MicroStrategy has recently introduced its MicroStrategy AI portfolio, a collection of features aimed at enhancing the efficiency of data workers through the use of generative AI. This suite includes various capabilities such as natural language processing (NLP) that allows users to interact with data without needing to code, automated dashboard development, and text-to-code translation tools for data engineers and experts in data modeling.
Unlike its competitors, MicroStrategy did not previously offer a preview of its generative AI capabilities, making it one of the last major analytics vendors to reveal its plans for incorporating large language models (LLMs). However, it is also one of the first to make its generative AI features available to all customers. According to Donald Farmer, founder and principal of TreeHive Strategy, most vendors have been ambiguous about the extent of support they provide for their generative AI features.
While MicroStrategy may be among the first to move their portfolio into production, Farmer believes that it doesn’t hold much significance at this stage. The majority of organizations are not yet ready to integrate generative AI models into their operations, giving vendors time to refine their tools for generative AI modeling and analysis. However, as production uses of AI become more common, there will be a greater demand for fully supported products next year.
Before launching MicroStrategy AI, the company announced a partnership with Microsoft in June. This collaboration aimed to incorporate generative AI into MicroStrategy’s platform through integration with Azure OpenAI Service.
MicroStrategy AI is designed to enhance employee productivity through various new capabilities. NLP has long promised to make data workers and business analysts more efficient by enabling them to interact with data using natural language. However, previous tools developed by analytics vendors did not fully deliver on this promise due to their limited vocabularies. With LLMs trained on extensive public data, true natural language interaction becomes possible, allowing users to ask questions with different phrasing while obtaining accurate answers.
In addition to data analysis, MicroStrategy AI offers LLM capabilities for interacting with databases using natural language. Auto Answers allows self-service analytics users to have virtual conversations with their data, while Auto SQL enables developers and engineers to query and create tables using natural language. These tools eliminate the need for writing code, enabling business users to leverage data within databases for more comprehensive analysis.
Other tools provided in the MicroStrategy AI portfolio include Auto Dashboard, which automates portions of dashboard development and suggests relevant visuals and data assets, and Auto Expert, a chatbot that assists users as they navigate the platform. The portfolio also integrates with MicroStrategy’s governance capabilities and security measures to ensure the accuracy and privacy of AI model results.
While MicroStrategy AI does not particularly stand out from its competitors’ generative AI capabilities, it still offers valuable benefits to existing customers. The emphasis on security and compliance is appreciated by MicroStrategy’s customer base. However, it’s not significantly different from what other vendors like ThoughtSpot, Domo, and Tableau have also discussed.
Moving forward, MicroStrategy should continue to develop capabilities with its customers’ needs in mind. This launch is crucial, and aligning with organizations’ current use cases for generative AI and business intelligence (BI) will play a key role in optimizing these use cases and shaping future ones.
