What is the best tool for business intelligence?

The best tool for business intelegence is Cognos.

Cognos has vide range of functions and functionalities to represent the data.

Following are the functionalities which will help full for analysis.

Dynamic Cubes

Powerplay cubes

Dimensional modelled relational for OLAP data source

Models can be built for Relational datasources as well and it supports homogenious and heterogenious data sources.

Cognos has following reporting tools to explore data and develop reports :- Report Studio, Analysis Studio, Event Studio, Query Studio, Map manager etc.,

Hope this information is helpful

Thanks

Mohammed

No.1 BI Tool that is Business Objects (BO)

The best tool for business intelegence is one that you can build tailored to your needs. There are a lot of off-the-shelf software but none specific AND they are not cheap.

You can start off with FileMaker or Ms Access and call it a 'Competitor Intelegence Database' custom buld it to collect, store, and share (within your trusted sircle) information about your competitors.

The intent of this database would be to have functions such as: 

 - benchmarking competitive products or services

 - monitoring and collecting promotional materials

 - monitoring the press and jurnals for article, press releases and job ads

 - taking views fron the customers, suppliers, and partners

 - attending exhibitions, conferences, and membership of trade associations

 - maintaining regular searches and reports on the internet

 - maintain cintact/talk to former employees that worked for competting companies.

I know this sounds like a lot of efforts and recourses but this is one and only tool that answers your question above, and provides you results that you would stand out in the crowd of this competing world.

We are on the eve of technologicak revolution and you'd be amaized at what you can find on the internet nowdays.

Hope this helps.

Good luck,

Adnan

that depend on what  you want to analyse