NBi
NBi is a free, open-source framework for testing Business Intelligence solutions and validating data quality.
What NBi is
NBi is a free, open-source framework for testing Business Intelligence solutions and validating data quality. It covers databases, cubes, ETLs, and reports, including SQL Server, SSIS, SSAS, and SSRS components in the Microsoft BI stack. Tests are described declaratively in XML, without requiring C# or another development language to specify them. NBi is an NUnit add-on that interprets XML test files and runs the checks. It connects to data sources through OleDb or ODBC, and extensions can provide access to additional databases. The GenBI interface and genbiL macro language can automate test-suite creation, including suites with thousands of tests. Documentation covers building and running suites with Azure DevOps and AppVeyor. NBi is self-hosted on Windows. Setup requires .NET Framework 4.5 or higher and NUnit 2.x; the guide says not to use NUnit 3.x. Releases from version 1.6 onward use Apache 2.0, while earlier releases used MS-PL. The maker says no commercial licence is available.
Good
- XML test specifications need no C# authoring.
- Covers databases, cubes, ETLs, and reports.
- GenBI and genbiL can automate test-suite creation.
- Documentation includes Azure DevOps and AppVeyor.
Watch out
- Requires .NET Framework 4.5 or higher.
- Requires NUnit 2.x; NUnit 3.x is not supported.
- No commercial licence is available.
Who it suits
NBi suits teams validating data quality or testing databases, cubes, ETLs, and reports in a Business Intelligence workflow. It is aimed at Windows users able to meet its .NET Framework and NUnit prerequisites.
Verdict
NBi offers declarative XML testing for a broad range of BI components, with automation options for large suites. Its Windows, .NET, and NUnit requirements—and the lack of a commercial licence—are important constraints to weigh.
Plans and prices
From NBi's own pricing page, checked 8 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| NBi | Free | Open-source framework · no commercial licence available |
The facts
Each one read from NBi's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- CI/CD
- The automation documentation includes instructions for building and running test suites with Azure DevOps and AppVeyor.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Commercial availability
- The maker states that there is no commercial licence available.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Coverage
- NBi targets databases, cubes, ETLs and reports, and supports SQL Server, SSIS, SSAS and SSRS components in the Microsoft BI stack.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Database connections
- NBi supports data sources through OleDb or ODBC connections, with additional databases reachable through extensions.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Issue reporting
- The maker directs users to report bugs through its GitHub issue tracker.checked 8 Oct 2026
- License
- Since version 1.6, NBi releases use the Apache 2.0 license; earlier releases used MS-PL.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Maintainer
- The website credits Cédric L. Charlier and states that its contents are © 2025.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Prerequisites
- The setup guide lists .NET Framework 4.5 or higher and NUnit 2.x as prerequisites, and specifies not to use NUnit 3.x.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- NBi is an open-source framework for testing Business Intelligence solutions and validating data quality.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Test authoring
- Tests are written declaratively in XML, without requiring C# or another development language to specify them.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Test framework integration
- NBi is an add-on for NUnit and interprets XML test files to run tests.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Test generation
- The GenBI user interface and genbiL macro language can automate creation of test suites, including suites with thousands of tests.checked 8 Oct 2026
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