Mixed bag of tools for SQL Server 7

A flotilla of business intelligence tools will follow in the wake of Microsoft's SQL Server 7, launched last week - but some will be more seaworthy than others, writes Lisa Kelly.

The tools will hook into SQL Server 7 Olap Services, an analysis tool bundled with the relational database. However, many desktop tools will only have compatibility bolted on, rather than built from the ground up, say analysts.

Ovum analyst Mary Hope said: 'These tools will be fatter, more expensive, slightly slower and less intuitive than the leaner, meaner tools built specifically to work as a front end to Microsoft's Olap engine.'

To coincide with the release of SQL Server 7, Cognos last week launched its NovaView, formerly known as Aristotle, built from the ground up for SQL Server 7. However, according to Nigel Pendse, author of The Olap Report, its position will not be unique for long. Next month Knosys will release a client tool, ProClarity, which is also fully compatible with SQL Server 7.

Pendse said while the real innovations are coming from smaller companies, the good news for users is that all the tools are now 'noticeably cheaper than the previous generation of Olap clients'.