The SharePoint Data Source is an extension developed by Ruths.ai for the application of loading data directly from a SharePoint list as a data source in Spotfire.
The value of the SharePoint Data Source comes from the ability to load list data, parameterize the data load, data-sync in near real-time, and create dynamic mash-ups with Web Player.
For some examples of how the SharePoint Data Source may be applied in the oil and gas industry, read this article: Spotfire and SharePoint