Tableau is introducing a new artificial intelligence tool called Einstein Copilot that aims to make its data analysis and visualization features more accessible to a wider range of users. This tool allows Tableau users to ask questions about their data in natural language and receive answers in the form of data visualizations and text. Salesforce, which acquired Tableau for $15.7 billion in 2019, is rolling out this AI feature across its platforms as well. The goal is to help both non-expert and advanced users in their data analysis tasks while ensuring data privacy and security through the inclusion of Salesforce’s Einstein Trust Layer.
Tableau CEO Ryan Aytay noted that Einstein Copilot is aligned with the company’s original vision of helping users “see and understand data.” The tool is designed to improve the efficiency of users within Tableau and automate the process of data visualization and analysis. Microsoft, a competitor to Tableau, is also incorporating AI technology into its Power BI data visualization platform. Einstein Copilot can suggest follow-up questions to users based on their initial prompts and updates graphics and insights dynamically within Tableau as the conversation progresses.
Users of Tableau’s cloud-based versions can sign up for the beta release of Einstein Copilot on the Tableau website. The tool is expected to be generally available in June, although pricing and other details for the wider release are yet to be announced. Despite the focus on cloud versions, Tableau is still investing in its on-premises and server products for users who prefer those versions. Aytay, who took over as CEO last year, has been working on improving Tableau’s customer support, addressing concerns that were raised by Gartner in its Magic Quadrant report on analytics and business intelligence vendors.
Aytay is set to share more about Tableau’s vision and product roadmap at the upcoming Tableau Conference to be held from April 29 to May 1 in San Diego. The inclusion of AI capabilities like Einstein Copilot is becoming essential for software vendors across various segments, with Microsoft also implementing its Copilot AI technology in competition with Tableau. By allowing users to ask questions about their data and receive instant visualizations and insights, these AI tools aim to enhance the user experience and make data analysis more efficient and accessible for both beginners and advanced users.
