and applicable decision-making and deeper insights to accelerate business success. Key data management additions to Zoho Analytics are as follows:
- Zoho Analytics has added Stream Analytics and 25 other new data connectors to its expansive 500+ connector portfolio. Now, businesses may access a central repository of data pulled from a broad host of databases for more precise and efficient analysis.
- Within Zoho Analytics, users can now create and manage complex ETL data pipelines, ensuring data is properly extracted, transformed, and deposited by taking the following actions:
- Create end-to-end data pipelines using Zoho Analytics’ visual builder
- Build custom transforms and ML models using the platform’s Python Code Studio
- Transform data using natural language with Ask Zia, Zoho’s AI copilot
- Access an automatic versioning system and new Sandbox environment
- Orchestrate data pipelines using Zoho Flow
- Zoho Analytics’ new Unified Metrics Layer enables users to define, standardize, monitor, access control, and catalog all business metrics in a single pane. The platform also extends to serve in a Headless BI mode, allowing data apps to consume the same metrics in real time for consistent and dependable insights.
BI Infused with Generative AI
Zoho Analytics has introduced Generative AI capabilities across the BI platform to accelerate the adoption of insights for a broad spectrum of user personas. The following AI-powered enhancements deliver more efficient, contextual, accessible, and intelligent insights and actions to the platform:
- Diagnostic Analysis: Zoho’s AI-powered, automated insights engine, Zia Insights, now provides diagnostic analytics contextually, bringing decision intelligence into the platform.
- Ask Zia, Zoho’s Natural Language Querying AI copilot, now understands Spanish and French, allowing users to trigger actions and build custom data models in three languages. Users can now converse with Ask Zia within IM channels, including Microsoft Teams, to generate deeper, faster, and more contextual insights and actions.
- Zoho Analytics has added Auto Analysis, enabling AI-powered automated metrics, reports, and dashboard generation.
- Zoho Analytics’ seamless OpenAI integration—enabled by Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG)—drives more relevant and accurate query responses. Using OpenAI APIs with BYOK, users can more easily find public datasets and create formula & SQL queries.
Data Science and Machine Learning (DSML) Studio
Zoho Analytics now features the DSML Studio, allowing users to simply and quickly build custom machine learning models, which, for example, analyze or predict customer churn. DSML Studio offers the following capabilities:
- AutoML, a no-code assistant enabling users to build custom ML models easily. With feature engineering, hyperparameter tuning, and comprehensive model analysis, it enables users to train, test, compare, deploy, and manage models.
- Code Studio, the platform’s new integrated Python code environment where users can create custom ML models, as well as import Python models or externally built libraries, which can be executed within the platform.
Platform Extensibility
Zoho Analytics is more deeply extensible, allowing businesses to sync and standardize data stored across multiple tools and platforms for comprehensive analysis and insights. Zoho Analytics is a composable platform on which any analytical solution can be built. The following are additional key extensibility developments:
- New BI fabric enables businesses to consolidate insights from multiple BI platforms, such as Power BI and Tableau, onto one, easily accessible and searchable analytics portal. Access to the portal can be controlled with fine-grained access permissions.
- Within Zoho Analytics, users can trigger actionable workflows, including URL and Webhook actions. The platform integrates seamlessly with Zoho Flow, enabling 500+ app triggers.
- No-code data connector builder, allowing users to create custom connectors to bring data from any custom application. Partners can also build data connectors that can be published and sold on Zoho Marketplace.
The new Zoho Analytics release features over 100 updates, including new visualizations, enhanced dashboard building, audit and admin controls, revamped mobile apps, Right-to-Left (RTL) support, and more.
Pricing and Availability
The new version of Zoho Analytics is available immediately. For information on pricing, please visit:https://www.zoho.com/analytics/pricing.html
Analyst Statements
“The future for data analysts involves supporting machine learning and model training. Zoho Analytics’ additions of a model development Code Studio, AutoML, and OpenAI integration on top of Zoho’s previous work with predictive analytics and AI-powered assistant demonstrate Zoho’s focus on future-proofing the Zoho Analytics investment as a core technology investment both for Zoho One suite customers as well as standalone Zoho Analytics customers.” – Amalgam Insights, Hyoun Park, Chief Analyst
“Zoho is breaking new ground with the latest Zoho Analytics release not just because of the must-have AI enhancements, but also the increased data management capabilities, allowing for total ownership of business data said,” Albert Pang, president of Apps Run The World, a leading research organization focusing on the Apps marketplace with supplier insights and demand-side purchases. “This will be critically important for corporate IT architects needing to have greater control over how to manage and integrate different data sources, while scaling it out to run their own data lakes without paying a bundle to other providers.” – Apps Run the World, Albert Pang, President
“In today’s fast-paced business environment, the ability to manage and analyze data efficiently is crucial. The latest release of Zoho Analytics elevates the standard for self-service BI by integrating AI-powered features that streamline complex data workflows. With enhanced data integration, robust decision intelligence, and seamless extensibility, Zoho Analytics empowers organizations to gain deeper insights and make informed decisions faster than ever before” – Arion Research, Michael Fauscette, CEO and Chief Analyst
“Zoho’s comprehensive approach to analytics and data management positions Zoho Analytics as a valuable tool for businesses seeking to navigate the complexities of the modern data landscape. The latest upgrade adds yet more features, particularly augmented analytics and data science capabilities, to bring more value to an already competitive platform.” – Constellation Research, Doug Henschen, VP and Principal Analyst
“Zoho Analytics has quietly become a major player in the crowded Business Intelligence market. It is the second most used “application” in the Zoho One suite – impressive when you consider the suite has over 50 applications. In addition to direct users of the suite, several ISV and SI partners have adapted the analytics engine for their platforms, and as a result, Zoho can claim 70,000 analytics customers. Importantly, that also translates to a wide breadth and depth of data that Zoho’s over 500 connectors have access to. That range also positions it well for the growing Generative AI market, especially as customers look beyond initial, simplistic use cases for cross-functional and vertical ones.” – Deal Architect, Vinnie Mirchandani, Founder and Chief Analyst
“As organizations grow, the importance of end-user self-service business intelligence increases. Next-generation analytics platforms can help organizations enhance collaboration, improve user governance, and provide faster insights and decision-making that improve time to insight and action. Self-service business intelligence helps standardize and democratize data access across various user constituencies and communities, making data-driven decision-making more inclusive and effective.” – Dresner Advisory Services, Howard Dresner, Founder and Chief Research Officer
“Zoho has demonstrated strong alignment to the changing analytics requirements and advancements in product features across multiple layers of the technology stack. The developments will be pivotal to enabling Zoho to further create a competitive advantage and enhance customer value.” – Frost & Sullivan, Nishchal Khorana, Vice President, Global
“As organizations collect and ingest data that is growing in both volume and complexity, the latest release of Zoho Analytics can help organizations to easily monitor, manage, and analyze all their critical data, whether held within the Zoho platform or in third-party applications or sources. Zoho Analytics features significant enhancements around automation, integration, usability, and the incorporation of AI and machine learning, delivered via a self-service platform that quickly aids users with surfacing critical business insights and predictions, regardless of the organization’s size, industry, or current expertise with business intelligence software.” – The Futurum Group, Keith Kirkpatrick, Research Director
“IDC research shows that Generative AI has increased the focus around business intelligence. Organizations can leverage GenAI to automate insights, visualizations, detect anomalies,and generate predictive models faster. The ability to empower users will result in accelerated decision-making and establish a data-driven culture.” – IDC, Megha Kumar, VP of Research, Analytics and AI
“Zoho’s strategy appears to be aimed at making it easy for their customers to create traditional BI and advanced analytical solutions on the same platform. There is a wide range of capabilities that makes version 6.0 a product that can be used by all, including business owners and sophisticated coders.” – Info-Tech Research Group, Igor Ikonnikov, Principal Advisory Director
“Continuous learning and adaptation is a critical pillar for a successful digital workplace. Zoho Analytics’ integration with the broader Zoho platform, including Zia, its AI engine and assistant, is a major advantage for businesses seeking a unified solution for their digital workplace needs. By combining powerful analytics capabilities with tools for collaboration, productivity, and more, Zoho empowers organizations to extract deeper insights from their data, streamline workflows, and make data-driven decisions that drive efficiency and innovation across their entire operations.” – InFlow Analysis, Dave Smith, Founder and Chief Analyst
“Analytics and AI models share a common thread: they are only as useful as the data that goes into them, and the insights humans request of them. Zoho’s approach to AI-enhanced analytics allows even non-technical resources to gain relevant business context with natural language queries and automated dashboards assisted by their right-sized Zia AI copilot. Experienced data scientists and developers can do more complex data transformations, with custom machine learning models, SDKs, and integration libraries to extend analytics capabilities that leverage existing application suites.” – Intellyx, Jason English, Director & Principal Analyst
“Generative AI has the potential to change the face of analytics software, with natural language interfaces lowering the barriers for business users to access and work with data. As more business users begin to interact with and analyze enterprise data, however, the greater the requirement for data standardization and data management capabilities to provide users with confidence that the data is timely and accurate. The combination of enhancements being made to Zoho Analytics in its most recent release reflects the scale of the impact of artificial intelligence in the analytics sector.” – ISG Software Research, Matt Aslett, Director of Research for Analytics and Data
“Businesses are inundated with information from so many sources that an analytics platform accessible to citizen data scientists and advanced users has become essential. It can democratize data, improve efficiency, and ensure scalability—and, above all, help people get the job done. Zoho’s extensive updates to its Analytics platform leverage AI and machine learning, which should help more businesses and more types of users drill down into data, understand the reasons behind trends, and turn insights into action.” – Moor Insights & Strategy , Melody Brue, VP & Principle Analyst
“Zoho’s updates to its analytics suite extend the platform’s usability with capabilities that enhance and simplify the end user experience while delivering novel data management and data science functionality to keep pace with important AI innovations.” – Nucleus Research , Alex Wurm, Senior Analyst
“The latest version of Zoho Analytics takes a major evolutionary leap, and makes AI-infused business intelligence results available to all. Under the hood, Zoho has tackled complex technical challenges to enable ‘citizen data scientists’ to automate building machine learning models and extract actionable insights from natural-language queries all in a self-service platform.” – Opus Research , Derek Top, Principal Analyst
“There has never been a time when data is more important than it is today, and yet organizations struggle with managing, organizing, and getting value from the data they have. The key challenges they face are data velocity and diversity, data quality, complex analytical needs, broad adoption within organizations, and rapid technology change. I’m impressed by what Zoho brings with its AI-powered Zoho Analytics platform and think customers are going to love it. Zoho is upping the game on the BI front at a time when it’s most needed.” – SiliconAngle and theCUBE Research & Advisory , Shelly Kramer, Managine Director and Principal Analyst
“As the enterprise software industry rushes to adapt to a world where artificial intelligence (AI) is top of mind for every user, many software companies still struggle with embedding AI in ways that truly enhance productivity. Rather than incorporating AI just for the sake of it, the focus should be on placing it where it can genuinely make a difference. Zoho’s latest version of its Analytics platform exemplifies this approach. Staying true to the company’s commitment to responsible and ethical AI use, Zoho has taken a gradual and practical approach to AI integration. This thoughtful method prioritizes ease of adoption, tailoring AI capabilities to meet specific user needs while complementing other key features in their data management suite. It’s a consistent strategy that permeates all of Zoho’s applications.” – Technology Evaluation Center , Jorge Garcia, Principal Analyst, Analytics, Process & Data Management
“Zoho’s comprehensive approach to analytics and data management positions it as a valuable tool for businesses seeking to navigate the complexities of the modern data landscape. By addressing the complex challenges of modern data management and analytics, Zoho Analytics provides a valuable tool for businesses looking to stay competitive in today’s data-centric landscape.” – Techaisle , Anurag Agrawal, Founder and Global Chief Analyst
“AI and ML tools have been the purview of larger firms for years. Smaller firms lacked the people, tools, compute power, etc. to utilize these technologies. Zoho has made AI accessible to most companies now. They’ve made it quite easy for firms to integrate/load their own data, utilize third party data, tune algorithms, and visually see the results. Firms can even use low/no-code capabilities for some functions. The effect of Zoho’s new capabilities is to democratize advanced technologies and help small-to-mid-size firms achieve new insights and competitive advantage that rival those of much larger firms.” – TechVentive , Brian Sommer, Founder and Chief Analyst
“While data has always been the lifeblood of the enterprise, the rise of artificial intelligence and the re-emergence of workflow automation as a strategic imperative has elevated it into one of the enterprise’s most critical and strategic areas of focus. Zoho’s latest release of Analytics promises to speed, ease, and democratize data leverage through a difficult-to-strike balance of AI-powered ease-of-use, extensive data integration and orchestration capabilities, and the ability to build and support custom and proprietary machine learning models. It sets the stage to enable every organization to leverage its data as a competitive advantage.” – The DX Institute , Charles Araujo, Founder
“Zoho has continued to invest in its analytics solution to make it both easy to use and highly functional. Zoho’s platform approach means customers can leverage its analytics capabilities across CRM, finance, human resources, and other departments to drive greater value while lowering the learning curve for users. Zoho’s expanding AI features, including the Data Science and Machine Learning Studio, bring even more powerful capabilities to Zoho customers.” – Valoir Research , Rebecca Wettemann, CEO & Principal Analyst
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About Zoho
With 55+ apps in nearly every major business category, Zoho Corporation is one of the world’s most prolific technology companies. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, with international headquarters in Chennai, India, Zoho is privately held and profitable with more than 15,000 employees. For more information, please visit: www.zoho.com
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