A Comprehensive Comparison of Power BI & Dotnet Report
Build the same dashboards with Power BI and Dotnet Report.
Introduction
Business intelligence (BI) tools play a pivotal role in enabling organizations to harness data for informed decision-making and enhanced operational efficiency. However, amidst a plethora of available options, selecting the most suitable BI tool can often be a daunting task.
Currently, Power BI by Microsoft is a prominent contender in the BI landscape, whereas Dotnet Report is an upcoming software that allows for more customizations at a cheaper price. Both solutions offer robust capabilities in data visualization, analysis, and integration. Yet, they exhibit distinct features and functionalities, each with its own set of advantages and considerations.
In this whitepaper, we embark on a comprehensive comparison between Power BI and Dotnet Report, evaluating them across various parameters such as integration capabilities, usability, features, deployment, cross-platform compatibility, support, and the advantages and potential drawbacks. We will also see the steps to create the same dashboard on both Power BI and Dotnet Report. By the conclusion of this document, readers will gain valuable insights into the strengths and suitability of each tool, empowering them to make informed decisions aligned with their organization’s specific requirements and preferences.
Choosing the tool right for you
Data is an integral part of business operations in today’s digital age, with organizations generating and collecting vast amounts of data. However, collecting data is just the first step in a long process of understanding, analyzing, and utilizing it effectively. That’s where data reporting and visualization come into play.
Data reporting and visualization allow businesses to analyze and present their large volumes of data very quickly in a way that is easily understood, helping them to make informed decisions based on accurate and reliable information.
In today’s data-rich landscape, the importance of selecting the right business intelligence (BI) tool cannot be overstated. It’s not just about having access to data anymore; it’s about harnessing that data effectively to drive meaningful insights and informed decision-making. Choosing the BI tool that fits your organization’s needs and use cases is like selecting the right tool for any job—it can make all the difference in achieving your goals efficiently and effectively. Whether you’re aiming to optimize operations, identify market trends, or enhance customer experiences, the right BI tool empowers you to unlock the full potential of your data. By carefully evaluating your requirements and aligning them with the features and capabilities of available BI solutions, you can ensure that you’re equipped to thrive in a data-driven world, gaining a competitive advantage and driving success for your organization.
Dotnet Report
Power BI
stands as a formidable business intelligence tool crafted by Microsoft, delivering a comprehensive suite of functionalities tailored for data visualization, analysis, and reporting.
This robust platform empowers organizations to craft interactive and visually compelling reports, facilitating the extraction of invaluable insights crucial for informed decision-making processes. Its intuitive interface enables users to effortlessly navigate through data complexities, generating reports and dashboards with ease. Through seamless connectivity to diverse data sources, Power BI facilitates data cleansing, transformation, and the creation of bespoke calculations, while offering a rich array of visualization options including charts, graphs, and tables.
Accessible across various platforms including web browsers, mobile devices, and desktop applications, Power BI seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft offerings such as Excel and SharePoint, augmenting its utility within existing organizational ecosystems. Noteworthy for its potent data modeling and analytical capabilities, Power BI emerges as a pivotal tool empowering enterprises to discern patterns, trends, and anomalies, thereby fostering a culture of data-driven decision-making and enhancing overall business performance.
Constructing the same dashboard in DNR vs Power BI
Above you see two images of the same dashboard that was built on Power BI and also on Dotnet Report.
A lot of users researching which platform to get, question whether the same reports and dashboards that are more commonly built in Power BI, Tableau, and the big names, can also be built in Dotnet Report. Well, can they?
The answer to this is YES!
Dotnet Report can build powerful reports and dashboards that are required in the industry as well as any other BI tool in the market. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Dotnet Report and Power BI to see how they measure up against each other. We’ll explore their key product features, how well they connect with other tools, how easy they are to set up, and how much they cost. We’ll also discuss the good and not-so-good aspects of each tool. By the end of this comparison, you’ll have a clear idea of which one suits your company’s needs best.
Product Features
Connecting to Data
The first step to building the reports and dashboards you want is connecting to your data source. These data sources could include relational databases, spreadsheets, 3rd party apps, cloud providers, and more.
According to 6sense, over 426,575 companies worldwide are using Relational database tools, 152,991 of which are from the United States. MySQL with 42.16% market share (179,834 customers), PostgreSQL with 16.75% market share (71,462 customers), and Oracle Database with 11.36% market share (48,452 customers) lead the way.
When it comes to working with relational database tools, Dotnet Report emerges as an excellent choice. Dotnet Report connects seamlessly with MS SQL, MySQL, PostgreSQL, and Oracle databases as Dotnet Report focuses on being the go-to reporting and analytics solution for relational database systems.
However, in the modern technology landscape, it is also very common for companies and startups to be using a variety of different data sources. Some organizations prefer to keep dedicated report developers or designers who analyze their data for them regularly; these BI developers are familiar with using different kinds of data sources and prefer the autonomy to create reports and dashboards externally. If this is the case with your organization, then Power BI would be the right choice as it presents the license holder with hundreds of different data sources, including online services, cloud databases, files, and databases on a local computer or server.
Data Source Management
Data transformation features, including joins, filters, aliasing, type conversions, and data source management, are integral components of any robust BI tool like Dotnet Report or Power BI. These features enable users to manipulate raw data into meaningful data points that are easier to use when building reports or dashboards.
Joins allow users to combine data from multiple sources, providing a comprehensive view of the organization’s operations. Filters enable users to focus on specific subsets of data, refining analyses, and uncovering trends. Alias functionality enhances data clarity by assigning user-defined names to fields or calculations, simplifying interpretation. Type conversions ensure data compatibility and accuracy, facilitating seamless integration across disparate systems. Moreover, effective data source management capabilities streamline the process of connecting to and managing various data repositories, enhancing efficiency and data governance. These data transformation features play a pivotal role in transforming raw data into actionable insights, empowering organizations to extract maximum value from their data assets.
Both Dotnet Report and Power BI provide effective data transformation features to work with.
How setting up your data source in Dotnet Report looks like is shown below:
- After saving the data connection, you can add Tables and Fields that you would like your end users to use in Building Reports using .Net Report Builder. You can set the Tables, Fields, and Relations using the Online Admin Portal:
- After setting up the Tables, fields, and Columns, you have to set up the relationships so you can define how each table relates to the others. Click on the “Relations” tab to manage and set up Relations.
Power BI on the other hand follows the “Extract-Transform-Load” approach, as after you have connected to your data source you then have to first make the right transformations needed before loading it or loading it as is. Once you load your data into Power BI, you can create the report or dashboard you want.
Creating Your Report / Dashboard
Once your data has been set up, it’s time to create the visualizations or reports that address your business needs. To get to that beautiful dashboard that you have envisioned, you first need reports or visualizations that would solve a particular business problem. When KPIs that need to be tracked are finalized, you make a chart or report that serves the purpose of each KPI.
Both Dotnet Report and Power BI follow a simple process to create your reports and dashboard. Creating a report involves choosing the report/chart type, choosing the data that will power that report, adding the required filters within that data designing the report, and formatting it.
Even though both platforms provide plenty of features to design and create the report, their user experience is different. Dotnet Report allows the users to create their report in the right order by having a drawer slide from the right (as shown above), in which you first “Choose Report Type”, then “Choose Data”, “Choose Filters” and then as you scroll down you have the option to adjust other settings and manage your report access as well. You do the settings together, then run the report to view the outcome.
Once you have your charts or reports, it is very easy to consolidate them in the form of a dashboard in a drag-and-drop manner. This functionality is supported in both Dotnet Report and Power BI.
In Power BI, you add pages first and then build your visuals using the settings within their designer interface. For the average user, Power BI has a relatively more complex approach which requires an understanding of the product. The reason behind this is that in Power BI you can update, design, and format your report on the fly. Your report is at the center, and then you have a lot of settings on the top and right-hand side in the form of panes. As you make changes, they reflect on the main report as well. Power BI is dynamic and the page that you have added could be built as a dashboard or a single report. It gives a lot of design flexibility to the user.
Designing Of Reports
Dotnet Report allows you to design and format your reports using several different visualizations, such as bar charts, pie charts, a map, stacked charts, line charts, summary tables, or pivot tables. One great option that it provides is for users to drill down into aggregated data. You can adjust the color scheme of your charts, format the titles and texts, add images, and style the way each report looks.
For users who want their analytics experience to be simple and easy to navigate, Dotnet is their answer. On the contrary, Power BI specializes in report design with incredibly powerful design capabilities.
Inside the Power BI environment, Design is a huge priority as specialist developers and designers are usually the ones creating these fancy visuals. Even though Dotnet Report can build the same dashboards a user would build using Microsoft Power BI, because of the granularity of styling you can delve into with Power BI, if every detail in the design of your dashboard matters for your business, then Power BI emerges as the winner in this category.
As powerful as designing is in Power BI, the detail comes with the cost of time. Power BI dashboards take longer to create, and each dashboard or report has to be designed separately for web applications and mobile applications.
Reports and Dashboards built in Dotnet Report are mobile responsive by default and automatically adjust according to the screen size of the interface.
Publishing to your platform
In Power BI, publishing reports involves a multi-step process where users or designers create the report within the Power BI platform and then publish it to the server. Once published, the report can be embedded into relevant platforms or accessed via the Power BI service. However, it’s important to note that certain functionalities for a fully business-ready report may not be available until after publishing. Users typically need to navigate to the organization’s server to manage the published reports, where they can configure settings, schedule refreshes, and manage permissions. Only after completing these steps is the report or dashboard fully usable and accessible to relevant stakeholders within the organization.
In contrast, Dotnet Report simplifies the process of report publishing by seamlessly integrating the reporting functionality within the organization’s existing environment. There’s no need for external publishing, as Dotnet Report is already part of the organization’s platform. Users can create the desired report directly within the Dotnet Report interface, utilizing their actual data. Once the report is created, it becomes instantly available for use within the platform, eliminating the need for additional publishing steps. This streamlined approach not only saves time but also ensures that reports are readily accessible to users, enabling swift decision-making based on real-time data insights.
Report Management
In Dotnet Report, report management is seamlessly integrated into your existing system, requiring minimal external management. Users have full control over report settings, such as scheduling and sharing, directly within their platform. This self-service approach empowers users to customize reports according to their specific needs and preferences without relying on external resources. With Dotnet Report, the entire process, from report creation to scheduling and sharing, is centralized within the organization’s infrastructure, simplifying management and ensuring a cohesive user experience.
On the contrary, managing reports in Power BI necessitates dedicated BI resources to oversee various aspects of report lifecycle management. Designing reports, publishing them to the server, and managing individual reports or dashboard refreshes are tasks typically handled by specialized personnel. Additionally, configuring schedules and sharing permissions require ongoing oversight from these BI professionals. Moreover, if there is a need to embed Power BI dashboards externally, teams must rely on embed codes provided by Power BI, introducing an additional layer of complexity and potential dependencies on external systems. This distinction highlights the inherent differences in report management approaches between Dotnet Report, which seamlessly integrates within the organization’s ecosystem, and Power BI, which requires dedicated resources for report management and administration.
User and Access Management
Having user and role restrictions is essential in any modern SaaS application, it is crucial to set up proper access through authenticated Users and their Roles. Roles are predefined sets of permissions assigned to users based on their responsibilities or functional needs. End Users are then assigned roles that dictate their level of access and functionality within the application, ensuring efficient access control, scalability, and enhanced security by grouping individuals with similar privileges.
Dotnet Report recognizes this need and provides a multi-tenancy environment with a built-in mechanism to manage access to Reports and Dashboard by using the “Users and Roles” inside the web application. It can also be used to apply row-level data access restrictions within reports for greater and more granular data security.
Num of users, User Privileges and access management, Data level security, Multi-tenancy
Deployment
As a customer, deploying Power BI involves a straightforward process facilitated by Microsoft’s support and documentation. Upon selecting a deployment option—whether it’s the cloud-based Power BI service, Power BI Report Server for on-premises deployment, or Power BI Embedded for embedding reports into custom applications—users are guided through step-by-step instructions. The migration process, if applicable, is well-documented, with resources available to assist in transitioning from previous versions or alternate BI solutions. Post-deployment, customers benefit from ongoing support and monitoring capabilities, ensuring a seamless experience and timely resolution of any issues that may arise. Because Power BI operates independently, deployment times often span a few weeks to months because of data source assessments, training end users, and setting up access & security.
Deploying Dotnet Report is a hassle-free experience, offering simplicity and ease of use for customers. With comprehensive documentation and user-friendly interfaces, getting started with Dotnet Report is a breeze. Users can quickly set up Dotnet Report within their existing web applications, leveraging its fully managed web app-based reporting capabilities. The straightforward installation process and intuitive dashboard design tools empower users to customize reports and dashboards to their exact specifications. Dotnet Report can be deployed in less than a week within your platform.
A great resource: Get Started with Dotnet Report
When comparing deployment between Power BI and Dotnet Report, both offer user-friendly deployment processes with ample support and documentation. However, Dotnet Report holds an edge in terms of simplicity and customization. Deploying Dotnet Report within your existing web application is quick, thanks to its seamless integration and very little learning curve thanks to the intuitive interface. In contrast, while Power BI provides multiple deployment options and robust support, the process may be slightly more complex, especially for users transitioning from other BI solutions. Dotnet Report’s ease of deployment translates to potentially shorter deployment times, allowing users to get up and running with advanced reporting and BI capabilities more efficiently.
Integrations
When it comes to integration capabilities, Dotnet Report emerges as the frontrunner, offering a level of flexibility and seamlessness that sets it apart. While Power BI does provide integrations with various applications, including popular services like Google Analytics, its offerings are somewhat limited and predefined. Users are confined to the integrations listed on the Power BI website, with minimal scope for custom integrations beyond these options. Moreover, while Power BI connects to a wide array of data sources, managing and publishing dashboards and reports remain within the Power BI platform or select applications it integrates with.
In contrast, Dotnet Report seamlessly integrates with your existing business or web applications, functioning as a fully managed web app-based reporting tool. With Dotnet Report, users have the liberty to embed the reporting panel, customize reports and dashboards, and manage them directly within their web platform, offering unparalleled flexibility and control over the user experience. This approach essentially grants users the ability to leverage advanced reporting and BI capabilities within their ecosystem, without the need to reinvent the wheel or compromise on design aesthetics.
While Power BI may suffice for basic integrations and data connectivity, Dotnet Report elevates the integration experience to new heights, offering a solution that integrates within your existing infrastructure. With Dotnet Report, users not only enjoy effortless integration with their business applications but also gain the freedom to tailor the reporting experience to suit their unique requirements. This level of customization and integration flexibility positions Dotnet Report as the go-to choice for organizations seeking a comprehensive BI solution that seamlessly integrates into their existing workflows, empowering them to unlock the full potential of their data within their ecosystem.
Pricing
The way both products price their platform is different. Power BI offers a per-user per-month license cost to companies with two plan options: Power BI Pro and Power BI Premium. The total price varies with the number of users, and storage/compute resources allocated.
Dotnet Report offers a different pricing angle with 3 plans: Premium, Premium+, and Enterprise. The pricing plans vary depending on the number of API Requests per month, saved reports, databases, and multitenant end-clients.
Dotnet Report’s Pricing:
Microsoft Power BI Pricing:
Power BI Pro:
Power BI Pro costs $10 per user per month. This plan suits individual users or smaller teams requiring access to advanced features for data visualization, collaboration, and sharing within their organization. ($500/mo for 50 users).
Power BI Premium:
Power BI Premium pricing starts at $4,995 per month for dedicated cloud computing and storage resources, with the user license priced at $20 per month. For larger enterprises or organizations with extensive data requirements, Power BI Premium offers enhanced performance, dedicated capacity, and advanced features such as paginated reports, AI capabilities, and larger data volumes. Pricing for Power BI Premium can vary depending on the number of virtual cores and the level of utilization required.
Pros and Cons
Pros of Dotnet Report:
- Seamlessly integrates within your existing business/web app
- Fully managed web app-based reporting tool
- Customizable reports tailored to specific needs
- Open source frontend, you can design the management portal like your brand
- Affordable and Flexible pricing with customizable plans
- Powerful self-service data visualization and analysis tools and features
- Dedicated customer support and resources
- Advanced Multi-tenancy capabilities and access controls
- No report developers are required, users can build themselves.
Pros of Power BI:
- Connects to various data sources and data formats
- User-friendly interface and great report designing features
- Wide adoption, comprehensive documentation, and community support
- Advanced data visualization capabilities
- Regular updates and feature enhancements
Cons of Dotnet Report:
- Connects to transactional databases only like MS SQL Server, MySQL, Oracle, Postgres, and ODBC.
- Limitations in design and formatting capabilities
- Limited adoption compared to Power BI, potentially fewer community resources due to less time in the market
Cons of Power BI:
- It is more complicated, so it requires a larger learning curve.
- Limited scope for custom integrations
- No full control over reports and dashboards within own platform
- The free version is limited in functionality
- Power BI reports are not mobile responsive by default, separate mobile designs
- Power BI Designers and developers are required to manage and maintain reports, schedules, and deployments.
- Full deployment is expensive
Which one is for you?
- Enrich your software with embedded analytics and reporting features, utilizing your existing Users, Roles, Authorization, and Claims.
- Have full control over the look and feel of the reporting environment, and customize the designs.
- Save Costs on hefty software contracts that provide BI capabilities.
- Offer your users a smooth user experience and seamless integration with your app, without external embeddings.
If these points are important in your decision, then Dotnet Report emerges as the clear choice for you offering complete control by integrating within your application along with an open-source frontend.
On the other hand, if smooth integration with your system is not a priority for your company, and solely Data Visualization is more important for your company, due to its longer time in the market, Microsoft Power BI has great design and formatting features built inside the app, moreover, it also has a large user base and community offering their ideas and support. The pre-requisite to this is your teams need to be capable and equipped with the knowledge to use Microsoft Power BI for data visualizations. Power BI is a great option if customization is not a priority and your organization, can afford the licensing costs and the cost to hire developers that help you navigate through.
Conclusion
In conclusion, after thoroughly comparing Dotnet Report and Power BI, we’ve gained valuable insights into their respective strengths and weaknesses. Both tools offer robust features for data visualization, analysis, and reporting, yet they vary in terms of integrations, ease of deployment, and pricing structures. Dotnet Report impresses with its seamless integration within the .NET framework and customizable reporting capabilities, while Power BI stands out for its user-friendly interface and deep integration with Microsoft technologies. Ultimately, the choice between the two hinges on your organization’s specific requirements and priorities. Whether you prioritize flexibility, compatibility, or affordability, this comparison equips you with the knowledge needed to make an informed decision, ensuring that you select the BI tool that best aligns with your company’s objectives and fosters data-driven success.
