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Cambridge University reaches for the stars with Kognitio and HP - Astronomy Organisation Deploys Fast Data Analytics Software and Utility Computing Services to Process Research Data
Marlow, United Kingdom - 30th March 2007 - Kognitio, a leading provider of solutions to business problems that require acquisition, rationalisation and analysis of both large and complex data volumes, today announced that the Cambridge Astronomical Survey Unit (CASU), part of Cambridge University's Institute of Astronomy, has deployed WX2, the industry's most powerful and scalable analytical database alongside utility computing services from HP to accelerate the processing and classification of extremely large volumes of research data.
By the end of 2007 CASU will be collecting up to 500 GB of telescope imaging data every night. These images will then be grouped into catalogues that must be uploaded, cross-referenced and heavily indexed to enable research astronomers to ask useful and complex data mining queries. As each catalogue contains billions of objects this process can take months if carried out using traditional technologies. Moreover, the worldwide trend to make all astronomical databases available on the Internet to allow researchers to mine high-quality data, places additional pressure on the catalogue and archiving facilities.
'It is analysis of this type of data that has led to some of the most significant astronomical discoveries but since the speed of research is closely tied to the speed the data can be catalogued and mined we were not proceeding at a satisfactory pace. Gathering, classifying and cross-referencing very large quantities of data is a highly demanding process and it requires a powerful yet flexible technology,' said Jim Lewis, senior research associate at CASU. 'Kognitio WX2 has added a new dimension to our approach to data analysis, which it has also dramatically accelerated. The data warehouse is no longer a necessary burden but an invaluable asset for us now.'
Kognitio WX2 is enabling CASU to get answers to detailed queries from large amounts of granular data in just seconds. This software-only solution uses high-speed, Massively Parallel Processing (MPP) technology to deliver an extremely fast data mart/warehouse platform to organisations seeking to gain intelligence from their data. Kognitio WX2 runs on low-cost, industry-standard hardware and can be scaled to handle hundreds of terabytes of data with performance that delivers answers in real time. HP Flexible Computing Services allows CASU to tap into HP's computing power on a utility basis thus eliminating the need for costly technology hardware.
'Many organisations today rely on ineffective technologies which in reality hold them back,' said Roger Llewellyn, CEO at Kognitio. 'By moving to Kognitio WX2 and HP's utility computing services, CASU is now benefiting from highly flexible yet affordable state-of-the-art data analytics software and on-demand computing power.'
Kognitio WX2 delivers the most comprehensive, cost-effective Business Intelligence database platform in the industry and is available as a stand-alone software solution, as a Virtual Data Appliance (VDA), as a BI-in-a-box solution or as a managed service.
About Kognitio
Kognitio is an innovative, technology-rich company, providing leading-edge solutions to business problems that require the acquisition, rationalisation and analysis of large or complex data.
Kognitio's offering is centred around three areas: WX2, the fastest and most scalable analytical database on the market, managed services and data migration expertise. All three areas are complemented by an extensive professional services team helping to ensure businesses gain competitive advantage from their data.
With its industry-leading analytical database offering, WX2, Kognitio is able to turn a company's raw data into valuable business insight fast, empowering its customers to realise comprehensive answers to critical business questions. Kognitio's managed services model allows its customers to focus on running their businesses and increasing the bottom line. By also adopting Kognitio's outsourced approach, customers are able to reduce start-up time and costs, as well as avoid expensive product acquisition costs. With a strong specialisation in the insurance (life and pensions) as well as financial services, Kognitio's data migration services help companies to provide lower risk and lower cost solutions to companies that are rationalising and consolidating operational platforms. Kognitio has the largest independent migration services team in the UK.
Headquartered in Marlow, UK, Kognitio delivers competitive advantage to its clients in various industries, including telecommunications, the financial sector and utilities. For more information, visit the Kognitio website at www.kognitio.com, call +44 (0)1628 400 000 or email info@kognitio.com
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