These days data-driven organizations rely heavily on tools that can help them analyze and make sense of their data. Looker and Looker Studio are two popular platforms that have been gaining traction in the market due to their powerful data analysis and visualization capabilities. However, the value of these platforms does not end with data analysis alone. The ability to share reports and visualizations with others is equally important for collaboration, decision-making, and transparency within an organization.
In this article, we'll dive into the benefits and drawbacks of using Looker and Looker Studio for data sharing, and explore how you can effectively share your data-driven insights with others.
The Benefits of Sharing Data in Looker
1. Improved Collaboration and Decision-Making
Sharing data in Looker enables better communication and collaboration within an organization. By providing a centralized repository for data, Looker ensures that everyone is working with accurate and consistent information. This not only speeds up the decision-making process but also increases efficiency by eliminating the need to search for data in multiple sources.
2. Scalability
Looker is a scalable platform that can handle large amounts of data and integrates well with other data sources and applications. This makes it a great option for organizations looking to expand their data sharing capabilities in the future.
3. Data Security
While storing data in the cloud may raise some security concerns, Looker offers several security features such as encryption and access control that can help protect sensitive information.
4. Centralized Data Repository
With Looker, you have a central location for all your data, making it easier to find and access information. This saves time and reduces errors that may occur when pulling data from different sources manually.
The Drawbacks of Sharing Data in Looker
1. Vulnerability to Security Breaches
As mentioned earlier, storing data in the cloud comes with inherent security risks. While Looker provides security features to protect data, it's important for organizations to have strong data governance policies in place to mitigate these risks.
2. Cost
Looker is a paid platform, and the cost may be a concern for some organizations, especially smaller ones with limited budgets.
3. Steep Learning Curve
Looker is a relatively complex platform, and there may be a learning curve for users who are new to it. This can lead to a slower adoption of the platform within an organization.
The Benefits of Sharing Data in Looker Studio
1. Ease of Use
Looker Studio is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, making it easy for anyone to create and share reports and dashboards with others. This is especially beneficial for those who may not have technical expertise but still need to work with data.
2. Flexibility
Looker Studio offers various features that allow you to customize the data sharing experience. For example, you can control who has access to data and set different permissions for different types of data.
3. Security
Similar to Looker, Looker Studio also offers security features such as encryption and access control to protect your data.
The Drawbacks of Sharing Data in Looker Studio
1. Limited Features
Compared to Looker, Looker Studio is a less powerful platform and does not offer as many features. For example, it does not support advanced data modeling or machine learning, making it less suitable for organizations that need these capabilities.
2. Limited Integrations
While Looker integrates well with various data sources and applications, Looker Studio has limited integration capabilities. This can make it difficult to share data from different sources, limiting its usefulness for some organizations.
So Which Platform is Right for You?
As you can see, both Looker and Looker Studio have their own set of benefits and drawbacks when it comes to data sharing. Ultimately, the best platform for your organization will depend on your specific needs and priorities.
Looker is a good choice for organizations that require a powerful and scalable platform for data sharing. It's also suitable for those who have technical expertise and are looking for advanced features such as data modeling and machine learning.
On the other hand, Looker Studio is a better option for organizations that prioritize ease of use and flexibility in their data sharing process. It's also a great choice for those who are looking for a more affordable option and don't require advanced features.
How to Share Data in Looker and Looker Studio
Sharing data in Looker is often referred to as "data delivery" and can be done in a few different ways:
1. Save it as a report (or "look") to a dashboard
You can save your data-driven insights as a report and add it to a dashboard with other reports. This allows users to access all the relevant information in one place.
2. Download or send the data
You can download the data in different file formats such as CSV, PDF or PNG, or send it to someone else via email. You can also schedule the delivery of the report if you need it to be sent automatically on a regular basis.
3. Share the URL
If you want to share the most recent data with someone, you can simply click "Share" and copy the URL to send it to them. With the right permissions, they will be able to view the data directly from the link.
Sharing data in Looker Studio is similar to how you would share files on Google Drive. You can choose to either share the report with someone or schedule a delivery. With Looker Studio being built on top of Google Drive, it's easy to collaborate and share reports with others.
Conclusion: The Power of sharing data in Looker and Looker Studio
In conclusion, sharing data in Looker and Looker Studio has numerous benefits that can help organizations make better decisions and improve efficiency. With a good understanding of the different features and capabilities of these platforms, you can choose the one that suits your organization's needs the best.
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