Trail Versions for Tableau and QlikView: A Guide for Practice Purposes

Data visualization tools are essential for analysts, data scientists, and business professionals. Tableau and QlikView are two of the most prominent and widely used solutions in the industry. While both offer powerful features, their licensing models can sometimes be a barrier for those looking to explore these tools for practice purposes. In this guide, we'll explore the trail versions of Tableau and QlikView, helping you determine which might be best for your needs.

Understanding the Trail Version of Tableau

Tableau, a leading provider of analytics and business intelligence solutions, offers a student version that is perfect for those who are either students or just exploring the tool for practice purposes. The student version is available for free for a one-year period, provided you have a valid student ID. This version includes access to all the features of the full Tableau Desktop software, except for publishing to the Tableau Server or Tableau Online. However, if you're a teacher helping your students, you can also obtain a license to share with your class.

How to Get a Tableau Student Version

The process of obtaining a Tableau student version is straightforward but does require some steps. First, you should head to the Tableau website and navigate to the section dedicated to student downloads (). This page provides clear instructions for downloading the software. Here are the steps:

Step 1: You will be prompted to scan a copy of your valid student ID and upload it via the website. Step 2: Once your ID is verified, you will receive an email containing your unique License Key. Step 3: Upon receiving the License Key, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the registration process and start using Tableau.

Note that you can also use your friends or family members' student IDs to request a Tableau student version. This can be a useful way to explore the tool without having to prove your own student status.

Exploring QlikView and Its Trail Version

Despite being a past competitor to Tableau, QlikView does not currently offer a free trial version on its official website. However, it's important to note that Qlik предлагает пробные версии своих продуктов, которые могут быть доступны через партнеров и деловые партнеров. To find these, you might need to explore partner websites or contact Qlik’s sales team directly. Nevertheless, Qlik offers other forms of free access, such as online demos and webinars, which can be a good way to get a feel for the product.

What to Consider When Using a Trial Version of Tableau

While the Tableau student version is an excellent resource for practice, it's important to consider the limitations. As mentioned earlier, you cannot publish to a Tableau Server or Tableau Online using this version. Additionally, access to advanced licensing features, such as Tableau Prep or Tableau Server, is restricted.

Alternatives to Tableau and QlikView

Both Tableau and QlikView are powerful tools, but they may not be the best fit for everyone. If you're looking for alternative solutions, consider exploring:

Power BI: Microsoft's Business Intelligence tool offers a free trial version, making it a viable alternative for those who are already familiar with Microsoft products. Looker: Known for its intuitive drag-and-drop interface, Looker also offers a free trial, making it an excellent option for those seeking a straightforward data analytics solution.

By exploring these alternatives, you can find a tool that best fits your needs and budget.

Conclusion

Gaining hands-on experience with data visualization tools is crucial for anyone working in analytics. The trail versions of Tableau and QlikView offer realistic environments for learning and experimentation, although Tableau's student version is more accessible for those studying data science or business. Whether you're a student, a professional looking to upskill, or simply curious about these tools, familiarizing yourself with their trial versions can be a valuable step in your data analysis journey.