Information delivery must take into consideration end users' skills, roles, and responsibilities. Using standard Internet security practices such as profiles, users can be provided access to personalized views of analyses that fit their particular needs. Senior executives view aggregated and bottom-line information, while line managers have access to detailed analyses. The use of a common Web browser as an analysis front end greatly simplifies the process of getting users up and running on analytical applications. There is no need for client installation, training, and ongoing support.
All users have immediate access to the applications via the Web.
And, the average user can easily navigate HTML and Java applications with little to no training. Not only can next month's sales forecast be viewed, but it can be viewed with last month's sales results broken down by sector and geography. Information that originates from two different data sources can be combined into the same browser view to provide context for improved analysis and decision making. The final benefit provided by Internet technologies is rapid adaptability. Being able to identify trends, analyze opportunities, and react to or capitalize on dynamic changes is critical for long-term success.