DemandTools vs. IBM Db2 Big SQL vs. Informatica Cloud Data Integration

DemandTools is perfect for any system that constantly adds new records to its database. For example, in higher education, we are constantly purchasing search names from various vendors and DemandTools allows us to make sure we are not doubling up on the same records. It saves us money in the long run as we are not mailing out multiple copies of our brochures to the same person.

My recommendation obviously would depend on the application. But I think given the right requirements, IBM DB2 Big SQL is definitely a contender for a database platform. Especially when disparate data and multiple data stores are involved. I like the fact I can use the product to federate my data and make it look like it's all in one place. The engine is high performance and if you desire to use Hadoop, this could be your platform.

Incentivized

We use it a lot for importing data. We transform the incoming data to match the formatting of our CRM. We also match on existing records to avoid creating duplicates. Informatica handles all of this exceptionally well. Our users are system administrators. The tool is not well-suited for users who do not have a technical background

Incentivized

• PowerGrid can review and make the updates simultaneously.
• Single Table Dedupe makes merg[ing] the records easy and can make updates at the same time.
• BulkBackup [is] just one click, majority data got updated.
• Scenarios save a lot of time for similar working load.

Incentivized

• data storage
• data manipulation
• data definitions
• data reliability

Incentivized

• Data synchronisation
• Data replication
• Data integration

• I wish I could make changes to my existing scenarios using save rather than having to create a whole new scenario. Maybe you can, I just haven't been able to.
• Some features aren't user intuitive and it takes a while to learn.

Incentivized

• Cloud readiness.
• Ease of implementation.

Incentivized

• There is a moderately steep learning curve
• Has some idiosyncrasies
• Can be finicky with date formats

Incentivized

It's a great product. The only thing that holds us back is it was frustrating working with their sales team. We also don't like that when Validity purchased DemandTools they immediately started charging us quite a bit while it had been free for non-profit users when CRMFusion owned it. They also don't let you buy it for just 1 or 2 seats, you have to pay, I believe, in batches of 100 seats.

Incentivized

Allows for control in uploading lists, saved processes for checking duplicate records.

Allows for backup files and quick reverts if something goes wrong.

Extends reporting when Salesforce.com cannot support specific pieces of info being put together in a report.

Automated processes for set and forget hygiene tasks

IBM DB2 is a solid service but hasn't seen much innovation over the past decade. It gets the job done and supports our IT operations across digital so it is fair.

Incentivized

There is a learning curve with Informatica. It is not always intuitive to use. It is best suited for technical users such as system administrators

Incentivized

There has not been a time since I started 9 months ago that I've encountered any kind of downtime.

Incentivized

DemandTools is a bit clunky and slow at times

Incentivized

Support can be slow so do not expect quick turn for urgent issues.
Help for specific queries not not there. Product tech support is offered. It would be great if query support, even if paid, was offered
The training webinars help with the basics but not much if you need advanced functionality.

IBM did a good job of supporting us during our evaluation and proof of concept. They were able to provide all necessary guidance, answer questions, help us architect it, etc. We were pleased with the support provided by the vendor. I will caveat and say this support was all before the sale, however, we have a ton of IBM products and they provide the same high level of support for all of them. I didn't see this being any different. I give IBM support two thumbs up!

Incentivized

The trainings are free live webinars that give you a solid base for getting started with the program. The only weakness is they don't have any advanced classes.

I had just started using Salesforce about 3 months before I did the implementation myself, and it was easy to do just following their step-by-step instructions.

Though RingLead has much more to offer in terms of automation (and it is in Salesforce rather than a separate program), DemandTools still has our heart. DemandTools is very cost-friendly and we were able to increase the value of DemandTools by programming in additional saved scenarios. I decreased admin time in the DemandTools suite by approximately 25% after implementing saved scenarios for every reoccurring update or list upload.

Incentivized

MS SQL Server was ruled out given we didn't feel we could collapse environments. We thought of MS-SQL as more of a one for one replacement for Sybase ASE, i.e., server for server. SAP HANA was evaluated and given a big thumbs up but was rejected because the SQL would have to be rewritten at the time (now they have an accelerator so you don't have to). Also, there was a very low adoption rate within the enterprise. IBM DB2 Big SQL was not selected even though technically it achieved high scores, because we could not find readily available talent and low adoption rate within the enterprise (basically no adoption at the time). We ended up selecting Exadata because of the high adoption rate within the enterprise even though technically HANA and Big SQL were superior in our evaluations.

Incentivized

It is really easy to comply and understand its features.

It's done everything we've needed it to do.

Incentivized

• It is a tremendous time saver. It does things Salesforce doesn't even have the capability to do. Tasks that would take hours to manually complete.
• We can process a tremendous amount of data daily through one person, vs. weeks for the data to be cleaned, reviewed, routed and input.
• Saves on headcount by allowing a dedicated user to set up batches and jobs for other teams to ensure their data integrity.
• The return on investment isn't easily quantifiable but it is FELT in our department.

Incentivized

• better data visibility
• solid reliability for mission critical data

Incentivized

• Really greatest than any other conventional application.