NBi

What NBi is

NBi is a Windows framework for writing and running tests against Business Intelligence systems and checking data quality. It covers databases, cubes, ETL processes, and reports, including SQL Server, SSIS, SSAS, and SSRS components in the Microsoft BI stack. Test specifications use declarative XML, so authors can describe checks without writing them in C# or another development language. NBi works as an add-on for NUnit: it reads XML test files and runs the tests through that framework.

For database access, NBi supports OleDb and ODBC connections, and extensions can make additional databases reachable. It also supports ADOMD-compatible databases, as well as stored procedure tests and data quality checks. The GenBI interface and genbiL macro language can automate test-suite creation, including suites with thousands of tests. Automation documentation covers building and running suites with Azure DevOps and AppVeyor. Test execution is self-hosted, so teams run the framework on their own infrastructure. NBi is open source and free plan; its maker says there is no commercial licence available. Releases from version 1.6 onward use the Apache 2.0 license, while earlier releases used MS-PL. Setup requires .NET Framework 4.5 or higher and NUnit 2.x; the setup guide says not to use NUnit 3.x.

Who it suits

NBi suits Windows-based BI and data teams that want to define database, cube, ETL, or report checks as XML tests. It is a fit for teams using NUnit and self-hosted test execution, including those who automate suites with Azure DevOps or AppVeyor.

Limits

The free NBi plan is an open-source framework, and the maker says no commercial licence is available. Setup requires .NET Framework 4.5 or higher and NUnit 2.x, not NUnit 3.x.

Getting started

1. Visit the NBi website and review its setup guide.
2. Use a Windows environment with .NET Framework 4.5 or higher.
3. Install NUnit 2.x; the setup guide says not to use NUnit 3.x.
4. Write tests in XML and run them through NUnit.
5. Use the automation documentation for Azure DevOps or AppVeyor, if needed.

Verdict

Pick NBi if you need a free, open-source way to define BI checks in XML and run them through NUnit on Windows. Look elsewhere if your environment requires NUnit 3.x or you need a commercial licence.