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Showing posts with label next-generation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label next-generation. Show all posts

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Synopsys' RSoft OptSim Accelerates Design of Next-Generation Optical Communication Systems

Press release:


Synopsys' RSoft OptSim Accelerates Design of Next-Generation Optical Communication Systems
OptSim version 5.3 is now generally available

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Sept. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --
Highlights:
  • Expands support for modulation formats used in next-generation optical networks
  • Accelerates design development with an expanded model library
  • Speeds evaluation of optical signal propagation in data communication systems
  • Increases user productivity with application examples
Synopsys, Inc. (Nasdaq: SNPS), a world leader in software and IP used in the design, verification and manufacture of electronic components and systems, today announced the availability of the latest release of its RSoft™ Optical Communication Design Suite, which includes OptSim™ and its multimode companion tool ModeSYS™. OptSim version 5.3 delivers innovative modeling capabilities and new application examples that enable engineers to accelerate the design of high-performance optical communication systems.
"Optimized design of existing data links and the advancement of complex future designs can only be achieved with a thorough understanding of the underlying physics and technology involved, as well as the ability to predict performance and recognize design limitations," said Chris Kocot, principal scientist, Finisar Corporation. "At Finisar, simulation software is a crucial facilitator in this process. OptSim is a key component in our suite of software simulation tools used for advanced product development, including 28 Gb/s optical interconnects and next-generation optical links operating at 56 Gb/s per channel, as well as for high-speed link simulations that involve advanced modulation techniques."
Support for Cutting-Edge Modulation FormatsOptSim now includes models for accurately simulating coherent polarization-multiplexed binary phase-shift keying (PM-BPSK) as well as coherent multi-level polarization-multiplexed modulation formats such as PM-16QAM and PM-64QAM. These enhancements can help speed development of advanced applications such as single-carrier 100G Ethernet. The software also supports enhanced orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) models that can handle negative frequencies and calculate error vector magnitudes. This provides engineers with increased flexibility and power when developing OFDM-based systems, such as high-speed long-haul transmission systems with high inter-symbolic interference (ISI).
Application-Specific Models Accelerate Design DevelopmentOptSim now offers the following additions to its model library, which users can incorporate into their designs to jumpstart analysis of a wide range of systems, including photonic integrated circuits, long-reach and ultra-long-reach metro networks, and optical transport networks:
  • Y-fed balanced-bridge dual-arm Mach-Zehnder modulator model
  • Electrical filter synthesis based on data in Touchstone files
  • Model of clipping in the electrical domain
  • Phenomenological model for more easily implementing dispersion compensation
"OptSim has been a useful tool, giving us the ability to assess the performance of new systems before components are available for lab testing," said Steven Searcy, optical systems engineer, ADVA Optical Networking. "The ability to obtain preliminary design rules via simulation is critical to staying ahead in the development and introduction of new technologies."
Enhanced Multimode Fiber Modeling Speeds Evaluation of Optical Signal PropagationModeSYS includes an updated and enhanced multimode fiber model that provides faster calculation of mode-coupling equations. This can significantly accelerate evaluation of optical signal propagation in data communication systems.
Application Examples Increase User ProductivityNew application notes in OptSim demonstrate state-of-the-art examples that can reduce training time for new users and increase efficiency for experienced users. Application [examples] include polarization-multiplexed modulation formats, parametric fiber amplifiers, microwave photonics and multimode systems:
  • PM-QPSK modulation using an external local oscillator
  • Dual carrier PM-QPSK modulation
  • In-band crosstalk in partial DPSK systems
  • Phase-sensitive fiber parametric amplifiers
  • Microwave photonic links based on balanced detection
  • DMD test and measurement per IEC specification 60793-1-49
  • EMB test and measurement per IEC specification 60793-1-41
  • 25-Gbps directly modulated VCSEL-based multimode links
"OptSim 5.3 adds modeling enhancements that strengthen its standing as an ideal tool for optical communication design and simulation," said George Bayz, vice president and general manager of the Optical Solutions Group at Synopsys. "These new features are augmented by our continued focus on improving user productivity, with an expanded model library and detailed application notes. Our goal is to help engineers develop, test and deliver new systems more efficiently than ever."
Availability & ResourcesOptSim version 5.3 is available now and can be obtained by emailing rsoft_sales@synopsys.com. Learn more about Synopsys' RSoft products at http://www.synopsys.com/Tools/OpticalDesign.
About Synopsys' RSoft ProductsSynopsys' RSoft products are leading solutions in photonic design software and serve several industries including optical communications, optoelectronics and semiconductor manufacturing. RSoft products provide a full range of design, optimization and planning tools for optical communications, as well as solutions for optoelectronics components and subsystems.
About SynopsysSynopsys, Inc. (Nasdaq:SNPS) is a world leader in electronic design automation (EDA), supplying the global electronics market with the software, intellectual property (IP) and services used in semiconductor design, verification and manufacturing. Synopsys' comprehensive, integrated portfolio of implementation, verification, IP, manufacturing and field-programmable gate array (FPGA) solutions helps address the key challenges designers and manufacturers face today, such as power and yield management, system-to-silicon verification and time-to-results. These technology-leading solutions help give Synopsys customers a competitive edge in bringing the best products to market quickly while reducing costs and schedule risk. Synopsys is headquartered in Mountain View, California, and has approximately 70 offices located throughout North America, Europe, Japan, Asia and India. Visit Synopsys online at http://www.synopsys.com.

Monday, August 27, 2012

Cisco and VMware Expand Their Strategic Partnership to Deliver Next Generation Cloud Infrastructures


PRESS RELEASE

Cisco and VMware Expand Their Strategic Partnership to Deliver Next Generation Cloud Infrastructures

Integrated solutions to offer unprecedented scale, security and automation across physical and virtual cloud infrastructures


SAN FRANCISCO – VMworld® – August 27, 2012 –  Today Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO)  and VMware (NYSE: VMW)  announced they plan to expand their strategic partnership to include integrated products and solutions aimed at delivering the software defined datacenter. This partnership expansion will be highlighted by an investment in dedicated engineering teams collaborating on deeper integrations across the VMware cloud infrastructure and management stacks and Cisco's Data Center Networking and Fabric Computing platforms. The companies' investment in joint dedicated engineering teams will represent a new level of collaboration which will enable the software defined datacenter through unprecedented coupling of virtual and physical infrastructure.
Highlights:
  • Cisco and VMware will make significant joint engineering investments to develop technology integration initiatives, which will launch a new set of solutions designed to provide customers unprecedented levels of agile compute and network services, workload and workspace mobility,  end-to-end visibility, and ease of troubleshooting across their physical and virtual infrastructures.
  • To support customer demand and choice, VMware will integrate the Cisco Nexus 1000V Series Switches with the new VMware vCloud® Suite 5.1, also announced today, and other VMware products.
  • Cisco and VMware will develop Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS)-based cloud solutions, which will bundle Cisco virtual networking, virtual services and management such as the Nexus 1000V virtual switch, CSR 1000V cloud router, ASA 1000V cloud firewall, virtual WAAS for WAN optimization, and Intelligent Automation for Cloud with VMware vSphere® 5.1, VMware vCloud Suite 5.1 and complementary management offerings.
  • Furthering the commitment to mutual customers, Cisco will resell VMware vCloud Suite 5.1, which will feature enhanced interoperability with Cisco Nexus 1000V.
  • As part of the companies' joint vision for the transformation of the workspace in the post-PC era, VMware and Cisco are expanding their joint solutions with Cisco VXI and VMware View to introduce new integrated solutions for SMB and ROBO customers featuring Cisco e-Series UCS servers and VMware View®. 
  • Cisco and VMware will also provide Cisco Validated Designs and reference architectures to simplify and accelerate customer implementation of these joint solutions.
  • Cisco and VMware joint solutions will be made available for VCE, as well as ecosystem partners,  to help drive customer adoption of its industry-leading converged infrastructure platforms. Cisco and VMware remain strongly committed, along with EMC, to the VCE partnership.
This expanded partnership will leverage Cisco's history of innovative leadership in networking and systems with VMware's industry leadership in software-based virtualization and cloud infrastructure.  To date, the partnership has delivered groundbreaking products and solutions including:
  • Nexus 1000V – In 2009, VMware and Cisco delivered a distributed virtual switch from Cisco enabling network administrators to simplify network management between their physical and virtual environments. Since its inception, more than 6,000 customers have licensed this joint solution.
  • Cisco UCS – In 2009, Cisco introduced the Unified Computing System (UCS), a new x86 platform that radically simplified the management of compute, storage access, networking and virtualization and is tightly integrated with the VMware vSphere platform, enabling customers to reduce their CAPEX and OPEX as they expand their virtual and cloud infrastructures.
  • Converged Infrastructure – Cisco and EMC, together with VMware and with investments from Intel, established the VCE coalition in 2009, spearheading the movement toward converged infrastructure. Customers globally have recognized the value of Vblock™ Infrastructure Platforms in accelerating the migration of enterprise workloads to private and public clouds.    
  • Cisco VXI and VMware View – In 2012, Cisco and VMware cooperated to deliver a unified collaboration solution leveraging VMware cloud infrastructure, VMware View and Cisco UCS, Cisco Wide Area Application Services and Unified Communications platforms to enable customers to migrate to a more open, mobile and immersive workspace environment in the post-PC era.
Supporting Quotes:
Rob Lloyd, Executive Vice President, Cisco
"Cisco and VMware have delivered incredible value to customers seeking to accelerate the deployment of private and public clouds. The next-generation datacenter will enable customers to capture the value of VMware cloud infrastructure and management stacks along with the next wave of Cisco innovations in hardware, ASICs, systems and network programmability to deliver unprecedented scalability, security, diagnostics and policy management. As the leader in networking, Cisco looks forward to continuing to lead the industry in partnership with VMware."
Pat Gelsinger, Incoming Chief Executive Officer, VMware
"The software-defined datacenter will deliver the next leap in software-based datacenter automation across server, storage and networking, but it requires equal hardware and systems-based innovation. We are very excited to further our partnership with Cisco, the industry-leading innovator in networking, as we believe it will bring significant value to our joint customers through the integration of the VMware cloud infrastructure platform with Cisco's intelligent network fabric."
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About Cisco
Cisco, (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide leader in networking that transforms how people connect, communicate and collaborate. Information about Cisco can be found at http://www.cisco.com. For ongoing news, please go tohttp://newsroom.cisco.com.
About VMware
VMware (NYSE: VMW)  is the leader in virtualization and cloud infrastructure solutions that enable businesses to thrive in the Cloud Era. Customers rely on VMware to help them transform the way they build, deliver and consume Information Technology resources in a manner that is evolutionary and based on their specific needs. With 2011 revenues of $3.77 billion, VMware has more than 400,000 customers and 55,000 partners.  The company is headquartered in Silicon Valley with offices throughout the world and can be found online at www.vmware.com.
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Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Videotron Launches illico TV New Generation with Cisco High-Definition Digital Video Recording Services

PRESS RELEASE
Videotron Launches illico TV New Generation with Cisco High-Definition Digital Video Recording Services

Enhanced user interface and new advanced features deliver next-generation viewing experience

Montreal, Quebec – March 27, 2012 – Videotron, a leading Canadian telecommunications operator providing communications and broadband entertainment services, announced today it has chosen Cisco's HD set-top box platform to deploy the next generation of its enhanced illico digital TV service. 
Videotron will use the Cisco Explorer® 8642 HD-DVR and 4642 HD set-top boxes to deliver a best-in-class enhanced entertainment experience. Available in the province of Quebec, illico TV New Generation offers a new customer experience including advanced video services and faster navigation.  
Highlights:
·         illico TV New Generation subscribers can use their remotes to access interactive entertainment and information embedded in particular programs, such as music, weather, local information, voting and polling, and other services. Subscribers may also benefit from Digital Video Recorder (DVR) functionality, Video-on-Demand, Electronic Program Guide, Pay-Per-View, Caller ID, Weather, and the ability to choose tailor-made entertainment packages. 
·         The Cisco 8642 HD-DVR optimizes Videotron's existing Cisco-powered cable head-end infrastructure and DOCSIS® network to give consumers greater access to broader video and entertainment experiences including broadcast television and video-on-demand.
·         The Cisco Explorer 4642 HD and 8642 HD-DVR set-top boxes give service providers the opportunity to:
·         Advance their video service plans by integrating the quality of high-definition video, digital video recording, and new service application features.
·         Offer consumer innovative features such as a 500-gigabyte DVR hard disc drive that supports up to 280 hours of standard-definition and up to 55 hours of high-definition programming, hybrid video service support, open standard support, multiple tuner support as well as USB 2.0 and Ethernet connectivity.
·         Qualified to meet ENERGY STAR® Tier 1 strict energy-efficiency guidelines, the Cisco 8642 HD-DVR requires less than 1 watt of power consumption in standby mode, and is capable of ‘light sleep' mode.  
Supporting Quotes:
Pierre Roy, vice president, Engineering, Research and Development, Videotron:
"The latest generation of Cisco Explorer set-top boxes supports the Tru2way open standard allowing us to offer a tailored customer experience to a broader audience. The Cisco Explorer set-top boxes help us to differentiate our innovative service and applications while retaining our market leadership."
Mark Kummer, vice president, Service Provider Operations, Cisco Canada:
"Videotron is a leader in bringing the capabilities and convenience of HD and DVR services to Canada, and Cisco is proud to help further the company's vision. With illico TV New Generation, Videotron can continue to advance its video strategy by utilizing its head-end and DOCSIS fibre optic networks combined with Cisco's set-top technology to deliver best-in-class video entertainment   experiences on air, online, on demand."
Additional Resources:
·         About Videotron
·         Cisco Explorer
About Videotron
Videotron, a wholly owned subsidiary of Quebecor Media Inc., is an integrated communications company engaged in cable television, interactive multimedia development, and Internet access, cable telephone and mobile telephone services. Videotron is a leader in new technologies with its interactive Digital TV service and its broadband network, which supports high-speed cable Internet access, analog and digital cable television, and other services.
About Cisco
Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide leader in networking that transforms how people connect, communicate and collaborate. Cisco Canada Co., a wholly owned subsidiary of Cisco, has offices across Canada dedicated to customer support, sales and service. For ongoing news, please go to
 http://newsroom.cisco.com/canada/.
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Monday, March 26, 2012

RBC and Cisco to Host Conference Call on Next Generation Data Center Fabrics

PRESS RELEASE

RBC and Cisco to Host Conference Call on Next Generation Data Center Fabrics

SAN JOSE, Calif, --- March 26, 2012 --- Cisco will host a conference call with RBC Capital Markets to discuss Next Generation Data Center Fabrics. David Yen, Senior Vice President and GM of Cisco's Data Center group will discuss the company's data center vision, strategy, and views on data center fabrics. This event will be webcast.  Interested parties can view this event on Cisco's Investor Relations website at investor.cisco.com.
No previously unannounced issues will be discussed in this webcast.
Date:               Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Time:              8:00 am PT / 11:00 am ET
Speaker:         David Yen, Senior Vice President and GM, Data Center
About Cisco
Cisco, (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide leader in networking that transforms how people connect, communicate and collaborate. Information about Cisco can be found at http://www.cisco.com. For ongoing news, please go tohttp://newsroom.cisco.com.
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Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Broadcom Extends Fiber Access Portfolio with Acquisition of BroadLight

Broadcom Extends Fiber Access Portfolio with Acquisition of BroadLight

End-to-End Platform Opens New Addressable Markets for Next Generation Fiber Networks

IRVINE, Calif.March 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Broadcom Corporation (NASDAQ: BRCM), a global innovation leader in semiconductor solutions for wired and wireless communications, today announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire BroadLight, Inc., a Delaware corporation with an Israel-based subsidiary. BroadLight is a privately held provider of highly integrated networking and fiber access PON (Passive Optical Network) processors. With the addition of BroadLight,Broadcom expands its broadband access portfolio to support customer requirements for rolling out next-generation fiber networks worldwide. 
"The need for increased bandwidth for IPTV services, HDTV broadcasting and high speed Internet access are driving momentum for deploying fiber networks," said Dan Marotta, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Broadcom'sBroadband Communications Group. "Combining BroadLight's PON solutions with the strength of Broadcom's broadband access portfolio will enable us to offer a complete, end-to-end solution for customers — from OLT at the central office to CPE at the home. BroadLight's strong engineering team and broad IP will complement and extend our ability to deliver next-generation access technologies to customers."
In connection with the acquisition, Broadcom currently expects to pay approximately $195 million, net of cash assumed, to acquire all of the outstanding shares of capital stock and other equity rights of BroadLight. The purchase price will be paid in cash, minus a portion of such purchase price attributable to certain unvested employee stock options that will be paid inBroadcom restricted stock units. Additional consideration of up to $10 million in cash will be reserved for future payment to holders of BroadLight capital stock and other rights upon satisfaction of certain performance goals. Excluding any purchase accounting related adjustments and fair value measurements, Broadcom expects the acquisition of BroadLight to be roughly neutral to earnings per share in 2012. The transaction is expected to close in Broadcom's second quarter of 2012 and remains subject to customary closing conditions.

IPv6: The Internet for Generations to Come

IPv6: The Internet for Generations to Come
03/21/2012
Industry leaders share their point of view on the important role of the next-generation Internet. Cisco and others won't be left behind on June 6, 2012.

Click the link below for video.

IPv6: The Internet for Generations to Come

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

WASU & Lancable Deploy EoC Cable Architecture


WASU and Lancable Deploy Broadcom's DOCSIS®-based EoC Cable Architecture Solution

Drives China's Next Generation Broadcasting - the Convergence of TV, Broadband and Telecom Services


BEIJINGMarch 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --  CCBN --
News Highlights:
  • WASU, a leading Chinese operator, announces deployment of Broadcom's DOCSIS®-based EoC solution to subscribers in Hangzhou
  • Broadcom® technology boosts broadband speeds to 1Gbps, driving next generation applications such as TV video conferencing/chatting and IPTV
  • New solutions open the way for the convergence of fast, reliable and interactive triple play services
Broadcom Corporation (NASDAQ: BRCM), a global innovation leader in semiconductor solutions for wired and wireless communications, today announced that WASU, the leading cable operator in Hangzhou, is deploying its DOCSIS-based Ethernet over Coax (EoC) cable architecture using cable and network equipment from its partner, Lancable. Learn more atBroadcom@CCBN.
Key Features
With boosted broadband speeds to 1Gbps, Broadcom's DOCSIS-based EoC cable architecture supports China's NGB initiative, led by SARFT, the Chinese government agency overseeing broadcasting.  This offers WASU significant performance and quality of service (QoS) benefits to deliver reliable, fast and interactive TV, broadband and telecom services to subscribers. More network capacity also enables operators to offer new services and applications like video chat with better call quality. 
Product Details
By leveraging existing EPON and GPON standards and employing DOCSIS technology as part of a customized 'final 100 meter' solution, Broadcom's  DOCSIS-based EoC cable architecture is a complete chipset and software solution that includes Coax Media Converter (CMC), DOCSIS 2.0 and 3.0 cable modem, and set-top box (STB) SoC solutions. 
Availability
Broadcom is now shipping its 1Gbps DOCSIS-based EoC cable architecture solution.
Quotes
Zhang Changli, President of Research InstituteWASU Digital TV Media Group:
"WASU is devoted to revolutionizing home networks, and offering full services to our subscribers. We are excited to leverage Broadcom's technology to deploy high performing voice, video and data to our subscribers. Additionally, we look forward to offering new services to our valued subscribers."
Shentu Meiliang, Executive President, Hangzhou Lancable Technology, Ltd:
"As a close partner, we are using Broadcom's solution to develop new NGB-oriented products for WASU.  Lancable has a long-term commitment to the field of radio and television, and we are happy to work with Broadcom to provide operators with our technical leadership, service excellence in high-tech products and a full range of system solutions."
Dan MarottaBroadcom's Executive Vice President and General ManagerBroadband Communications Group:
"We are pleased to announce WASU's successful deployment of our technology.  With faster broadband speeds and more network capacity, DOCSIS-based EoC is setting the stage for demanding services that consume consistent bandwidth. Our technology offers the network capacity that operators need to offer their subscribers high quality new services and applications like video chat."
For ongoing Broadcom news visit our Newsroom, read our B-Connected Blog, or visit us on Facebook or Twitter. And to stay connected, subscribe to our RSS Feed.
About Broadcom
Broadcom Corporation (NASDAQ: BRCM), a FORTUNE 500® company, is a global leader and innovator in semiconductor solutions for wired and wireless communications. Broadcom® products seamlessly deliver voice, video, data and multimedia connectivity in the home, office and mobile environments.  With the industry's broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art system-on-a-chip and embedded software solutions, Broadcom is changing the world by Connecting everything®. For more information, go to www.broadcom.com.
Broadcom®, the pulse logo, Connecting everything® and the Connecting everything logo are among the trademarks ofBroadcom Corporation and/or its affiliates in the United States, certain other countries and/or the EU.  Any other trademarks or trade names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.

IBM Introduces New Predictive Analytics Services & Software

IBM Introduces New Predictive Analytics Services and Software to Reduce Fraud, Manage Financial Performance and Deliver Next Best Action

NEW YORK and LONDON - 20 Mar 2012: IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced new consulting services and software that take the power of predictive analytics to new levels of impact for the highest-priority issues of C-suite decision makers. The new analytic offerings address the emerging opportunities of big data to manage financial operations, decrease fraud and nurture next-generation customer relationships.
Based on experiences drawn from more than 20,000 analytics engagements, the new solutions combine innovations developed by IBM Research with new predictive technologies from dozens of companies IBM has acquired. 
IBM will significantly broaden the group of clients – specifically C-suite leaders – who can adopt analytics, extending IBM's leadership position in the strategic market for business analytics. IDC estimates enterprises will invest more than $120 billion by 2015 to capture the business impact of analytics, across hardware, software and services. 
“These new capabilities target the agendas of global business leaders operating in a world of accelerating complexity, unpredictability and massively available information,” said Bridget van Kralingen, senior vice president, IBM Global Business Services. “By integrating analytics into business processes and converting new insights into action, IBM is helping organizations transform big data from a threat into an opportunity, one that will be their most valuable natural resource.”  
Enterprises across all industries are under increased pressure to extract new insights from theexplosion of available data. To address this imperative, IBM has expanded its multi-billion dollar investment in business analytics to address three vital client issues – fraud detection, financial operations and customer service – and help organizations increase revenues. The IBM Smarter Analytics Signature Solutions include:  
·        IBM Smarter Analytics Signature Solution – Anti-fraud, Waste & AbuseEach year, health care fraud tops $250 billion, according to the FBI. Tax fraud costs billions more. IBM’s adaptive systems learn from the latest data, helping to protect against emerging fraud. The solution embeds advanced algorithms directly into business processes, providing government agencies and insurers with the ability to detect fraud in real time – before funds are paid out. Using sophisticated analytics, the solution recommends the most effective remedy for each case, optimizing an organization’s finite resources. For example, the system might recommend that a simple letter requesting payment be sent to resolve one case, while recommending that a full investigation be opened in another case.

The solution will help clients replicate success stories like Infinity Insurance. One of the nation’s leading “nonstandard” insurance providers, specializing in covering higher-risk drivers. The company is applying IBM analytics to more than 25,000 automobile claims processed monthly in order to identify patterns in historic data. In the first three months, Infinity reduced the time needed to identify fraudulent claims from 14 days to 24 hours. 
·        IBM Smarter Analytics Signature Solution – Next Best ActionAll organizations understand the value of collecting customer data, but many struggle to extract new insight and use it to create more meaningful relationships. IBM’s solution helps organizations gain a comprehensive view of a customer, derived from traditional enterprise data and customer sentiment gleaned from social networks, logged customer service interactions and web click stream data. Then, real-time analytics predicts customer behavior and preferences to inform decisions on the next best action on behalf of that customer.

These capabilities bring together Marketing and Customer Service functions and have helped companies like Sprint, which is using IBM analytics to determine the most effective offers for existing and new customers. 
·        IBM Smarter Analytics Signature Solution – CFO Performance InsightFinancial information is growing at an astounding rate of 70 percent each year, according to IBM research. The industry’s intricate data sets have to be collected and cross-referenced against analyst reports, economic market data, financial reports, news stories, board notes and company balance sheets. IBM’s capabilities provide increased insight, visibility and control over financial performance with predictive capabilities applied to key metrics and data on past performance. The predictive analytics, combined with what-if analysis, and traditional business intelligence in an executive-style dashboard, guides users with root-cause analyses. Organizations can uncover relationships among performance metrics, anticipate performance gaps and assess alternatives with scenario planning.

This kind of improved financial visibility is used by Alfred Angelo, one of the largest U.S. wedding gown manufacturers and retailers. The company is using IBM analytics to move beyond spreadsheets to a more comprehensive view of its operations across product lines. By analyzing which wedding dress styles or accessories have been profitable over time, Alfred Angelo can take the SKU level “investigation” down to a particular color, size, or design and then optimize its inventory to meet client demands and increase revenues.  
IBM works with clients across industries and geographies to apply analytics and gain a competitive advantage from analyzing big data.
“IBM is helping Sprint manage and analyze network data 90 percent faster than before,” said Von McConnell, executive director of the Innovation and Advanced Labs at Sprint. “We can now customize new products and services in real-time and respond instantly to changing market dynamics. The insights we gain from big data allows us to create and deliver new mobile applications in minutes, instead of hours, giving Sprint the ability to stay well ahead of our competitors.”  
Big Data: The New Natural Resource
The new solutions can be delivered by IBM consultants, supported by industry-leading applications management services capabilities, and cloud offerings. Clients can access these capabilities through IBM’s big data technology platform that includes Hadoop, stream computing, data warehouse, and information integration and governance capabilities, along with visualization and discovery, application development, systems management and industry accelerators. To date, the IBM big data platform has been adopted by more than 100 business partners, bringing a new class of analytics solutions to market and extending the reach of IBM analytics offerings for clients. 
Clients can access IBM’s solutions through a global network of eight Analytics Solution Centers. Credit qualified clients can take advantage of financing for services solutions and zero percent loans for IBM software with IBM Global Financing. 
IBM Smarter Analytics
The new analytics services and solutions are part of IBM's larger focus on business analytics and optimization, which spans hardware, software, services and research. IBM projects $16 billion in business analytics revenue by 2015. To meet that target, IBM has established the world’s deepest portfolio of analytics solutions; grown its business and industry expertise to almost 9,000 business analytics and optimization consultants, 400 researchers, and created global analytics solution centers in Berlin, Beijing, Dallas, London, New York, Tokyo, Washington and Zurich. 
IBM has acquired 28 companies to build targeted analytics and information expertise since 2005, and continues to expand its ecosystem, which today consists of more than 27,000 IBM business partners. IBM has also secured hundreds of patents a year in analytics.  
These investments have enabled IBM to develop breakthrough technologies like IBM Watson, a new class of industry specific analytical capability that uses deep content analysis, evidence-based reasoning and natural language processing to identify relationships buried in large volumes of data that can be used to improve decision making. 
For more information about IBM and Analytics visit www.ibm.com
To download the IBM infographic on Big Data: The New Natural Resource visithttp://bit.ly/Gzp4HA
Follow IBM and Analytics & Information on Twitter #smarteranalytics and #ibmbigdata. 
IBM YouTube Analytics Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/ibmbusinessanalytics.