What’s New in Qlik Cloud

Data Analytics

Qlik continues to push the boundaries of analytics with new features in Qlik Sense, including powerful JSON support, enhancements to Direct Access Gateway, and a suite of styling and automation tools to streamline data handling, visualisation, and integration. Here’s a breakdown of the latest updates.

1. Hierarchical Data File Management

Qlik has introduced Enhanced File Management, allowing users to structure files in directories and subdirectories. With batch actions like move, copy, cut, and paste, managing files has never been easier. This capability significantly improves the management of data assets on the platform and helps users maintain a well-organised data environment.

2. Enhanced Usability in the Selection Bar

The selection bar now uses custom labels for master dimensions rather than raw field names, making it easier to create and manage multilingual applications. This will replace the raw field name with the master dimension name in the selection bar, for a more user-friendly experience.

3. Native JSON Support in Qlik Sense

JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) is a standard text-based format for representing data and extensively used in web applications. With native JSON support, Qlik Sense now allows direct loading and parsing of JSON files, making it easier than ever to work with unstructured data.

Here’s how this new capability empowers users:

• Direct Loading: JSON files can be loaded directly into Qlik Sense without needing additional connectors, saving time and resources.
• Wildcard and Multi-File Support: Users can combine multiple JSON files, even if file structures differ, for greater flexibility in data handling.
• Dynamic Model Creation: Qlik Sense dynamically models data from various source files, making it more adaptable to complex data sources.
• Large File Handling: Qlik Sense now supports larger and more complex JSON files, accommodating diverse data use cases.
• Enhanced UI for JSON: The JSON data load wizard simplifies setup with wizard-driven steps, reducing setup time and enhancing user experience.

In addition, JSON files are now supported in the Qlik Cloud Catalog for data profiling, giving users greater insight into their JSON datasets.

4. Streamlined Access with Qlik Anonymous Access

Qlik Anonymous Access allows users to share analytics content without requiring individual user accounts. This feature supports embedded content (via qlik-embed) and direct links to Qlik Sense applications, broadening engagement possibilities with partners and stakeholders without managing user accounts.

5. Enhanced Customisation and Styling Options

Qlik has introduced new styling options, making it easier to customise the look and feel of charts and tables:

• Selection Bar Styling: Users can now style the selection bar using custom themes for a cohesive visual experience.
• Straight Table Styling: Additional styling options include background colours, font customisation, grid styling, and hover colour options, enhancing the aesthetics and readability of tables.
• Chart Background by URL: Users can add dynamic backgrounds to charts, tables, and map icons using external URLs or data URIs, providing greater flexibility and design possibilities.

6. Direct Access Gateway 1.6.9

The Direct Access Gateway has been updated to version 1.6.9, featuring several upgrades:

• Process Isolation by Default: This mode is now enabled by default, enhancing security. For existing users upgrading, previous isolation settings will be preserved.
• Simplified Configuration: To reduce errors, the configuration.properties template file has been removed, with a single file now located at C:ProgramDataQlikGateway. This version also addresses various issues, so upgrading is recommended to take advantage of the latest security and stability improvements.

7. Qlik Application Automation Enhancements

Several new automation features have been added to Qlik Application Automation:

• Get Chart Image Block: This feature allows users to generate chart images within automation workflows, making it easy to distribute insights across applications.
• Execution Token Renewal: Automations now support token renewal directly from the Start block, ensuring workflows continue running without interruption.

8. New Qlik Sense Features for Machine Learning

Qlik Sense is also making strides in Machine Learning (ML) with updates aimed at optimising training and experimentation:

• Time-Aware Training: Users can now use date-based parameters as test-train splits for experiments, making it ideal for time-sensitive datasets.
• Exporting ML Datasets: Datasets used for testing during model training can now be exported for further analysis, facilitating a seamless flow from model training to data evaluation.
• Localised Embedded Analytics: Embedded analytics in ML experiments now supports localisation based on the user’s language, making analytics accessible to a broader global audience.

9. Improved Platform Security and Access Control

Qlik has also improved security and access control:

• Key Pair Support for OIDC Identity Providers: Qlik now supports public-private key pairs when using OpenID Connect Identity Providers, ensuring secure user authentication.