Features

Features

• Machine learning in the cloud forces hard big data decisions

  Interest in implementing a cloud machine learning platform is up, but not every business is sold on the benefits of this emerging class of software.  Continue Reading

• Barbecue chain eyes using Alexa to augment BI dashboards in kitchens

  Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants plans to use Amazon Alexa so franchisees can get operational data while cooking, with dashboards still available for querying outside the barbecue pit.  Continue Reading

• Exploring Microsoft R Open, R Server for advanced analytics

  Learn about the features and components of the Microsoft R family of predictive analytics tools, which includes Microsoft R Open, Microsoft R Client and Microsoft R Server.  Continue Reading

• Inside the SAP BusinessObjects Predictive Analytics tool suite

  The SAP BusinessObjects Predictive Analytics suite of on-premises and cloud-based tools can be used by data scientists, analytics professionals, as well as less technical teams.  Continue Reading

• Tips on how to get the most out of data dashboard software

  When used right, data dashboards can lead to major business value. But planning and the overall user experience are both key to getting the most out of them, consultant Mico Yuk says.  Continue Reading

• Big data forces a reassessment of how to use BI dashboard software

  BI dashboards are still a top priority for most businesses, but emerging trends around big data are forcing BI and IT teams to rethink how dashboards can be built and used most effectively.  Continue Reading

• How SAS Enterprise Miner simplifies the data mining process

  The SAS Enterprise Miner data mining tool helps users develop descriptive and predictive models, including components for predictive modeling and in-database scoring.  Continue Reading

• Inside RapidMiner's data science platform

  The RapidMiner data science platform comprises products that enable both technical and nontechnical users to perform a variety of advanced data analytics functions.  Continue Reading

• How QVC built a real-time analytics platform from humble tools

  A lot of hot new tools are available today for doing real-time analytics, but QVC found success building a real-time platform by repurposing older, simpler tools.  Continue Reading

• Many businesses use BI reporting systems wrong, but they can improve

  Many businesses commit similar mistakes when creating BI reports. Consultant Mico Yuk offers tips to help you avoid some of the most common pitfalls.  Continue Reading

• Examining the Knime Analytics Platform for big data analytics

  Knime offers open source data analytics, reporting and integration tools, as well as commercial software that can help build more efficient workflows.  Continue Reading

• Machine learning platforms comparison: Amazon, Azure, Google, IBM

  The platform war over machine learning tools is heating up. Use our features comparison chart to see how four top vendors stack up and help you decide which is right for your enterprise.  Continue Reading

• Exploring Oracle Advanced Analytics

  Oracle Advanced Analytics and other data analytics tools, including Oracle R Enterprise and Oracle Data Miner, enable business users to explore large volumes of data.  Continue Reading

• Alteryx analytics tools help simplify advanced data analysis

  The Alteryx advanced analytics tool suite comprises three products: the Alteryx Designer desktop tool, Alteryx Server and the Alteryx Analytics Gallery cloud-based application.  Continue Reading

• Despite functionality gains, use of cloud BI tools elevates slowly

  Running business intelligence applications in the cloud has yet to take the BI world by storm. Researcher Howard Dresner offers insight on why and discusses the state of cloud BI software.  Continue Reading

• Cloud data analytics gets a higher profile in companies

  Lenovo and Autodesk are two organizations that are increasing their use of the cloud for analytics applications, looking to lower costs, add flexibility and speed up data processing.  Continue Reading

• An overview of the Teradata Aster Analytics platform

  The Teradata Aster Analytics platform includes the Aster Database, Aster SNAP Framework, Aster R, SQL-MapReduce framework, SQL-GR and the Aster Analytics Portfolio.  Continue Reading

• A look at the IBM SPSS Modeler and IBM SPSS Statistics analytics tools

  The IBM SPSS Modeler and IBM SPSS Statistics predictive analytics tools help users and data analysts build predictive models and manage the analytics process.  Continue Reading

• Deep learning algorithms demand nearly limitless supplies of data

  More data almost always makes deep learning projects more effective. One data science manager says there's essentially no limit to the amount of data he wants to have access to for his team's projects.  Continue Reading

• Deep learning models hampered by black box functionality

  A lack of transparency into how deep learning models work is keeping some businesses from embracing them fully, but there are ways around the interpretability problem.  Continue Reading

• Data scientist skills range from data prep to storytelling

  Data scientists aren't born -- they're made. IT pros from a wide range of backgrounds are working to gain the data science skills for which companies are looking.  Continue Reading

• School gets creative to train staff on self-service reporting software

  Most workers have other things to worry about in their jobs than learning how to use self-service BI software, so one school tried to make it fun for all staff.  Continue Reading

• Citizen data scientist trend compensates for lack of skills

  Self-service analytics tools are fueling the citizen data scientist trend, helping companies compensate for a lack of analytics skills in the market and making analytics more accessible.  Continue Reading

• Uber has high hopes for its open source data visualization software

  A few months ago, Uber released its self-developed data visualization tool into the open source world. Now it hopes innovation will flow back into the company.  Continue Reading

• Self-service BI software comparison: Tableau vs. Power BI, Qlik Sense

  Three software vendors have taken the lead in the market for self-service BI tools. This chart can help you sort out the differences between these common software applications.  Continue Reading

• Deloitte report reveals the power of unstructured data analytics

  The analysis of unstructured data and other so-called dark data types can deliver significant business value, according to a new report from consulting group Deloitte.  Continue Reading

• Easy-to-use data science tools power new startup

  At DonorBureau, a startup in the nonprofit space, easy-to-use tools for data science are a must. Lucky for the company, that's where the analytics software industry is going.  Continue Reading

• How PetSmart continues to see value in mobile BI software

  Mobile BI apps may have lost some of their luster from earlier years, but PetSmart, for one, continues to find real business value in apps for their managers and executives.  Continue Reading

• Data-driven business models lead the way forward

  Good instincts used to drive successful business strategies, but intuition just can't cut it in the age of big data.  Continue Reading

• Tools for predictive analytics took a hit in presidential election

  Tools for predictive analytics can help guide decision-making in companies and political campaigns, but the 2016 election showed that emotion is still a powerful factor for voters.  Continue Reading

• Don't learn lessons on predictive modeling techniques the hard way

  Deploying and using predictive modeling tools without heeding best practices doesn't guarantee analytics success, a fact that many analytics managers and election forecasters know all too well.  Continue Reading

• Analytics VP shares best practices for hiring data scientists

  Data scientist jobs can be notoriously difficult to fill, but businesses can turn to tools that fill in gaps in staffing and take care of their analytics needs.  Continue Reading

• Debate over big data and privacy is just getting started

  For years, the tension between privacy and big data has been apparent, but with emerging technologies generating huge amounts of data, the debate will intensify.  Continue Reading

• Missions for monetizing data need lift from upfront groundwork

  Organizations launching data monetization strategies should factor some key initial steps into their plans to develop revenue-generating data products and analytics services.  Continue Reading

• Siemens uses process mining software to improve manufacturing visibility

  Prior to implementing process mining tools, manufacturer Siemens had little visibility into production bottlenecks and other operational issues. Now, it can see the sources of the problems more clearly.  Continue Reading

• IT teams take steps to simplify big data analytics process

  Companies such as Yahoo, Merck, Macy's and eBay have moved to clear obstacles that were blocking the path to success with big data analytics applications.  Continue Reading

• Users tap mix of tools to mine big data analytics architecture

  Predictive modeling, machine learning and other advanced analytics applications help dig the business value out of big data systems -- but for many users, it takes a lot of tools and effort.  Continue Reading

• Difficulties in hiring data scientists can waylay analytics efforts

  Advanced analytics software provides a lot of functionality, but finding skilled data scientists who can use the available tools effectively is a challenge for many analytics managers.  Continue Reading

• One path to standardizing on a reporting and visualization tool

  Most enterprises want to standardize on a single BI reporting tool, but change is hard. One company took the long view toward getting there and it's paying off.  Continue Reading

• Machine learning projects face data prep, model building hurdles

  IT and analytics managers discuss the biggest challenges of machine learning applications, with data preparation and development of algorithm-driven analytical models sharing top billing.  Continue Reading

• IT managers weigh in on biggest benefits of big data analytics

  Experienced big data project managers and professionals detail the top business benefits that their organizations are getting from deployments of Hadoop and Spark analytics systems.  Continue Reading

• One hospital works with doctors to embrace data-driven strategy

  Any hospital's data analytics strategy has to involve physician performance measurement. But as a hospital in Georgia found out, doctors aren't always eager to put their performance on the line.  Continue Reading

• Visualized data aids in building, updating predictive models

  Data scientists at Capital One and BuildingIQ use data visualizations to help guide their efforts in developing, training and modifying predictive models for use in advanced analytics applications.  Continue Reading

• Four steps to make a data visualization project succeed

  Data scientist Jennifer Shin offers advice on how to manage a data visualization project and create effective visuals that meet the information needs of business decision makers.  Continue Reading

• Data visualization techniques, tools at core of advanced analytics

  Data visualization's central role in advanced analytics applications includes uses in planning and developing predictive models as well as reporting on the analytical results they produce.  Continue Reading

• Public-sector analytics teams struggle to implement innovation

  Bureaucratic rules and risk-averse culture make it difficult for public-sector agencies to take advantage of data-driven decision-making, despite clear benefits.  Continue Reading

• The analytics team shouldn't always pursue quick wins

  Analytics teams typically look for quick wins to prove their value. But experts say this approach should not become the guiding strategy for data product development.  Continue Reading

• How to be pessimistically optimistic about deep learning technology

  Deep learning tools are all the rage right now, with many people predicting big things. But one expert says the ultimate payoff -- while real -- is likely to be more modest.  Continue Reading

• Why physicists are a good fit for data science jobs

  With data scientists in short supply, physicists and other academic researchers from hard-science disciplines are increasingly finding places on data science teams -- and even leading big data analytics projects.  Continue Reading

• Public sector needs efficient data analytics infrastructure

  The public sector has been a big IT spender in recent years, but a lot of that investment went to on-premises big data infrastructure. It's time for an update, says one expert.  Continue Reading

• How one nonprofit embraced a more data-driven strategy

  Nonprofits don't generally have the resources of traditional enterprises, which can make implementing a big data analytics strategy difficult. But one group showed it's possible.  Continue Reading

• Machine learning platform minimized Brexit fallout for investors

  The Brexit vote caused an enormous shock to the world's financial systems and cost investors a lot of money. But a data-driven strategy and machine learning tools helped some avoid the risks.  Continue Reading

• Blockchain seeks to boost data transparency within analytics.

  The eyes of the digital world are on blockchain as businesses try to grasp its capabilities. Analytical transparency stands to benefit from this technology.  Continue Reading

• Embedded BI tools need to be put in their proper place

  Analyst Howard Dresner discusses the potential business value of embedding business intelligence software in business applications -- and what's limiting the technology's adoption.  Continue Reading

• Data scientists benefit when they pay attention to tools for big data

  Data science tools typically revolve around predictive modeling, machine learning and data visualization software. But they should also include back-end data pipeline technology to speed analytics.  Continue Reading

• For users, Hadoop SQL tools go hand in hand with big data framework

  SQL-on-Hadoop query engines are becoming a common companion of Hadoop in big data systems as IT managers look to ease programming for analytics applications and data integration jobs.  Continue Reading

• Clothing company benefits from speed of modern BI reporting tools

  One clothing manufacturer found out that today's BI reports can be produced with a minimum of ETL and other processes that have traditionally slowed down BI.  Continue Reading

• Embedded reporting, BI put analytics data in business users' hands

  Embedded BI software is helping organizations add value to applications and monetize their growing data stores, without requiring end users to turn to separate analytics tools.  Continue Reading

• Data science as a service provides instant access to analysts

  Data scientists are in high demand, but in such scarce supply that some companies outsource their data for analysis. DataScience Inc. CEO Ian Swanson explains how it works.  Continue Reading

• Smart BI software choices expand data analysis skills, staff

  When building an analytics infrastructure, it's important to choose software that allows you to expand the types of job candidates you can consider. The example of a healthcare insurer's analytics team shows why.  Continue Reading

• Businesses and colleges adapt to shortage of analytical skills

  Colleges are graduating more people with analytics skills every year, but still not enough to meet the demand. As a result, some businesses are finding other ways to get the skills they need.  Continue Reading

• Boston's new data chief explains how he plans to leverage CDO job

  The first person to take over the CDO role for the city of Boston is hoping to support existing teams to make government more effective by leveraging data and analytics.  Continue Reading

• BI pros share to-do items for creating data-driven companies

  Experienced business intelligence and analytics managers offer their thoughts on how to get started on instilling more data-driven management and decision-making processes in organizations.  Continue Reading

• Rover.com CTO works to unleash data-driven innovation

  Scott Porad, the lead technology executive at dogsitter matching service Rover.com, explains why it's important for companies operating in the highly competitive sharing economy to be driven by data.  Continue Reading

• SQL engines boost Hadoop query processing for big data users

  Organizations with big data environments are turning to SQL-on-Hadoop software to speed up analytical queries and data integration jobs -- and eliminate the need to program in MapReduce.  Continue Reading

• Experts advise on data science for business teambuilding

  When it comes to building a data science team, businesses should expect to find workers from a variety of backgrounds rather than holding out for a unicorn.  Continue Reading

• Machine learning applications look skyward for expanded use

  Using the cloud for machine learning might be the best way to get the technology off the ground in some organizations.  Continue Reading

• Machine learning tools pose educational challenges for users

  Big data technologies are giving machine learning methods a shot at wider adoption. But for analytics teams, the road to successful deployments involves new IT infrastructure -- and some schooling.  Continue Reading

• Tax software combines public and private cloud architecture

  Intuit sees private and public cloud as a dynamic analytics duo that can quickly scale systems, control computing power and test planned changes to its website.  Continue Reading

• Sky's the limit for cloud big data in online ads

  Capturing, storing and analyzing data in the cloud proves to be the best route for one online marketer.  Continue Reading

• Hudl uses Log analysis software to score points with customers

  To keep its systems running and its users happy, sports video streaming service Hudl uses log analytics software to help manage its 1,000 or so servers and streamline customer service operations.  Continue Reading

• Boston looks to location analysis to speed fire, EMT response

  A new city of Boston emergency response program uses location data to improve the safety of the public and emergency responders by pointing out potential hazards.  Continue Reading

• Text analysis tool helps Lenovo zero in on the customer

  At Lenovo, textual analysis software enables analysts and line-of-business workers to have a more informed dialog about customers and their ever-changing preferences.  Continue Reading

• Alteryx big data analytics platform stakes data-prep claim

  Data preparation for analytics is a huge concern for businesses, and the latest product from Alteryx takes aim at addressing this concern.  Continue Reading

• Traditional BI helps hospitals cope with shifting payment plans

  Hospitals are leveraging traditional BI systems to help them negotiate the shifting terrain around insurance payment programs.  Continue Reading

• Sellpoints sold on using Spark SQL for big data ETL jobs

  To help companies target ads to website users, Sellpoints Inc. relies on the Spark processing engine -- including its Spark SQL module -- to prepare online activity data for analysis.  Continue Reading

• Smart grid technology cuts out guesswork at Arizona utility

  Public utilities are increasingly turning to smart grids and advanced analytics techniques to help manage their operations. Here's how one power provider -- Arizona's Salt River Project -- scored big on analytics.  Continue Reading

• Open source not best bet for all business analytics projects

  Many enterprises today are building their business analytics programs around open source tools, but one software company took a different path.  Continue Reading

• Hurdles cited on selling benefits of business intelligence

  IT and business intelligence managers describe the biggest hurdles they face in trying to convince business executives of the benefits of using BI software to drive decision making.  Continue Reading

• Cloud-based BI helped one company rely less on IT

  Cloud-based BI helped ServiceChannel rely less on IT for data management and reporting, which freed up analysts to make stronger use of the company's data.  Continue Reading

• BI self-service tools need middle ground on use, governance

  Deployments of self-service BI and data discovery tools need to be governed to keep things in order. But finding the right balance between user freedom and IT oversight isn't always easy.  Continue Reading

• How PayPal fights fraud with predictive data analysis

  PayPal is using advanced predictive data analysis to help protect its users from fraud and preserve the service's brand. Constant evolution is the key to PayPal's success.  Continue Reading

• How one group uses a data analysis tool to fight drought

  By analyzing new data sources, the group Sustainable Silicon Valley is looking for ways to lessen the long-term impact of the West Coast drought.  Continue Reading

• Businesses look at new data analytics methods for 2016

  With a focus on edging out their competition in 2016, businesses are looking at a variety of new approaches to advanced data analytics.  Continue Reading

• How a data-driven company was molded by asset protection

  A data-driven company tends to outperform its competitors, but the asset protection process rarely drives continued evolution of analytics capabilities. Grocery chain Weis Markets is the exception.  Continue Reading

• Hadoop BI effort gets more out of big data at Yellow Pages

  Hadoop data and traditional BI processes may seem worlds apart, but Yellow Pages Ltd. in Canada was able to successfully bridge the two and uncover new business insights in the process.  Continue Reading

• FullFunnel taps self-service analytics tools, ousts Excel

  Excel is still one of the most widely used BI tools, but marketing services firm FullFunnel found it limiting and switched to self-service analytics tools.  Continue Reading

• How BI development can support quick and nimble businesses

  In an excerpt from his book on BI development and delivery, author Greg Steffine explains why it's important to focus BI initiatives on enabling the business to respond quickly and nimbly to situations.  Continue Reading

• Need for speed in delivering BI capabilities, author says

  Organizational alignment and teams of BI evangelists who are hyper-responsive to user needs are key to improving business intelligence processes, according to author and BI manager Greg Steffine.  Continue Reading

• Top data analysis software and techniques stories of 2015

  As 2015 comes to an end, it's time to review some of the biggest developments and trends in the world of BI and big data, including how sports teams, hospitals and data-driven executives pushed ahead on analytics.  Continue Reading

• A look at SAP BusinessObjects BI suite

  SAP BusinessObjects BI platform provides users with self-service access to information to support the decision-making process. Find out what's different in version 4.1.  Continue Reading

• Insight into Oracle Business Intelligence Foundation Suite

  Oracle Business Intelligence Foundation Suite enables users to access information through interactive dashboards, search and mobile devices.  Continue Reading

• Exploring Microsoft Power BI SaaS analytics products

  Microsoft Power BI SaaS analytics lets users view their most critical data via a live dashboard, create interactive reports and access their data on the go.  Continue Reading

• End-user focus central to solid data visualization process

  BI teams often fail to deliver on the promise of data visualization applications, unless they combine effective visualization techniques with input from business users on what's really needed.  Continue Reading

• TIBCO Analytics targets data-driven users

  TIBCO Spotfire provides users with self-service analytics capabilities, while TIBCO Jaspersoft aims to enable developers to make faster decisions based on actionable data.  Continue Reading

• Shortage of data scientists, big data pros vexes IoT efforts

  There's an abundance of big data technologies that can support Internet of Things projects, but the pool of IT professionals with the advanced know-how to handle massive amounts of IoT data is limited.  Continue Reading

• Data storytelling, lauded for its potential, lags in practice

  Educators and experts tout data storytelling as a way to better engage business managers with data, but others caution about overcrowding visuals.  Continue Reading

• MicroStrategy 10 promotes self-service analytics

  The MicroStrategy 10 analytics and BI platform lets users tap into data from a variety of sources to create and distribute customized reports. Plug-ins can extend functionality.  Continue Reading

• Examining the Qlik data visualization platform

  The Qlik data visualization platform aims to help users access, present, explore and capitalize on their data.  Continue Reading

• Analytics team structure can work without data scientists

  Despite the value data scientists can bring to a big data analytics team, not every business requires them. Some are using a mix of technology and culture to avoid the need.  Continue Reading