The Internet has brought the general concept of time-sharing back into popularity. Expensive corporate server farms costing millions can host thousands of customers all sharing the same common resources. As with the early serial terminals, websites operate primarily in bursts of activity followed by periods of idle time. This bursting nature permits the service to be used by many website customers at once, and none of them notice any delays in communications until the servers start to get very busy.
The decision of quality open source makers to offer their software at bargain basement prices even to enterprise customers who are used to pay prices many times more-pricing is the reason open source software is taking a long time to command respect in enterprise software.
I hate to be the messenger who brings the bad news to my open source brethren-
but their worst nightmare is not the actions of their proprietary competitors like Oracle, SAP, SAS, Microsoft ( they hate each other even more than open source )
nor the collective marketing tactics which are textbook like (but referred as Fear Uncertainty Doubt by those outside that golden quartet)- it is their own communities and their own cheap pricing.
But James, why offer software to enterprise customers at one tenth the next competitor- one reason is open source companies more often than not compete more with their free community version software than with big proprietary packages.
Communities including academics are used to free- hey how about paying say 1$ for each download.
There are two million R users- if say even 50 % of them paid 1 $ as a lifetime license fee- you could sponsor enough new packages than twenty years of Google Summer of Code does right now.
Secondly, this pricing can easily be adjusted by shifting the licensing to say free for businesses less than 2 people (even for the enhanced corporate software version not just the plain vanilla community software thus further increasing the spread of the plain vanilla versions)- for businesses from 10 to 20 people offer a six month trial rather than one month trial.
– but adjust the pricing to much more realistic levels compared to competing software. Make enterprise software pay a real value.
That’s the only way to earn respect. as well as a few dollars more.
As for SAS, it is time it started ridiculing Python now that it has accepted R.
Pentaho and Jasper do give good great graphics in BI (Graphical display in BI is not a SAS forte though probably I dont know how much they cross sell JMP to BI customers- probably too much JMP is another division syndrome there)
Jim Goodnight – grand old man and Godfather of the Cosa Nostra of the BI/Database Analytics software industry said recently on open source in BI (btw R is generally termed in business analytics and NOT business intelligence software so these remarks were more apt to Pentaho and Jaspersoft )
Asked whether open source BI and data integration software from the likes of Jaspersoft, Pentaho and Talend is a growing threat, [Goodnight] said: “We haven’t noticed that a lot. Most of our companies need industrial strength software that has been tested, put through every possible scenario or failure to make sure everything works correctly.”
The first, labeled BI Platforms, is drawn fromGartner Market Share Analysis: Business Intelligence, Analytics and Performance Management Software, Worldwide, 2009, published May 2010 , and Gartner Dataquest Market Share: Business Intelligence, Analytics and Performance Management Software, Worldwide, 2009.
and
Advanced Analytics category.
and
so whats the performance of Talend, Pentaho and Jaspersoft
Achieved record revenue, more then doubling from 2008. The fourth quarter of 2009 was Talend’s tenth consecutive quarter of growth.
Grew customer base by 140% to over 1,000 customers, up from 420 at the end of 2008. Of these new customers, over 50% are Fortune 1000 companies.
Total downloads reached seven million, with over 300,000 users of the open source products.
Talend doubled its staff, increasing to 200 global employees. Continuing this trend, Talend has already hired 15 people in 2010 to support its rapid growth.
40% sequential growth most recent quarter. (I didn’t ask whether there was any reason to suspect seasonality.)
130% annual revenue growth run rate.
“Not quite” profitable.
Several hundred commercial subscribers, at an average of $25K annually per, including >100 in Europe.
9,000 paying customers of some kind.
100,000+ total deployments, “very conservatively,” counting OEMs as one deployment each and not double-counting for OEMs’ customers. (Nick said Business Objects quotes 45,000 deployments by the same standards.)
70% of revenue from the mid-market, defined as $100 million – $1 billion revenue. 30% from bigger enterprises. (Hmm. That begs a couple of questions, such as where OEM revenue comes in, and whether <$100 million enterprises were truly a negligible part of revenue.)
1) There is a complete lack of transparency in open source BI market shares as almost all these companies are privately held and do not disclose revenues.
2) What may be a pure play open source company may actually be a company funded by a big BI vendor (like Revolution Analytics is funded among others by Intel-Microsoft) and EnterpriseDB has IBM as an investor.MySQL and Sun of course are bought by Oracle
The degree of control by proprietary vendors on open source vendors is still not disclosed- whether they are holding a stake for strategic reasons or otherwise.
3) None of the Open Source Vendors are even close to a 1 Billion dollar revenue number.
Jim Goodnight is pointing out market reality when he says he has not seen much impact (in terms of market share). As for the rest of his remarks, well he’s got a job to do as CEO and thats talk up his company and trash the competition- which he as been doing for 3 decades and unlikely to change now unless there is severe market share impact. Unless you expect him to notice companies less than 5% of his size in revenue.
If you use Windows for your stats computing and your data is in a database (probably true for almost all corporate business analysts) R 2.12 has provided a unique procedural hitch for you NO BINARIES for packages used till now to read from these databases.
The Readme notes of the release say-
Packages related to many database system must be linked to the exact
version of the database system the user has installed, hence it does
not make sense to provide binaries for packages
RMySQL, ROracle, ROracleUI, RPostgreSQL
although it is possible to install such packages from sources by
install.packages('packagename', type='source')
after reading the manual 'R Installation and Administration'.
So how to connect to Databases if the Windows Binary is not available-
So how to connect to PostgreSQL and MySQL databases.
Fortunately the RpgSQL package is still available for PostgreSQL
Using the RpgSQL package
library(RpgSQL)
#creating a connection
con <- dbConnect(pgSQL(), user = "postgres", password = "XXXX",dbname="postgres")
#writing a table from a R Dataset
dbWriteTable(con, "BOD", BOD)
# table names are lower cased unless double quoted. Here we write a Select SQL query
dbGetQuery(con, 'select * from "BOD"')
#disconnecting the connection
dbDisconnect(con)
You can also use RODBC package for connecting to your PostgreSQL database but you need to configure your ODBC connections in
Windows Start Panel-
Settings-Control Panel-
Administrative Tools-Data Sources (ODBC)
You should probably see something like this screenshot.
Coming back to R and noting the name of my PostgreSQL DSN from above screenshot-( If not there just click on add-scroll to appropriate database -here PostgreSQL and click on Finish- add in the default values for your database or your own created database values-see screenshot for help with other configuring- and remember to click Test below to check if username and password are working, port is correct etc.
so once the DSN is probably setup in the ODBC (frightening terminology is part of databases)- you can go to R to connect using RODBC package
#loading RODBC
library(RODBC)
#creating a Database connection
# for username,password,database name and DSN name
chan=odbcConnect("PostgreSQL35W","postgres;Password=X;Database=postgres")
#to list all table names
sqlTables(chan)
TABLE_QUALIFIER TABLE_OWNER TABLE_NAME TABLE_TYPE REMARKS
1 postgres public bod TABLE
2 postgres public database1 TABLE
3 postgres public tt TABLE
and then we run the same configuring DSN as we did for postgreSQL.
After that we use RODBC in pretty much the same way except changing for the default username and password for MySQL and changing the DSN name for the previous step.
channel <- odbcConnect("mysql","jasperdb;Password=XXX;Database=Test")
test2=sqlQuery(channel,"select * from jiuser")
test2
id username tenantId fullname emailAddress password externallyDefined enabled previousPasswordChangeTime1 1 jasperadmin 1 Jasper Administrator NA 349AFAADD5C5A2BD477309618DC NA 01
2 2 joe1ser 1 Joe User NA 4DD8128D07A NA 01
odbcClose(channel)
While using RODBC for all databases is a welcome step, perhaps the change release notes for Window Users of R may need to be more substantiative than one given for R 2.12.2
ALISO VIEJO, Calif., Oct 19, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Predixion Software today introduced Predixion PMML Connexion(TM), an interface that provides Predixion Insight(TM), the company’s low-cost, self-service in the cloud predictive analytics solution, direct and seamless access to SAS, SPSS (IBM) and other predictive models for use by Predixion Insight customers. Predixion PMML Connexion enables companies to leverage their significant investments in legacy predictive analytics solutions at a fraction of the cost of conventional licensing and maintenance fees.
The announcement was made at the Predictive Analytics World conference in Washington, D.C. where Predixion also announced a strategic partnership with Zementis, Inc., a market leader in PMML-based solutions. Zementis is exhibiting in Booth #P2.
The Predictive Model Markup Language (PMML) standard allows for true interoperability, offering a mature standard for moving predictive models seamlessly between platforms. Predixion has fully integrated this PMML functionality into Predixion Insight, meaning Predixion Insight users can now effortlessly import PMML-based predictive models, enabling information workers to score the models in the cloud from anywhere and publish reports using Microsoft Excel(R) and SharePoint(R). In addition, models can also be written back into SAS, SPSS and other platforms for a truly collaborative, interoperable solution.
“Predixion’s investment in this PMML interface makes perfect business sense as the lion’s share of the models in existence today are created by the SAS and SPSS platforms, creating compelling opportunity to leverage existing investments in predictive and statistical models on a low-cost cloud predictive analytics platform that can be fed with enterprise, line of business and cloud-based data,” said Mike Ferguson, CEO of Intelligent Business Strategies, a leading analyst and consulting firm specializing in the areas of business intelligence and enterprise business integration. “In this economy, Predixion’s low-cost, self-service predictive analytics solutions might be welcome relief to IT organizations chartered with quickly adding additional applications while at the same time cutting costs and staffing.”
“We are pleased to be partnering with Zementis, truly a PMML market leader and innovator,” said Predixion CEO Simon Arkell. “To allow any SAS or SPSS customer to immediately score any of their predictive models in the cloud from within Predixion Insight, compare those models to those created by Predixion Insight, and share the results within Excel and Sharepoint is an exciting step forward for the industry. SAS and SPSS customers are fed up with the high prices they must pay for their business users just to access reports generated by highly skilled PhDs who are burdened by performing routine tasks and thus have become a massive bottleneck. That frustration is now a thing of the past because any information worker can now unlock the power of predictive analytics without relying on experts — for a fraction of the cost and from anywhere they can connect to the cloud,” Arkell said.
Dr. Michael Zeller, Zementis CEO, added, “Our mission is to significantly shorten the time-to-market for predictive models in any industry. We are excited to be contributing to Predixion’s self-service, cloud-based predictive analytics solution set.”
About Predixion Software
Predixion Software develops and markets collaborative predictive analytics solutions in the public and private cloud. Predixion enables self-service predictive analytics, allowing customers to use and analyze large amounts of data to make actionable decisions, all within the familiar environment of Excel and PowerPivot. Predixion customers are achieving immediate results across a multitude of industries including: retail, finance, healthcare, marketing, telecommunications and insurance/risk management.
Predixion Software is headquartered in Aliso Viejo, California with development offices in Redmond, Washington. The company has venture capital backing from established investors including DFJ Frontier, Miramar Venture Partners and Palomar Ventures. For more information please contact us at 949-330-6540, or visit us atwww.predixionsoftware.com.
About Zementis
Zementis, Inc. is a leading software company focused on the operational deployment and integration of predictive analytics and data mining solutions. Its ADAPA(R) decision engine successfully bridges the gap between science and engineering. ADAPA(R) was designed from the ground up to benefit from open standards and to significantly shorten the time-to-market for predictive models in any industry. For more information, please visit www.zementis.com.
Here is an interview with John F Moore, social media adviser,technologist and founder and CEO of The Lab.
Ajay- The internet seems to be crowded by social media experts with everyone who spends a lot of time on the internet claiming to be one? How does a small business owner on a budget distinguish for the correct value proposition that social media can give them.
John- You’re right. It seems like everytime I turn around I bump into more social media “experts”. The majority of these self-proclaimed experts are not adding a great deal of value. When looking to spend money for help ask the person a few questions about their approach. Things you should be hearing include:
The expert should be seeking to fully understand your business, your goals, your available resources, etc..
The expert should be seeking to understand current management thinking about social media and related technologies.
If the expert is purely focused on tools they are the wrong person. Your solution may require tools alone but they cannot know this without first understanding your business.
Ajay- Facebook has 600 million people, with people preferring to play games and connect to old acquaintances rather than use social media for tangible career or business benefit..
John- People are definitely spending time playing games, looking at photos, and catching up with old friends. However, there are many businesses seeing real value from Facebook (primarily by tying it into their e-mail marketing and using coupons and other incentives). For example, I recently shared a small case study (http://thejohnfmoore.com/2010/10/07/email-social-media-and-coupons-makes-the-cfo-smile/) where a small pet product company achieved a 22% bump in monthly revenue by combining Facebook and coupons together. In fact,45% of this bump in revenue came from new clients. Customer acquisition and increased revenue were accomplished by using Facebook for their business.
Ajay- How does a new social media convert (individual) go on selecting communities to join (Facebook,Twitter,Linkedin,Ning, Ping,Orkut, Empire Avenue etc etc.
How does a small business owner take the same decision.
John- It always starts with taking the time to define your goals and then determine how much time and effort you are willing to invest. For example:
LinkedIn. A must have for individuals as it is one of the key social networking communities for professional networking. Individuals should join groups that are relevant to their career and invest an hour a week. Businesses should ensure they have a business profile completed and up to date.
Facebook can be a challenge for anyone trying to walk the personal/professional line. However, from a business standpoint you should be creating a Facebook page that you can use to compliment your other marketing channels.
Twitter. It is a great network to learn of, to meet, and to interact with people from around the world. I have met thousands of interesting people, many of which I have had the pleasure to meet with in real life. Businesses need to invest in listening on twitter to determine if their customers (current or potential) or competitors are already there discussing them, their marketplace, or their offerings.
In all cases I would encourage businesses to setup social media accounts on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Flickr. You want to ensure your brand is protected by owning these accounts and ensuring at least the base information is accurate.
Ajay- Name the top 5 points that you think make a social media community successful. What are the top 5 points for a business to succeed in their social media strategy.
John-
Define your goals up front. Understand why you are building a community and keep this goal in mind.
Provide education. Ideally you want to become a thought leader in your space, the trusted resource that people can turn to even if they are not using your product or services today.
Be honest. We all make mistakes. When you do, be honest with your community and engage them in any fall-out that may be coming out of your mistake.
Listen to them. Use platforms like BubbleIdeas to gather feedback on what your community is looking for from the relationship.
Measure. Are you on track with your goals? Do your goals need to change?
Ajay- What is the unique value proposition that “The Lab” offers
John- The Lab understands the strategic importance of leveraging social media, management and leadership best practices, and our understanding of local government and small and medium business to help people in these areas achieve their goals. Too many consultants come to the table with a predefined solution that really misses the mark as it lacks understanding of the client’s goals.
Ajay- What is “CityCamp in Boston” all about.
John- CityCamp is a FREE unconference focused on innovation for municipal governments and community organizations (http://www.citycampboston.org/what-is-citycamp-boston/). It brings together politicians, local municipal employees, citizens, vendors, developers, and journalist to build a common understanding of local government challenges and then works to deliver measurable outcomes following the event. The key is the focus on change management, driving change as opposed to just in the moment education.
Biography-
John F Moore is the Founder and CEO of The Lab (http://thelabinboston.com). John has experience working with local governments and small and medium business owners to achieve their goals. His experience with social media strategies, CRM, and a plethora of other solutions provides immense value to all of our clients. He has built engineering organizations, learned sales and marketing, run customer service teams, and built and executed strategies for social media thought leadership and branding. He is also a prolific blogger as you can see by checking out his blog at http://thejohnfmoore.com.
Keynote
Predictive Analytics and Business Performance
In this session, Bruno Aziza will discuss the challenges organizations face with Analytics and Performance. This participative session will provide first-hand accounts from Fortune 500 companies who are winning by building accountability, intelligence, and informed decision-making into their organizational DNA.
Speaker: Bruno Aziza, Director, Worldwide Strategy Lead, Business Intelligence, Microsoft
Bruno Aziza, Director, Worldwide Strategy Lead, Business Intelligence,Microsoft
Bruno Aziza is a recognized authority on Strategy Execution, Business Intelligence and Information Management. He is the co-author of best-selling book, “Drive Business Performance: Enabling a Culture of Intelligent Execution” and a Fellow at the Advanced Performance Institute, a world-leading and independent advisory group specialized in organizational performance. Drs. Kaplan & Norton, of Balanced Scorecard fame, praise Aziza for moving “the field of performance management forward in important new directions.”
Aziza’s work has been featured in publications across North America, Europe and Asia such as Business Finance magazine, Intelligent Enterprise, CRM magazine and others.
Aziza has held management positions at Apple Inc., Business Objects (SAP), AppStream(Symantec) and Decathlon SA. He currently works on Microsoft Business Intelligence go-to-market strategy and execution for partners, services, sales and marketing. Aziza lives in Seattle with his family and enjoys sports and travelling.
He regularly provides views on leadership and performance on the SuccessFactors thought leader Network , the CIO Network and Forbes Magazine. Aziza is the host ofBizIntelligence.TV – a leading weekly show on Business Intelligence and Analytics. An award-winning speaker, Aziza frequently keynotes international events and has shared the stage with executives and thought leaders such as Dr. Kaplan. Aziza’s biggest crowd to date is 5,000 people.
Bruno Aziza is a recognized authority on Strategy Execution, Business Intelligence and Information Management. He is the co-author of best-selling book, 
DECISION STATS 