HP Launches Cloud-Based Analytics as a Service

HP launches a cloud-based analytics as a service offering, NGDATA raises $3.3 million for big data expansion plans, and Gartner sizes up the big data investments and opportunities in 2013.

HP Analytics as a Service

HP (HPQ) announced a new cloud-based analytics as a service built on HP's HAVEn Big Data analytics platform. As one of the first adopters of the HP HAVEn platform, HP Enterprise Services deployed HAVEn as part of its Big Data Discovery Experience as-a-service offering, which allows customers to test drive and determine the value of their new use cases and “big data” data sets prior to making large capital investments. HP HAVEn enables organizations to create next-generation applications and solutions that accelerate the monetization of big data. Proven technologies are combined in HAVEn, such as Autonomy IDOL, Vertica Analytics, ArcSight Security Event Manager, and ArcSight Logger, as well as key industry initiatives such as Hadoop. “Harnessing the value of information is a top priority for our clients and a Big Data solution is a significant investment of time and money for any organization, regardless of industry. HP Enterprise Services has leveraged HP HAVEn’s unified approach to Big Data to provide a low-risk, simplified and accelerated entry path to addressing key client business problems,” said Dragan Rakovich, chief technologist, Information Management & Analytics, HP Enterprise Services.

NGDATA raises $3.3 million for big data

Customer intelligence management solutions company NGDATA announced that it has closed a $3.3 million investment round led by Capricorn Venture Partners with participation from existing investors, including Sniper Investments, and angel investors. Validating the investment is NGDATA's market momentum, such as expanding its global presence, opening multiple offices throughout the United States, and executing a number of strategic partnerships. This latest investment will be used to advance the development of the company’s customer intelligence solution, Lily, and build upon NGDATA’s record revenue growth.  “We’re seeing a shift in the Big Data market, where companies are looking for better ways to capture and analyze data in ways that help them solve real business problems,” said Katrin Geyskens, Partner at Capricorn Venture Partners.  “NGDATA brings a unique and effective offering in its Big Data solutions, providing companies with the ability to gain deeper insights into their data—and its growing customer base and revenue streams are testament. We’re thrilled to join NGDATA’s team as the company moves into its next phase of growth and expansion in the U.S.”

Gartner Big Data Trends

According to a Gartner survey, big data investments in 2013 continue to rise, with 64 percent of organizations investing or planning to invest in big data technology, compared to 58 percent in 2012. Industries leading big data investments in 2013 are media and communications, banking, and services. North America leads big data investments with 38 percent having already made investments, and Asia/Pacific have 45 percent indicating that they plan to invest in the next two years. Some of the big data activities are incremental to current business practices; for example, better understanding customer needs, making processes more efficient, further reducing costs or better detecting risks.

"The hype around big data continues to drive increased investment and attention, but there is real substance behind the hype," said Lisa Kart, research director at Gartner. "Our survey underlines the fact that organizations across industries and geographies see 'opportunity' and real business value rather than the 'smoke and mirrors' with which hypes usually come."