Navigating the Future with BI 2025: A Glimpse into the Latest SAP Influence Council Meeting

On a recent morning, the latest SAP Influence Council meeting convened, uniting professionals dedicated to shaping the future of business intelligence through SAP Business Objects BI 2025. Held virtually, this session was a blend of technical insights and strategic discussions aimed at enhancing user experience and functionality in future BI solutions. Here is my take on the enlightening discussions that unfolded during this engaging session.

Opening Remarks

The session kicked off with an efficient virtual registration process followed by a warm welcome from the organizers. The agenda was clearly outlined from the start, preparing all attendees for a comprehensive dive into the upcoming features and innovations in BI 2025. The atmosphere was one of keen anticipation, as participants readied themselves for a detailed exploration of the new capabilities and the strategic roadmap of SAP Business Objects.

The Heart of BI 2025

Gregory Botticchio, a Director of Analytics Product Management from SAP, took the lead with a presentation that set the tone for the session. His presentation was both informative and engaging, focusing on the new features and the roadmap for SAP Business Objects BI 2025. Particularly compelling was the introduction of the Early Adopter Care (EAC) program, set to begin in December 2024. This program is designed to engage users in the development process, allowing them to provide feedback and influence the product's final features before the general release in the first quarter of 2025.

Interactive Discussions and Thought-Provoking Dialogue

Following the keynote, the floor was opened to questions. The session transitioned into a vibrant Q&A, with participants inquiring about everything from technical specifications to strategic implementation approaches. Gregory and his team were thorough in their responses, demonstrating a deep commitment to refining BI 2025 based on user feedback and needs.

The discussion particularly focused on the new support and maintenance strategy, which introduces a shorter mainstream support phase followed by an extended, customer-specific maintenance period. This change sparked a lively debate about its implications for long-term usage and planning within organizations.

Conclusion and Reflective Thoughts

As the meeting concluded, it was clear that all participants shared a sense of engagement and anticipation for the future capabilities of BI 2025. The session not only provided valuable insights into the upcoming features but also offered a platform for direct interaction with the developers, enhancing the community's ability to shape the product.

Reflecting on the day's discussions, I felt enriched and inspired by the potential of BI 2025 to enhance business intelligence practices. The meeting was a testament to the power of community and innovation in technology, and I am eagerly looking forward to participating in the EAC program and continuing this journey of discovery and improvement.

For more information visit the ASUG site at https://www.asug.com/events/asug-business-technology-platform-btp-community-alliance-presents-sap-businessobjects-bi-platform-influence-council-4