Tableau 10.2

Tableau 10.2, the latest release of the vendor's popular data visualization software, became generally available at the beginning of March. Tableau is on a rapid product development and release schedule, having just launched Tableau 10.1 in November.

The new edition provides enhanced mapping capabilities, including a new spatial file connector, which makes it easier for businesses to use spatial data directly in Tableau. The software now connects to ESRI Shapefiles, KML, GeoJSON and MapInfo file types.

Tableau 10.2 offers new data preparation features, such as letting users join tables from a database, leveraging database structure and schemas more efficiently. The new release improves accessibility for users with disabilities by conforming to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0 AA.

The release improves data governance through fine-grained controls over guest access. Connectivity with SAP BW is enhanced with single sign-on support. And the product now has 60 instant data connectors with new connectors for Apache Drill and Microsoft SharePoint lists.