IBM betting big on analytics
Business analytics is the ability to analyse trends and patterns in information for insights.
By Nigel Britto, TNN |
CANACONA (GOA): Business analytics has become one big buzzword for IBM. And the reason the Big Blue says it is betting so big on it is that computers are more widespread than ever before — in cars, roadways, water grids, just about everywhere. "When people make local decisions without considering long-term consequences, they may sometimes have to go back to re-implement, which is undesirable and costly," says Robert LeBlanc, VP of middleware software in IBM, at the Software Executive Summit 2010 held here.
Business analytics is the ability to analyse trends and patterns in information for insights. Pradeep Nair, director of IBM India/South Asia, says smarter software "helps solve big, audacious problems in real time".
LeBlanc, who describes himself as a 'total car person', frequently uses automobile analogies as he speaks to TOI. "So far, people drive looking at the rear-view mirror," he says. "Now, we can look ahead at the road and steer the car accordingly."
IBM believes the solution to static or orthodox information-gathering lies in 'smarter software', programs that not only analyze data but interpret it to facilitate easier understanding and insight so as to enable the user make decisions based on it. "Too many people rely on intuition, which can be harmful," LeBlanc says. Many larger clients require predictive analysis.
While most requirements come from corporate clients, even governments around the world are getting bitten by the 'smarter software' bug of IBM's business analytics. In Stockholm, Sweden, a differential road-charging system based on traffic patterns increased the use of public transport by 40% and reduced private cars by 20%. Similar projects have been implemented in Singapore, London, with successful results. As part of a similar project in the aftermath of the devastating tsunami, IBM has installed 1,800 sensors in the Indian Ocean at the request of the government.
Smarter software is one that can reduce consumption of electricity by analyzing energy usage; one that enables travelers to change their plans to optimize use of resources to reduce congestion; one that prevents crime by analyzing crime statistics to point out high-vulnerability areas.
Business analytics is the ability to analyse trends and patterns in information for insights. Pradeep Nair, director of IBM India/South Asia, says smarter software "helps solve big, audacious problems in real time".
LeBlanc, who describes himself as a 'total car person', frequently uses automobile analogies as he speaks to TOI. "So far, people drive looking at the rear-view mirror," he says. "Now, we can look ahead at the road and steer the car accordingly."
IBM believes the solution to static or orthodox information-gathering lies in 'smarter software', programs that not only analyze data but interpret it to facilitate easier understanding and insight so as to enable the user make decisions based on it. "Too many people rely on intuition, which can be harmful," LeBlanc says. Many larger clients require predictive analysis.
While most requirements come from corporate clients, even governments around the world are getting bitten by the 'smarter software' bug of IBM's business analytics. In Stockholm, Sweden, a differential road-charging system based on traffic patterns increased the use of public transport by 40% and reduced private cars by 20%. Similar projects have been implemented in Singapore, London, with successful results. As part of a similar project in the aftermath of the devastating tsunami, IBM has installed 1,800 sensors in the Indian Ocean at the request of the government.
Smarter software is one that can reduce consumption of electricity by analyzing energy usage; one that enables travelers to change their plans to optimize use of resources to reduce congestion; one that prevents crime by analyzing crime statistics to point out high-vulnerability areas.
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