Xpert BI’s Integration with TimeXtender: Enhancing Data Automation

In April of this year, TimeXtender acquired BI Builders, a prominent data automation software company headquartered in Stavanger, Norway. This acquisition was made not only to expand TimeXtender's standing as a global leader in data management and data automation, but also to increase what TimeXtender’s holistic data integration and automation tool could do. By integrating the strengths of Xpert BI, the flagship software product of BI Builders, into our data automation tool, TimeXtender can continue to offer a distinct and robust data solution, changing the landscape for data scientists, engineers, and analysts across every industry.

The Shared High-Level Vision of TimeXtender and BI Builders

At TimeXtender, our core purpose is to empower the world with data, mind, and heart. This idea aligns perfectly with the vision that BI Builders had when they developed Xpert BI. Both automation products have always emphasized the importance of metadata in data management:

• Separating Configurations and Modeling: Using metadata to separate the configurations and modeling from the underlying technology, allowing for a more streamlined and efficient data solution.
• Automation Through Metadata: Leveraging metadata to automate processes, reducing manual intervention and potential errors.
• Standardizing Development Patterns: Implementing consistent development patterns for smoother collaboration and scalability.
• Auto-generating Documentation: Harnessing metadata to generate comprehensive documentation automatically, enhancing transparency and knowledge sharing.

This shared vision forms the foundation for our integrated approach to data automation.

The Product Integration Journey Strategy

The integration of Xpert BI into TimeXtender's holistic data automation solution will be done through a detailed process known as a "feature chunk" approach:

• Strategic Selection and Prioritization: Carefully selecting, grouping, and prioritizing functional areas for inclusion.
• Merging for Optimal Functionality: Rather than simple replication, we aim to merge the strengths of both solutions to provide an enhanced user experience.
• Extending Custom Coding Support: Historically, custom coding support has been a distinguishing feature of Xpert BI. With this integration, TimeXtender will be able to offer extended capabilities for writing custom code in data transformations.

This approach ensures each feature integration step adds significant value to TimeXtender, while also aligning functionalities for a seamless transition for Xpert BI users.

The Product Integration Timeline

The Xpert BI product development team onboarded into TimeXtender during Q2/Q3 of 2023, following the acquisition in April. Work has already started on the first feature chunk – the integration of the Xpert BI REST API connection, with an expected completion in Q4 2023. The following feature chunks will be added throughout 2024. While a definitive completion date for the full product integration has not yet been set, we expect that Xpert BI customers will have the opportunity to migrate or upgrade to TimeXtender by the end of 2024.

Important Notes

• Continued Support for Xpert BI: We remain committed to supporting Xpert BI for as long as customers rely on the solution.
• Minor Updates and Patches: While there won't be new Xpert BI product releases, we will provide minor updates and patches to fix any reported issues from customers and partners.

As we begin this integration journey, we’re excited about the enhanced capabilities and opportunities it will bring to data engineers, analysts, BI developers, and all data professionals. With the combined capabilities of Xpert BI and TimeXtender, we’re redefining what's possible in the world of data management and automation.

Stay tuned for more updates on this transformative integration!