Python: Poor Mans Business Intelligence
By Ed Taekema in Jython, Python, Software on July 23rd, 2007
In his survey of tools that can be combined to create a powerful “poor man’s business intelligence” capability, Rohma Hidayat leads with Python and highlights among many things:
Python, a C-based platform, has Jython, based on Java, as a first cousin. Jython programmers can intermix Python syntax and Java, with access to the rich Java foundation classes
Along with Python/Jython, other technologies mentioned include PostgreSQL, OpenOffice, and R (and RPy See RPy – R from Python) for data visualization. This platform of components:
… plays a significant role in poor man’s BI. Python, the scripting language, can manage the data and system administration tasks, kicking off and conditionally executing jobs, assuring that tasks are completed as scheduled. Python, the database language, can access PostgreSQL efficiently through DBI and ODBC that, in tandem with Python’s file, string, XML and URL modules, provide a foundation for ETL. OpenOffice provides the window to the database. R, the data analysis language, is used to transform data to intelligence. There is, however, additional value when all components are integrated as one. And Python, the agile language, functions as the glue to unite all tools.
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