Tableau, from Tableau Software, provides a powerful and intuitive visual analytics environment which suits a wide spectrum of use from Data Pioneers to Data Settlers.

Tableau Desktop provides Data Pioneers with the tools necessary to access and explore a wide variety of data sources, from local files (CSV, XLS etc.) through relational databases (SQL Server, Oracle etc.) to a number of specialist data warehouse technologies (including Teradata, Netezza, ParAccel and others). Tableau Desktop is available in two versions - the Professional edition provides access to the full range of data sources, whereas as the lighter-weight Standard edition limits access to local files.

Tableau Reader provides a FREE analysis environment for Data Settlers to explore visual analytics models prepared by Data Pioneers in the Desktop edition; Tableau files can be saved to network storage, or sent via email etc., to be opened and explored in Tableaus Reader. Tableau reader is very effective for relatively small analysis models - those which are based on small data sources, or provide high-level summaries of large data sets.

Tableau Server provides a central repository for teams of Data Pioneers using Tableau Desktop Professional, as well as a web-based Viewer/Interrogator environment for large numbers of Data Settlers who need to access large data sources. Tableau Server enables rapid transition of a visual analytics model from an individual Data Pioneer to a large audience of Data Settlers with minimal effort; an extremely powerful way to deploy comprehensive dashboards across the department, division or enterprise.