Exploring Sisense, Sigma Computing & Visivo

Sisense Vs. Sigma Computing Vs. Visivo

In this article, we'll compare the key features, capabilities, and differentiators between Sisense, Sigma Computing, Visivo. This comprehensive comparison will help you make an informed decision about which platform best suits your data visualization and analytics needs.

Quick Comparison

A high-level overview of key features and capabilities across these BI tools. This comparison helps you quickly identify which platform best matches your needs.

FeatureSisenseSigma ComputingVisivo
Deployment ModelWindows/Linux on-prem, Sisense Cloud (managed), Private cloudCloud (SaaS) - AWS, Cloud (SaaS) - GCP, Multi-tenant deploymentOpen-source, Cloud Service, Self-hosted
PricingCommercial (Proprietary). Pricing by seat and consumption.Commercial SaaS; no free tier (trial available). Proprietary.Open source (GPL-3.0)
Cost$$$$$$$$$$
Git Integration✔️
CI/CD & Testing✔️
Real-time
AI✔️
Visual to Code✔️
DAG-Based✔️

Deployment & Pricing

Understanding the deployment options and pricing structure is crucial for making an informed decision. Here's how each platform handles deployment and what you can expect in terms of costs.

ToolDeployment ModelPricingCost
SisenseWindows/Linux on-prem, Sisense Cloud (managed), Private cloudCommercial (Proprietary). Pricing by seat and consumption.$$$$$
Sigma ComputingCloud (SaaS) - AWS, Cloud (SaaS) - GCP, Multi-tenant deploymentCommercial SaaS; no free tier (trial available). Proprietary.$$$$
VisivoOpen-source, Cloud Service, Self-hostedOpen source (GPL-3.0)$

Target Users & Use-Cases

Each BI tool is designed with specific user personas in mind. Understanding the target audience helps ensure you choose a platform that aligns with your team's skills and needs.

Sisense

Product teams (embedded analytics)Enterprise analystsOEM partners

Sigma Computing

Business users (spreadsheet aficionados)BI & data teamsFinancial analysts

Visivo

Analytics EngineersData teamsBusiness usersEngineers

Ease of Development & Deployment

The development experience can significantly impact your team's productivity. This section compares how easy it is to build, deploy, and maintain dashboards in each platform.

Sisense

Sigma Computing

Visivo

Key Integrations & Ecosystem

A robust ecosystem of integrations is essential for modern BI tools. Here's how each platform connects with other tools in your data stack.

Sisense

SQL and cloud data warehousesSaaS applicationsJS embedding SDK

Sigma Computing

Cloud data warehousesdbt metadata syncEmbedding API for apps

Visivo

dbt coreAll major databasesCustom connector frameworkSlack for alertsGithub

AI & Advanced Features

Artificial intelligence is transforming how we interact with data. Compare the AI capabilities and advanced features offered by each platform.

ToolAI Features
Sisense
Sigma Computing
Visivo✔️

Visualization Capabilities

The ability to create compelling and insightful visualizations is a key differentiator between BI tools. Here's how each platform handles data visualization.

Sisense

Two flavors merged: traditional dashboard builder (drag-drop charts, with advanced widget for custom UI via scripting) and a notebook-style interface (from acquired Periscope Data) for SQL/Python. Visualizations include a wide range of widgets and the special Sisense BloX for custom coded infographic-like blocks. Highly customizable via JavaScript (for those inclined).

Sigma Computing

Spreadsheet-like UI on cloud data: users drag columns, create formulas in cells (Excel-style). Visualizations are built atop these 'workbooks.' Good variety of charts, but geared towards data in tables first. Custom visuals possible via SQL or minimal coding (no full script extensions as in PowerBI).

Visivo

Highly custom UI with easy defaults

Detailed Differentiators

Each platform has its own strengths and weaknesses. Here's a detailed breakdown of what sets each tool apart, including both advantages and limitations.

Sisense

+ Strong embedding and customization – you can integrate analytics into your product with full control (white-label). Now with modern DevOps support (Git, CI/CD) making it enterprise-friendly.
− Can be complex to administrate; the full platform (with Elasticube manager, etc.) has a learning curve. Some legacy vs new UI inconsistencies after merging Periscope.

Sigma Computing

+ Familiar Excel-like interface on big data – low learning curve for spreadsheet users. No data extraction – queries run in your warehouse, so leverages its power. Unique ability to "write-back" or materialize prepared datasets into the DB.
− Performance can suffer on very large datasets or complex filters (depends on warehouse; UI might hang on millions of rows). Less suitable for pixel-perfect presentations (focuses on ad-hoc exploration).

Visivo

+ BI-as-code approach enables version control, collaboration, and CI/CD workflows. DAG-based architecture provides powerful data transformation capabilities and dependency management. Seamless visual-to-code workflow allows both technical and non-technical users to build dashboards effectively.
− Requires understanding of data concepts; not a pure drag-and-drop tool like Tableau. Initial setup requires technical knowledge for optimal configuration.

Security & Architecture

Security and architecture are critical considerations for enterprise deployments. Here's how each platform handles data security and system architecture.

Sisense

DB Access: Depending on setup – Live mode: Sisense queries your DB on the fly (needs access); Elasticube mode: data is extracted into Sisense's proprietary in-memory cube (so queries don't hit source DB at runtime). Virtualization: Allows combining multiple sources in one view via its cubes (not exactly virtualization, more like federation into a single cache). Push: In Elasticube mode, data is essentially pushed into Sisense's storage on a refresh schedule. Other: Robust security – single sign-on, row-level security in Elasticubes, and extensive admin controls.

Sigma Computing

DB Access: Yes – requires direct access to cloud DB (Sigma sends SQL to your warehouse). Virtualization: Yes – leaves data in DB, no local storage (except temp cache), effectively a virtualization approach. Push: Not typical; however, users can push (materialize) a result back to DB if needed. Other: Data never leaves your cloud environment (Sigma runs within cloud region). Supports row-level security via warehouse and within Sigma. SSO support available.

Visivo

No db access required. Very strong security features due to the DAG-based access controls and the push based deployment model.

Why Visivo Stands Out

While each platform has its strengths, Visivo offers unique advantages that make it an excellent choice for modern data teams.

  • DAG-Based Architecture: Enables complex data transformations and dependencies
  • Visual to Human-readable Code: Seamlessly switch between visual and code-based development
  • Ease of Development: Multiple approaches to build for both technical and non-technical users
  • AI-Powered Development: Leverage AI to accelerate dashboard creation
  • Git Integration: Full version control and collaboration capabilities

Ready to experience the power of modern BI? Try Visivo today and see how it compares to other tools in your stack.

$ curl -fsSL https://visivo.sh | bash
Sign Up for FreeRequest a Demo
undefined
Jared Jesionek (co-founder)
Jared Jesionek (co-founder)
Jared Jesionek (co-founder)
agent avatar
How can I help? This connects to our slack so I'll respond real quickly 😄
Powered by Chatlio