Business Intelligence case studies are real life examples of a successful implementation of a Business Intelligence solution.
Often quoting several comments made by the client, they will highlight what solutions have been implemented, the issues faced, and the benefits received by the customers user base following its implementation.
While these can be useful, it should be borne in mind that they are effectively marketing materials, developed by the software vendor and normally only available on the vendors website. However, they can give the reader some confidence if a particular product under consideration has been implemented successfully at a similar company.
All the major Business Intelligence vendors will provide case studies from their websites. A few links have been provided below to some of the better case studies available:
Microsoft Case Studies
Panorama Case Studies
Business Objects Case Studies
Other case studies are written by research analysts, and are often sponsored by the software house. Where not sponsored, they are available for a fee.
Bear in mind when reading these case studies that they will ALL paint a very rosy picture of the software product or service. They will not dicsuss any of the problems, issues and pains experienced during its implementation.
Above all, you will find that the best references are those given by word of mouth. Speak to your colleagues in other organisations and hear what they are doing in the field of Business Intelligence. Also search the internet for the technology you are considering. Do the articles, forums, etc. speak positively about the product? Are they issues you were previously not aware of? Are users happy with the product? By doing this, you will be able to make a good decision on the Business Intellilgence product to buy.