Piwik is a piece of software which aims to be an open source alternative to Google Analytics. The software is downloaded and installed online by you, the tracking code is a simple JavaScript insert.

I’ve been playing with it for a few months, and while it’s not on the same level as Google Analytics for usability, some of the features make it a real contender.

Because it’s open source and has an open API and allows you to develop your own plugins, you can check out the live data available here – Piwik Dashboard – Wiffy.ie

Some of the cool things you can do, is the ability to widgetise the data, Wouldn’t it be cool to grab the latest KPI’s off your website all on one page, and drop them in anywhere by creating your own dashboard. But not just report on those figures, interact with them, change their presentation (try it below by clicking the icons to the bottom left)

I could see this being particularly useful for an intranet website where Google Analytics doesn’t work (for most companies) but also for those who don’t want their data shared with Google.
For an overview of what Piwik can do, check out the presentation below.

So, is it a Google Killer? not yet but it’s certainly getting there – the most obvious benefit of Google Analytics for me is the integration with Google Adwords, but this is becoming less of an issue as I’ve moved to third party tracking, bid management and optimising services.

What’s great about Piwik?

• Open Source – you are in control of the data
• Open API – very flexible for developing
• Plugins – add/remove data – build your own
• Live Data – up to date, see metrics right now!

Sounds good? Grab the latest version and see for yourself