S620 IP4 Report: Comparing Data Visualization and Presentation Tools

This report provides a comparative analysis of several data visualization and presentation tools, including Tableau, R visualization, QlikView, FusionCharts, and Plotly. The discussion encompasses the functionalities, advantages, and disadvantages of each tool, such as Tableau's ability to handle fast-changing datasets and QlikView's self-service visualization capabilities. The report also evaluates the costs associated with each tool and the necessary skills for their effective use, including machine learning for Tableau and data exploratory skills for R visualization. Furthermore, it outlines key considerations for potential buyers, such as skill level, device compatibility, and budget for maintenance. The report concludes by advocating for open-source software over proprietary options, emphasizing community support, high quality, and cost-effectiveness. The essay is well-structured, providing a comprehensive overview of the data visualization tools and their comparative analysis.

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Introduction
The discussion involves responding to the thoughts, comments and ideas concerning
contrasts and comparisons of the various data visualization and presentation tools within the
market today. Moreover, the discussion involves the evaluation of the advantages, disadvantages,
knowledge and skills required for each. Below are some of the data visualization and
presentation tools.
Comparison and contrast of data visualization and presentation tool on the market today
Tableau
This data visualization and presentation tool enable creation of charts, maps, graphs and
other graphics mainly used in the corporate, for example, Citrix and Pandora (Roberts, 2016). Its
difference with other tools is that it can easily handle fast-changing datasets.
R visualization
It offers a satisfactory set of the inbuilt libraries and functions, for example, leaflet and
ggplaot2 when presenting data. It is different from other tools in that it creates plots in data
exploratory.
QlikView
This is customizable interface which has a high range of the applicable features used in
the creation of the analytics when carrying out data analysis, for example, JSON, pdf, SVG, png,
jpg and XML formats of data analysis (Choe & Lee, 2015). Unlike other tools, this is used for
the self-service visualization process.
FusionCharts

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This is based on JavaScript-based platform used to integrate different devices and
platforms hosted; for example, JSFidle. Unlike other tools, FusionCharts works with the search
browsers back to IE6 up to latest version and has scrolling capacity.
Plotly
Plotly is a web-based visualization tool which requires no coding. It is applicable in
complex visualization integrated and any chart made in other platforms, for example, matplotlib
and ggplot2. Unlike other tools, it is flexible for users having different skills and needs (Choe &
Lee, 2015).
Generally all the data visualization and presentation tools are used in choosing the
different graphs and visuals in data presentation.
Advantages, disadvantages cost and the knowledge and skills required for each tool
A tableau is a powerful tool but it consumes a lot time to apply in the computer because it
involved very complex processes. It costs $70/month for non-free version, and it needs
experienced users with machine learning skills. The QlikView advantage is that it is better for
personal level use as compared to others. Its disadvantage is that it is so much expensive because
it costs $1350 plus all maintenance costs. It requires professional data skills and experienced
users in popular programs (Agrawala, 2018). FusionCharts has scrolling capacity for easy use. It
is a sophisticated tool that requires more experienced users in data visualization programs hence
disadvantage. Its cost ranges from $497-$2497 after the free trials. Plotly visualization is flexible
for diverse skills, thus its advantage. The limitation of this tool is that it involves more complex
language python programs for data scientist skilled personal and it costs $4567. R visualization
has an input for the libraries advantage. Its limitation is that it is one user interface costing $786
and requires complex skills in data exploratory.

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Key considerations for buyers
The buyer should have some considerations before buying these tools. Some of the
factors to consider include if he/she has enough skills to use the tools. Buyers should check if
there are capable devices to support the tools and all their programs. The buyer should consider
if he/she has enough capital for maintenance of the visualization tools after buying.
Which are better- proprietary or open source?
Open-source software is better as compared to proprietary. This is because it creates
passionate to the community developers, has high quality, and it’s free or almost free, unlike
proprietary. It also provides powerful security of data.
Conclusion
The cost of every data visualization and presentation tool has been evaluated in the
discussion. Additionally, the critical considerations for the buyers have been discussed. Finally,
the essay has determines which is better between proprietary and open sources.

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References
Agrawala, M. (2018). Graphical histories for visualization: Supporting analysis, communication,
and evaluation. Journal of visualization and computer graphics, 14(6), 1189-1196.
Choe, E. K., & Lee, B. (2015). Characterizing visualization insights from quantified selfers'
personal data presentations. Journal of computer graphics and applications, 35(4), 28-37.
Roberts, J. C. (2016). Visual comparison for information visualization. Journal of Information
Visualization, 10(4), 289-309.