ESRI ArcView

Pros: ArcView and its extensions offer a full suite of highly sophisticated analytical tools that strongly support business analytics. I have used it to plan national and global initiatives that impacted millions of sales.

Cons: It does require a higher level of training and knowledge. The power user is typically someone who has had a good deal of formal training. I focus on end-state solutions and implications of data and look for solution vehicles that can derive the best insights.

Overall: I have used GIS tools for 15 years. Through the use of these tools, I helped build a business that generated over a billion dollars in revenue. The tools helped to provide fact-based, holistic solutions that supported a variety of datasets. Founder is a visionary.

Pros: Allows the creation of thematic maps quickly, easily

Geoprocessing tools

Allows integration with most database managers

Support to edit spatial attributes and data and integrate the base tables of maps with * .dbf, * .xls and more files

Allows 3D visualization of the territory

Support for CAD files, 3D

Integration with the rest of the suite ArcGIS products

Cons: It is expensive software

Only available for Windows

Requires prior knowledge of Geographical Information Systems, statistics, geography, cartography and spatial analysis

Overall: It allowed me to know and enter the fascinating world of GIS and spatial analysis

Pros: ArcView makes it super easy to break down data and look for patterns geographically. It is simple to use and intuitive to navigate.

Cons: The initial learning curve can be somewhat steep, but once you get there, the package makes total sense.