This space is also known as data exploration or ad hoc Business Intelligence and is often referred to as dashboarding. The data visualization industry has garnered a great deal of attention over recent years because of the easy-to-understand format that complex data is delivered in.

Many experts have broken data visualization out as an area that should be looked at on its own merit outside of Enterprise Business Intelligence (EBI). This is largely due to requirements that point to quick data analysis and fast turn around for useful information in an efficient way. Many organizations deploy these tools departmentally and (often) very specifically with a strategy for long-term impact in mind.