ANNOUNCEMENT

Rexer Analytics 2nd Annual Data Miner Survey Results

Rexer Analytics is pleased to share the results of our 2nd Annual Data Miner Survey. We also want to extend our deepest thanks to all TMA Newsletter readers who participated in the survey.

2008 Highlights:

• 34-item survey of data miners, conducted on-line in early 2008.
• 348 responses from individuals in 44 countries.
• The most commonly used algorithms are decision trees, regression, and cluster analysis. The use of time series and survival analysis increased this year.
• Dirty data, data access issues, and explaining data mining to others remain the top challenges faced by data miners.
• Data miners are most likely to use descriptive stats, outlier detection, and face validity to identify / address dirty data.
• Data miners spend only 20% of their time on actual modeling. More than a third of their time is spent accessing and preparing data.
• Data mining is playing an important role in organizations. Half of data miners indicate their results are helping to drive strategic decisions and operational processes.
• The most prevalent concerns about data mining utilization are: resistance to using data mining in contexts where it would be beneficial, insufficient training of some data miners, and lack of model refreshing.
• SPSS Clementine was identified as the primary software used by more data miners than any other software product. SPSS and SAS continue to dominate the software market. However, Statistica, R, and the Salford products saw increased usage this year.
• In selecting their analytic software, data miners place a high value on dependability, the ability to handle very large datasets, and quality output.
• The findings vary somewhat depending on the domain in which the data miner works, the tools used, geography, and several other dimensions.

Anyone interested in receiving a copy of our 40-slide PDF research summary report should contact Karl Rexer.

The Third Annual Data Miner Survey will be launched in January 2009. Please send us your comments on the 2008 survey and ideas for the 2009 survey. Many people provided input that helped shape the 2008 survey, and we'd like to incorporate your ideas into the 2009 data miner survey.

ANNOUNCEMENT

Industry Experts Validate Benefits of ATi’s Software-as-a-Service Predictive Analytics Solution

Phoenix, AZ –December 15, 2008 – The Modeling Agency (TMA), data mining and business analytics experts, have released an independent assessment of Adaptive Technologies, Inc.’s revolutionary software-as-a-service (SaaS) predictive analytics solutions. The in-depth evaluation concludes that ATi’s unique approach of blending renowned analytics expertise and online technologies dramatically reduces costs and implementation time for business leaders to have the ability to confidently make data-driven decisions to solve complex and dynamic business problems.

The Modeling Agency’s review validates ATi’s SaaS approach as being business oriented versus technologically oriented, utilizing all available client data to deliver solutions tailored to a client’s needs. The Modeling Agency details how ATi’s SaaS model for predictive analytics provides the expertise that cannot be hired, yet provides solution flexibility that is not dependent on any one given technology or piece of software, providing the best of technology and the highest level expertise in one place.

"The application of advanced technologies and science to improve business decision-making has been encumbered by an overemphasis on technology, rather than focusing on specific business goals and objectives," said Tony Rathburn, senior consultant at The Modeling Agency. "ATi addresses the technology limitations of both buy and build solutions through a pioneering software-as-a-service model which captures their distinguished predictive analytics and business intelligence expertise in customized solutions that are singularly focused on the needs of their clients."

Detailed analysis by TMA reveals multiple benefits of improved decision-making capabilities empowered by ATi’s proprietary SaaS analytics solutions. Benefits range from maximizing marketing ROI with segmentation and targeting to improving customer retention in addition to predicting and reducing high risk and driving profitable customer acquisition.

The complete evaluation by Tony Rathburn of The Modeling Agency is captured in an informative white paper highlighting Adaptive Technologies’ customer-centric decision model and provides independent analysis of the user and design benefits unique to the ATi SaaS solution. The free white paper is available for download.

The author of the white paper, Thomas A. "Tony" Rathburn, is a senior consultant with The Modeling Agency (TMA), the primary trainer of TMA's Data Mining: Level I course, and an expert in analytics, data mining and neural networks. His expertise spans multiple industries as an educator, solutions developer and professional advisor. In addition to consulting, he taught MIS and statistics for seven years at the College of Business at Kent State University.

About Adaptive Technologies, Inc

Adaptive Technologies, Inc. (ATi), the Intelligent Information™ company, helps business leaders make better decisions. We provide companies with tailored business intelligence and advanced predictive analytics solutions that turn enterprise data into intelligent, actionable information. ATi software-as-a-service (SaaS) predictive analytic solutions provide real-time predictable outcomes in order to make data-driven decisions regarding growth strategies and maximizing profits. Founded in 2001, Adaptive Technologies, Inc. is privately held and based in Arizona.

ANNOUNCEMENT

TDWI World Conference

The Premier Event for Business Intelligence & Data Warehousing Education
February 22 – 27, 2009
Las Vegas, NV

The TDWI World Conference in Las Vegas brings together leading industry visionaries to deliver a unique program of cutting-edge education, best practices, one-on-one consulting, peer networking, business intelligence certification, and product demos. From business intelligence fundamentals to business analytics, TDWI’s program of more than 50 full- and half-day courses offers something for your entire team.

Conference Benefits

• Interact with the most knowledgeable and experienced instructors in the industry
• Gain practical knowledge that you can apply immediately
• Bridge the knowledge and communication gaps between business and IT
• Network and share best practices with your peers

Get details, and register for the TDWI World Conference in Las Vegas.

SUMMARY

The Modeling Agency newsletter provides training schedule updates, informative articles authored by experts across industries, predictive modeling tricks and tips, as well as current data mining industry announcements. Issues are distributed on a monthly to quarterly basis.

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