Fuzzy Logix has ported its DB Lytix in-database analytics library to SQL Server 2008 using the Common Language Runtime (CLR) option. This library contains functions for mathematical and statistical analysis, data mining, and Monte Carlo simulations.
In-database analytics has become mainstream, as enterprises are either using this technology, or are demonstrating the inclination to use it for solving business problems. In traditional methods of data analysis, users are required to transport data out of the database for processing. The conventional approach is to move the data to analytics. Even though the conventional methods seem logical, the movement of data imposes severe limitations on delivery of results. In-database analytics relies on moving analytics to the database wherein advanced quantitative functions are embedded inside the database as scalar functions or aggregates. Analysts can simply write SQL queries to perform complex analysis of data and get the desired results with blazing speed -- exploiting the inherent parallel processing capability of the SQL Server query processor.
According to Fuzzy Logix's Partha Sen, "the availability of in-database analytics in SQL Server marks the beginning of a new era -- the era of the democratization of analytics. It's our goal to make analytics pervasive in all walks of life. We feel confident that the availability of in-database analytics in SQL Server will enable us to serve a large base of customers who are seeking to use easily accessible analytics to help them gain competitive advantage."
Eric Hanson, Principal Program Manager Lead and Data Warehouse scenario owner in the SQL Server team at Microsoft, adds that "in-database analytics can provide dramatic benefits for our customers. The functions that are available in DB Lytix will enable our customers to rapidly do predictive analysis directly with the familiar T-SQL language within SQL Server. This allows analytic results to be displayed easily in any report based on SQL queries. It also eliminates the need to move data to a separate system for analysis, avoiding the cost of moving data and of implementing redundant security controls."
