In a move that could shift the dynamics of the business intelligence space, Zoho Corporation recently rolled out a comprehensive update to its Zoho Analytics platform. The new Zoho Analytics AI update, unveiled on September 12, 2024, represents a significant evolution aimed at making advanced self-service BI more accessible for organizations of every size. I recently sat down with Chandrashekar LSP, Managing Director of Zoho Canada, for a walkthrough of the standout features and integrations that define this latest release.
Having tracked the analytics landscape for years, I’ve observed Zoho’s steady climb since launching the platform in 2009. This update, however, feels like a true leap forward. It brings together the company’s deep investments in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and low-code tooling to deliver a platform that is both approachable and technically robust — one that’s built for analysts and developers alike.
Watch my conversation with LSP on the Zoho Analytics AI Update here:
AI at the Core of the Experience
The standout evolution in this release is Zoho’s deep, platform-wide integration of AI. Generative AI is now central to the analytics experience, with the improved “Ask Zia” natural language assistant acting as a true AI copilot. It doesn’t just answer questions — it helps users trigger workflows, create visualizations, and build data models using conversational input. That accessibility, especially through channels like Microsoft Teams, could dramatically lower the technical bar for entry.
Zoho has also introduced automated insights and diagnostic analytics, helping users move from simple data descriptions to more sophisticated explanations and predictions. It’s a shift that encourages users to not just report on the past, but anticipate what’s next.
Introducing the DSML Studio: Bridging Business and Data Science
One of the most notable enhancements is the new Data Science and Machine Learning (DSML) Studio. This addition aims to democratize predictive analytics, giving business users tools traditionally limited to trained data scientists.
The AutoML functionality, which enables the no-code creation of machine learning models, is particularly exciting. For users without a data science background, this opens the door to predictive analytics and data modeling. Meanwhile, experienced users can take full advantage of the new Python Code Studio to build and fine-tune custom algorithms — a dual-track approach that significantly broadens the platform’s appeal.
Upgrades to Data Management and Integration Capabilities
While the AI tools are the headline grabbers, Zoho’s enhancements to core data management functions shouldn’t be overlooked. The platform now supports over 500 data connectors, including real-time streaming data sources. This positions Zoho Analytics as a centralized command center for enterprise data.
The ability to build and manage ETL pipelines directly within the platform is another key upgrade, potentially replacing the need for third-party integration tools.
Additionally, the introduction of a Unified Metrics Layer tackles the challenge of inconsistent KPI definitions across departments. This centralized approach to metric governance is a meaningful step forward for organizations focused on data trust and alignment.
Additionally, the introduction of a Unified Metrics Layer tackles the challenge of inconsistent KPI definitions across departments. This centralized approach to metric governance is a meaningful step forward for organizations focused on data trust and alignment.
Shifting the Competitive Landscape
This launch marks a substantial escalation in Zoho’s ambitions within the self-service BI market. By combining AI, data science, and scalable data infrastructure into one accessible platform, the company is sending a strong message to competitors and customers alike.
Smaller businesses now have access to capabilities that were once reserved for enterprises with large budgets and dedicated data teams. And larger organizations — especially those working in hybrid environments — will appreciate the governance features and extensibility. For developers and technical teams, Zoho’s open architecture and coding flexibility signal a platform ready to be adapted and extended in creative ways.
Opportunities and Watchpoints
That said, successful adoption of these features will depend on execution. The effectiveness of AI-powered insights and AutoML will come down to the quality of the recommendations and models they produce. Zoho’s ability to deliver consistent, trustworthy outputs will be critical for driving long-term user confidence.
Zoho is also entering deeper waters as it moves into territory typically dominated by established ML and data science platforms. Balancing advanced functionality with the platform’s trademark ease of use — all while maintaining excellent customer experience — will be essential to competing at this level.
But if there’s one thing I’ve seen from Zoho over the years, it’s a deep commitment to the user. Customer experience is deeply woven into the company’s culture, and this may prove to be its most powerful asset in competing with bigger names in the space.
Final Thoughts
With this release, Zoho Analytics has taken a bold step forward. By combining real-time AI integration, no-code machine learning, advanced data governance, and broad integration capabilities, Zoho has created a platform that can serve a wide range of business intelligence needs.
Whether you’re a small business getting started with BI or an enterprise looking to unify your analytics strategy, this update offers compelling value. As organizations begin to unlock the platform’s full potential, Zoho Analytics could very well redefine what businesses expect from self-service analytics tools.
