Suggestions for Dashboard/ Database Reporting software

We are looking for a reporting suite that will allow us to analyse our data. I'm not sure of the exact terminology for such suites but they are often known as 'Dashboard Software' or 'Database Reporting'

An example is: Wonder Graphs

We are looking for a suite that will integrate with our MySQL database and provide us with:

'Live' graphical Interfaces (Graphs, Charts) for viewing our data which are automatically updated
The ability to 'Drill Down' using these charts to see more specific information.

For example if a chart shows total sales, we want to be able to click on that graph and be shown information on type of sales.

The ability to export to excel
An easy-to-use user interface that allows non-technical users to create and customise their own views or dashboards.

If anyone can list software they use, have used, or know to be good that would be a great help.

If there is an open-source example available that is great however we are expecting to pay for such software.

Let me know if I have been to vague on details.

Thanks in advance, James

Solution

There are a few things to consider. Firstly, how much data do you have? MySQL isn't designed to be an analytics database. If you have a "small amount" of data, then it doesn't matter. However, if you grow or plan to grow, you may want to copy the data over to an analytic database such as Infobright. Infobright does have an open-source option.

On top of the database, you have a few open-source BI solutions that will work very well. Take a look at Pentaho, Jaspersoft, and Actuate/BIRT. Actuate has some great drill down options, and they also have a way to easily get this data to a mobile device.

Full disclosure: I am the open-source guy for Infobright.