At Acuvate we have been having discussions with many customers about the Microsoft BI system. There are two main aspects which comes in this conversation.

1. I thought SQL Server is a Database, Is the ETL Component – SSIS a separate product which I need to buy? What exactly is the MS BI Landscape and Tools?

2. There are many reporting tools SQL Server Reporting Services, Power BI, Power Pivot, Data Zen etc. When do I use what and how is it licensed.

The way this question is best answered is through a System Architecture View. Let us now try and understand the system view.