IBM introduces Watson Analytics, gives data science mass appeal

Grazed from CloudComputing. Author: James Bourne.

IBM has launched Watson Analytics, offering what is claimed as instant access to powerful big data visualisation and analytics capabilities to anyone in the business. Instead of using programming languages or complex algorithms on the front end, Watson interacts with the user in natural language and comprehends key questions, including ‘What are the key drivers of my product sales?’, ‘Which benefits drive employee retention the most?’ and ‘Which deals are most likely to close?’

“Watson Analytics produces results that explain why things happened and what’s likely to happen, all in familiar business terms,” a press release explains. “And as business professionals interact with the results, they can continuously fine tune questions to get to the heart of the matter.”…

A freemium version of the service is being mooted, running off the cloud and on to desktop and mobile devices. Users can input a certain amount of data for free before the collection plate is shoved under their nose – and it’s not being restricted to IBM customers, either…

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