Mining Industry Turns to Data Management
May 8, 2012
More and more industries are turning to PLM to save money and cut costs. One of the latest industries to embrace such data analytics is the mining industry. A recent article, “Dassault Breaks Ground in Mining Market”, on Design News, explores how one PLM provider is offering real changes for an industry suffering from a lack of data management.
The article explains of Gemcom’s adoption of Dassault PLM software as,
“The move seems to be in keeping with Dassault’s ongoing commitment to broaden its reach into industries that have been slower to embrace PLM technology than the traditional automotive and aerospace industries — for example, apparel, electronics, and ship building. Gemcom’s 3D simulation tools also fit well with Dassault’s simulation offerings as part of the SIMULIA product line.”
Finding new industries into which introduce PLM solutions is crucial in today’s economy. More than ever all industries need to find ways to eliminate waste and streamline production. For that reason we recommend all companies, regardless of size or specialty, contact the professionals at Inforbix for top of the line PLM solutions customized to the client’s needs. By implementing enterprise wide PLM procedures any company will be amazed at the results.
Catherine Lamsfuss, May 8, 2012
A Brief History of the Black-Scholes Formula
May 8, 2012
Here’s a story for the math inclined—the story of a formula that transformed the financial industry. BBC News describes “Black-Scholes: The Maths Formula Linked to the Financial Crash.” Writer Tim Harford stretches the tale back to 17th Century Japan, but the formula itself was developed in the early 1970s by Myron Scholes and Fischer Black. The problem it was created to solve? The valuation of options. As the write up understates, “the details are hugely complicated.”
After the formula was published, it took on a life of its own, eventually enabling the development of that confounding instrument, the derivative. The article tells us:
“Scholes thought his equation would be useful. He didn’t expect it to transform the face of finance. But it quickly became obvious that it would. . . .
“‘By 2007 the trade in derivatives worldwide was one quadrillion (thousand million million) US dollars – this is 10 times the total production of goods on the planet over its entire history,’ says [author Ian] Stewart.”
. . . . And we all know how that story progressed. The article goes in depth into why widespread use of the Black Scholes Formula has caused so much trouble in the markets. The issue has sparked debate about not only this formula, but the role of equations in the stock market and the related reliance on computer-directed trading.
Is there any hope that one day investments will again be centered around building things (and jobs) rather than on placing bets? Nah, probably not.
Cynthia Murrell, May 8, 2012
Sponsored by PolySpot
YouTube Lover Gets Annoyed
May 8, 2012
Wil Wheaton took to his blog to declare, “Google is Making a Huge and Annoying Mistake.” Wheaton insists:
“Yesterday, I tried to like a video on YouTube. I wasn’t signed in to my Google Plus account, and this is what I saw: Where the thumbs up and thumbs down used to be, there is now a big G+ Like button. When you go anywhere near it, you get a little popup that tells you to ‘upgrade to Google plus’ for some reason that I don’t remember, because the instant I saw it, I made a rageface.”
He then went on to Tumble a profanity-laced missive to Google expressing his righteous rage. Apparently, he products a show whose existence depends on the capture of enough YouTube up votes. I suppose the problem with a newfangled business model is the rapid change that tends to accompany new fangles.
The thing is, I can’t reproduce Wheaton’s problem. I still get the thumbs up and down buttons, and nary a Google+ button in sight. (Even in Chrome, where I’m signed into iGoogle.) The only difference I see is that I am not a Google+ subscriber. But then, he says he’s getting a “upgrade to Google+” message, and wasn’t signed into his account anyway. I don’t question his experience, he has a screenshot after all, it’s just . . . odd.
He should try rebooting.
Cynthia Murrell, May 8, 2012
Sponsored by PolySpot
Is Android Slipping From Google’s Grasp?
May 8, 2012
It is a tale of fragmentation and control: BetaNews declares, “Google Has Lost Control of Android.” The extensive article examines the ways in which writer Joe Wilcox says open source distribution of the Android platform is hurting the company. He asserts:
“Forrester Research predicts that proprietary Android will surpass the Google Android ecosystem by 2015. Stated differently, Google’s open-source mobile platform risks fracturing into multiple fatally fragmented Android ecosystems. Not one but many. There is little time for Google to demonstrate decisive leadership that can keep the ecosystem largely intact. . . .
“Google’s problem: Two partners are overwhelming successful, while the majority limp along, and one hurts the entire Android ecosystem. Apple is now the least of concerns. Putting Amazon and Samsung in their place is more important.”
Why are Amazon and Samsung such thorns in Google‘s side? For its part, Amazon has customized its Android platform to direct users into its retail world, not Google’s. For example, it delivers its own products and services over Google’s even if, say, the address for Google Play is typed directly into the Kindle‘s browser. Sneaky.
Samsung has hijacked the Android environment on its Galaxy Tab and on most of its smartphones, controlling the user experience. The Samsung skin is so thick, Wilcox says, that users lucky enough to get an upgrade to Ice Cream Sandwich won’t be able to see much of a difference.
See the article for more in depth discussion of Android’s fragmentation, the need for Google to exert control, and Wilcox’s suggestions for the company. Interesting reading (cute pictures, too.)
Cynthia Murrell, May X, 2012
Ontology Systems Bests Vivisimo and Information Optimization
May 8, 2012
I read “Ontology Systems Set to Unveil OSS/BSS Intelligence Semantic Search Apps at Management World 2012.” The write up focuses on a forthcoming announcement of technology for “enterprise data alignment.”
When I read this, I thought of IBM Vivisimo’s “information optimization” catchphrase. I am not exactly sure what information optimization means. I think I am unclear about OSS BSS intelligent semantic search apps for enterprise data alignment. The Ontology Systems’ Web site includes detailed information about the company’s method.
My hunch this technology is a search system with semantic functions. The company describes itself this way:
Ontology Systems have caused Communications Service Providers (CSPs) to rethink the way they find and align customer, equipment and service information. CSPs spend vast sums of money attempting to do this via integration but getting usable results is hard. The world’s largest misaligned system is the Internet and you search the Internet. Ontology believes you should search your systems too.
The benefits of the company’s approach are explained in terms of an “ontology” seasoned approach:
Using state-of-the-art semantic search technologies, Ontology quickly finds and aligns business entities in operational, business and infrastructure systems. We provide a single, accurate, enterprise-wide view of customers, services and network assets. An organization using OSS BSS intelligent semantic search apps for enterprise data alignment can, according to the write up, “increase profit and reduce costs by preventing revenue leaks, improving service management, enhancing customer experience, maximizing network assets and improving the speed and accuracy of migration.”
The conclusion which the company suggests for me is “Ontology is semantic search for Enterprise Data Alignment.”
Stepping back, I had several observations:
- Vivisimo’s use of “information optimization” allowed IBM to perceive Vivisimo as a “big data” company. My hunch is that with a phrase which is ambiguous, convincing a cash rich purchaser to buy becomes easier. There are no pesky concrete explanations to block a “pivot” or deft repositioning. The Ontology Systems’ catchphrase is, to me, similar to Vivisimo’s choice of words.
- I am not sure what the undefined acronyms mean. I thought briefly about trying to untangle the “OSS BSS” pair, but if the writer did not explain them, it is not important to an addled goose. A brief explanation to an uninformed reader such as I was obviously unnecessary for the company’s target market.
- The “ontology” buzzword is used without associations to big data, analytics, and social media. Most of the articles I read about enterprise semantics are shifting from the taxonomy/ontology hooks to concepts which are getting more sales traction. There is a notable example of a well known Microsoft centric vendor scrambling to find a market positioning that captures SharePoint licensees’ interest. Ontology Systems seems to have a unique angle to make money with an ontology centric approach.
You can keep up with some of the vendors in the taxonomy and ontology sector with a subset of our Overflight service. Take a look at our free subsite http://www.arnoldit.com/taxonomy/. When you click on a company name, you can determine if the company is active in the market and get an indication of what is being said about the firm. We will add Ontology Systems to the public facing service so you can track this firm with a mouse click.
Stephen E Arnold, May 7, 2012
Sponsored by PolySpot
The Wiinner in Google vs Oracle?
May 7, 2012
Who could miss the coverage of the decision from the Google Oracle Java trial? I read “Google Infringed on Oracle Copyrights, Jury Finds, but Leaves Key Question Unanswered.” The story is a pretty good write up. Like most of the stories, the question of “Who won?” goes unanswered. Here’s the answer: The lawyers. Is this a good thing? It is for the legal eagles.
Stephen E Arnold, May 8, 2012
Sponsored by Polyspot
Facebook and Its Hall of the Slain
May 7, 2012
I am no psychologist. I am not a brilliant MBA. I am not much more than an addled goose in Harrod’s Creek. However, I do know that when I read the New York Magazine’s article about Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook had arrived. (To read the story, I had to endure a number of annoying pop ups. You may be spared these intrusions, but “real” journalistic endeavors have to do their annoying thing.)
“The Maturation of the Billionaire Boy-Man.” Zowie. I can anticipate the joy among the Facebook faithful. I can only imagine how the story will be greeted among the Googlers. Here’s the first paragraph:
If all goes as planned, Facebook will finally pull the trigger later this month on its long-salivated-over IPO. The deal could value the company in the neighborhood of $100 billion, making founder and CEO Mark Elliot Zuckerberg’s own unusually large stake worth $25 billion. It is a huge sum, even in context. Zuckerberg’s impending fortune is more money than Wal-Mart’s 10,000-plus stores made last year. It’s more than Wall Street paid in bonuses to New Yorkers last year. And it has been amassed in only eight years by a 27-year-old who not long ago passed out business cards reading “I’m CEO, bitch.”
I urge you to read the full article. It is important for three reasons:
- From my point of view, Facebook is the new focal point of what one can do with technical skill, a good idea, and lots of money.
- Facebook is a business school case study of “managing better”—certainly better than most of the Silicon Valley start ups outfits. The praise for Shryl Sandberg’s contributions is put in terms of increasing revenue from $150 million to $4 billion. One cannot forget the “our dream is to save lives” notion.
- Google is history in the eyes of some. The difference is the impossible dream of “all the world’s information” to the “social mission.” Both are grandiose, but the Facebook angle is backed up with 900 million “members”, not users.
So what hurts more? Google is in pain. Facebook is feeling good. Pivot point in the mythology of running an Internet company? You bet. Will it last? Nah, but for now, the Googlers have to cope with Zuckerberg as the company that marginalized Google as the management and technical Valhalla. Is there a Hall of the Slain in Mountain View for victims of public relations?
Stephen E Arnold, May 7, 2012
Sponsored by Polyspot
Inteltrax: Top Stories, April 30 to May 4
May 7, 2012
Inteltrax, the data fusion and business intelligence information service, captured three key stories germane to search this week, specifically, where the power lies in the analytic world.
Our story, “Korea Gets Analytic Attention” shows that China doesn’t deserve all the analytic attention when discussing Asian superpowers.
However, that doesn’t mean that China isn’t astoundingly powerful in the big data market. Our story, “Beijing Set to be the new Analytic Wall Street” all but solidifies that notion.
However, nations don’t hold all the strength. “Analytic Partner Power” highlights the growing shift of strong analytic companies teaming together to weather any storm.
Whether nations are on the rise, staying on top or innovative business ideas are helping forge new strengths, we’ll be keeping an eye on everything in the big data analytics sphere. Keep up with the news every day.
Follow the Inteltrax news stream by visiting www.inteltrax.com
Patrick Roland, Editor, Inteltrax.
May 7, 2012
Half of Amazon Cloud Users Overpay
May 7, 2012
Are you an Amazon Web Services [AWS] user? Business Insider reports, “Amazon’s Cloud Is Cheap, but You’re STILL Probably Paying Too Much.” Data from NewVem indicates that about half of Amazon Cloud’s users subscribe to more computing power than they actually use, wasting money. Writer Julie Bort reports:
“[NewVem] found that 53% of light AWS users leave more than half their instances idle. That means they are spending for twice as much as much cloud capacity than they really need. Heavy users do a better job. They are wasting less than 10% of their instances.
“It only costs between 8 cents (Linux) and 11.5 cents (Windows) per hour for an instance for small users, so the wasted ones don’t really add up to a lot of money. About $138 a month apiece. But if you are a budget-conscious startup, there are better ways to spend that cash.”
Indeed. Every little bit counts for small businesses.
NewVem, the company that supplied this data, is founded on an interesting concept. This startup provides a service, now in free beta version, that analyzes cloud operational data and makes recommendations so companies can get the most from their cloudy investments.
Cynthia Murrell, May 7, 2012
Sponsored by PolySpot
SharePoint 2010 Server Administrator Training Opportunities Announced for Multiple Cities
May 7, 2012
Upcoming SharePoint Server Administrator continuing education opportunities are discussed in the recent Virtual-Stretegy.com post, “SharePoint 2010 Server Administrators Training Now Available in Multiple Cities.” The three-day training session titled Introduction to SharePoint 2010 for Server Administrators is scheduled for May 15 – 17 in Nashville; June 5 – 7 in Washington, DC; and June 26 – 28 in Chicago.
The course, which is intended for server administrators seeking to learn best practices for installing, implementing and managing SharePoint 2010 servers, is explained:
The course serves as an introduction to both SharePoint Foundation 2010 (the free edition of SharePoint 2010) and SharePoint Server 2010 Standard and Enterprise Editions. It uses a sample company in the lab exercises to teach IT professionals how to apply SharePoint 2010 from concept to implementation in a typical environment.
The course author and Senior Instructor for SharePoint Solutions, Ricky Spears, explains the expected student outcomes:
Students will learn how to determine which edition of SharePoint is best for their organization; the tasks end users perform most frequently with SharePoint; and how to establish site security. Then, they will set up SharePoint 2010 from scratch under the watch eye of a Microsoft-certified SharePoint 2010 administrator.
The training may be worth checking out if you need to boost your implementation and administration in SharePoint 2010. But we also know that valuable development resources are often limited. Consider a comprehensive out of the box solution, like Fabasoft Mindbreeze, to extend your SharePoint system without the need for extensive training.
Fabasoft Mindbreeze Enterprise:
finds every scrap of information within a very short time, whether document, contract, note, e-mail or calendar entry, in intranet or internet, person- or text-related. The software solution finds all required information, regardless of source, for its users.
Further, Mindbreeze offers enterprise-grade support and training to help you along the way and maximize your enterprise search investments. The solution is worth a second look at http://www.mindbreeze.com/.
Philip West, May 7, 2012
Sponsored by Pandia.com
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