ASUG’s SAP BusinessObjects User Conference 2013 will go down in the annals of BusinessObjects history as a milestone event.
While SAP is still trying to sort out how to position its ever growing portfolio of Business Intelligence tools, this conference clearly demonstrated that its customers have already figured it out and are deploying and benefitting big time.
Customers presented fascinating case studies on how they built true Business Intelligence applications using Xcelsius Dashboards, Web Intelligence, Explorer and Crystal Reports. Not only are these BI tools the most popular in use today amongst classic BusinessObjects customers who have owned the suite for more than 5 years but they are also the most popular for new SAP BI deployments.
Here’s a video with Don Woods from ARI highlighting what we call Limitless Business Intelligence
Real Experience: How to Deliver Limitless Business Intelligence
This year’s “ASUG Developer Wars” was simply a knockout. The four teams that competed were amazing and despite having to work with incomplete data, they created some awesome BI applications in just 24 hours. The dominant tool used by all 4 teams was Xcelsius Dashboards. When Welles Hatch, the CIO of City Year, declared “you just rocked my World” after seeing one of the entries that really summed it all up.
But what really made this conference stand out was the sheer energy and excitement of the participants. This was an energized community who love the tools they use and who are charged with new ways and ideas on how to use them. Many of the sessions were packed to capacity and people had to be turned away. The Exhibit area was buzzing with vendors showing exciting new solutions and ASUG’s live video broadcasts.
The REO Speedwagon concert on the last evening was rock music at its best. True professionals performing to true professionals with enthusiasm and energy that reflected the mood of the whole event.
Rumors of this being the last SBOUC may be premature. ASUG and SAP would surely want to repeat an event like this. Any attempt to merge it with another event would dilute its effectiveness and appeal. Business Intelligence by its very nature generates excitement and attracts a motivated community. Let’s keep SBOUC and continue to rock other people’s worlds.
Related post: https://infosolblog.com/reflections-on-asug2013-developer-wars-to-benefit-city-year/