London Eye, by Scott Liddell, www.scottliddell.com
There are tons of free and fee-based analytics tools. Some are designed for complete novices and others are meant for only the most experienced data scientists.
Wherever on that spectrum you and your team feel most comfortable, there are software tools to help you get the answers you need from the information layers in your database.
New analytics and data visualization tools are being developed every day. Where can you find out which program(s) you should use?
I’m not one to reinvent any wheel that rotates beautifully on its own, so allow me to share with you some great resources I bookmarked recently to help you find the best analytics tools for your needs:
From ComputerWorld: “30+ free tools for data visualization and analysis” This title is deceptively modest, since there are actually 43 free tools listed on the page (as of 4/21/15).
Besides being very easy-to-read, this list is useful because each tool is ranked on a scale of 1 to 4 on the skill level required to take advantage of each resource.
From Predictive Analytics Today: “Top 27 Free Data Analysis Software”
You would think there would be a bit of overlap between this list and the one above, but only R makes both lists. The language of the site is aimed at the experienced data scientist and most of the tools listed are for pros. Still, it’s an education just reading what each tool can do. Also available on the site is a “Top 27 Predictive Analytics Software” list.
From Capterra, a searchable and filter-able list of 71 statistical analysis software products. Capterra provides free software-selection services to nonprofits and companies looking for all kinds of software.
There is little-to-no overlap between this list and the previous two because the software reviewed on their site is not free. (So the site is free, but the software listed isn’t.)
The benefit of the Capterra site is that it allows you to filter by number of users, select deployment type (web or downloaded), and choose features for the type of product you are looking for. This easy-to-navigate site also provides a description of each product with clear pricing, ratings, features checklists, and customer reviews.
Any other resource lists you would add?
