Introduction

Data discovery, also known as data exploration, is the process of uncovering patterns, trends, and insights from large volumes of data. It involves using various techniques and tools to analyse and visualize data in order to gain a deeper understanding of it. Over the years, data discovery has evolved significantly, driven by advancements in technology and the increasing need for businesses to make data-driven decisions.

In the early days, data discovery was primarily performed by data analysts and data scientists using specialized tools and programming languages. These tools required a high level of technical expertise and were often inaccessible to business users. However, with the rise of self-service analytics platforms, data discovery has become more accessible to a wider range of users.

Data Discovery Tools

Today, there are several players in the data discovery market, each offering its own set of features and capabilities. Some of the main competitors in this space include Tableau, QlikView, Power BI, and Looker. These companies have built powerful data visualization and exploration tools that enable users to easily explore and analyse data without the need for programming or technical skills.

In terms of features, Tableau is known for its intuitive drag-and-drop interface, extensive visualization options, and robust data connectors. QlikView, on the other hand, focuses on associative data modelling, allowing users to easily navigate and explore data relationships. Power BI, a product of Microsoft, offers seamless integration with other Microsoft products and services, as well as advanced AI capabilities. Looker, which was recently acquired by Google, provides a modern data platform that combines data exploration with embedded analytics and data governance.

As the industry continues to evolve, new players are emerging with innovative features and approaches to data discovery. For example, DataRobot, a machine learning platform, has introduced automated data discovery capabilities, enabling users to quickly identify patterns and insights in their data. Another company, ThoughtSpot, is leveraging natural language processing to enable users to ask questions about their data in plain English and get instant answers.

Conclusion

The industry is also changing in terms of the types of data being explored. With the proliferation of IoT devices, social media platforms, and other sources of unstructured data, data discovery tools are being adapted to handle these new data types. Companies are investing in technologies like natural language processing, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to uncover insights from these diverse data sources.

In conclusion, data discovery has come a long way, from being a niche activity performed by technical experts to a self-service capability accessible to a wide range of users. The market is highly competitive, with companies like Tableau, QlikView, Power BI, and Looker offering powerful data exploration and visualization tools. New players are also emerging, introducing innovative features and approaches to data discovery. As the industry continues to evolve, we can expect to see more advancements in technology and new ways of uncovering insights from data.