As we plan for the next Data Mining Users Group (May 9), we find ourselves debating what data mining really is. How does your organizaiton define data mining? Does it include classical statistics (like regression and clustering)? Is it limited to machine learning and artificial intelligence? Does it include OLAP and reporting?
We'll be discussing this topic - and why it matters - on May 9 at the Toronto Data Mining Users Group (www.torontodatamining.ca )
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
A Pandora's Box of Data
I think we've all heard of the Human Genome Project - the analysis of data to determine the complete genome sequence for the human body.....how about the Music Genome Project?
A group of musicians and music-loving technologists have analysed hundreds of musical attributes or "genes" into a very large Music Genome. One of the results is Internet Radio station Pandora
As a analytic marketer, I am fascinated by this site as it endeavours to match my specified music tastes with other music I might like based on the similarity of its attritbutes....not simply other music of the same genre or artist but based on such things "heavy use of rythmic syncopation" and "accoustic rhythm guitars". It builds each user a customized "radio station" giving a chance for feedback to help it "learn". A rather fun application of data!
Make your own station at http://www.pandora.com/
A group of musicians and music-loving technologists have analysed hundreds of musical attributes or "genes" into a very large Music Genome. One of the results is Internet Radio station Pandora
As a analytic marketer, I am fascinated by this site as it endeavours to match my specified music tastes with other music I might like based on the similarity of its attritbutes....not simply other music of the same genre or artist but based on such things "heavy use of rythmic syncopation" and "accoustic rhythm guitars". It builds each user a customized "radio station" giving a chance for feedback to help it "learn". A rather fun application of data!
Make your own station at http://www.pandora.com/
Friday, March 16, 2007
Marketing Outlook for 2007
Good News! The CMO Council (http://www.cmocouncil.org/index.asp) has released their Marketing Outlook 2007 and insight and measurement get top billing.
Of the top 10 challenges facing marketers in 2007, the ability to "grow customer knowledge, insight and conversations" was number 3, and the ability to "quantify and measure the value of marketing programs and investments" was number 1.
In marketing automation, "marketing performance measurement dashboards" was the top area of spend. CRM, customer intelligence and analytics and campaign management also made the top 5.
Encouraging to me....
Of the top 10 challenges facing marketers in 2007, the ability to "grow customer knowledge, insight and conversations" was number 3, and the ability to "quantify and measure the value of marketing programs and investments" was number 1.
In marketing automation, "marketing performance measurement dashboards" was the top area of spend. CRM, customer intelligence and analytics and campaign management also made the top 5.
Encouraging to me....
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Wikinomics
Anyone been reading Wikinomics? I've been making my way through it and it certainly makes you think. I am still not totally sure how to open my business up to mass collaboration (but I'm only on chapter 2!)
I'm going to hear Don Tapscott, author of Wikinomics: How Mass Collaboration Changes Everything... speak in a couple of weeks. If you are in Toronto and want to attend, here are the details:
Date and Time: Tuesday March 27th, 2007, 7 PM
Location: Marriott (Courtyard Hall B), 475 Yonge Street, Toronto
More details at:
http://www.wiredwoman.com/mc/community/eventdetails.do?eventId=117778
I'm going to hear Don Tapscott, author of Wikinomics: How Mass Collaboration Changes Everything... speak in a couple of weeks. If you are in Toronto and want to attend, here are the details:
Date and Time: Tuesday March 27th, 2007, 7 PM
Location: Marriott (Courtyard Hall B), 475 Yonge Street, Toronto
More details at:
http://www.wiredwoman.com/mc/community/eventdetails.do?eventId=117778
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Number Portability
While this blog typically focuses on database and analytic issues....it is really all about marketing. Today, I saw a marketing campaign that I thought I'd share....its about numbers of a different kind.
Many in the telecom world are watching with baited breath to see what impact Wireless Number Portability with have on cellphone churn. That is, the ability to take your exising number with you when you move from one carrier to another - breaking down a huge barrier to exit for many cellphone users.
This can also create a huge opporutnity for companies wishing to attract business from competitors .... and when your a fairly new entrant in this market, this is golden. Virgin Mobile has begun an aggressive campaign focused on "freeing your number" .... this includes an escape stunt by Richard Branson himself and chocolate handcuffs!
Check out their microsite, www.youcanswitch.ca ....it will make you smile....even if you work for the competition.
More on the campaign at: http://www.mediaincanada.com/articles/mic/20070308/virgin.html
Many in the telecom world are watching with baited breath to see what impact Wireless Number Portability with have on cellphone churn. That is, the ability to take your exising number with you when you move from one carrier to another - breaking down a huge barrier to exit for many cellphone users.
This can also create a huge opporutnity for companies wishing to attract business from competitors .... and when your a fairly new entrant in this market, this is golden. Virgin Mobile has begun an aggressive campaign focused on "freeing your number" .... this includes an escape stunt by Richard Branson himself and chocolate handcuffs!
Check out their microsite, www.youcanswitch.ca ....it will make you smile....even if you work for the competition.
More on the campaign at: http://www.mediaincanada.com/articles/mic/20070308/virgin.html
Monday, February 26, 2007
US Patriots Act...for Canadians
Have you put much thought into the impact the US Patriots Act has on how you do business? Has it changed the way you work or your willingness to work with US suppliers?
Our privacy commissioner has raised the issue of transfering cusomter data over borders and some US suppliers have set up offices here to counter this. A recent poll suggests 94 per cent of Canadians surveyed have expressed some concern about Canadian companies transferring customers' personal information to companies in other countries. Your thoughts?
Under the terms of the US Patriot Act, as I understand it, US firms can be forced to hand over information contained in databases and corporate records, including data from non-US subsidiaries.
Our privacy commissioner has raised the issue of transfering cusomter data over borders and some US suppliers have set up offices here to counter this. A recent poll suggests 94 per cent of Canadians surveyed have expressed some concern about Canadian companies transferring customers' personal information to companies in other countries. Your thoughts?
Under the terms of the US Patriot Act, as I understand it, US firms can be forced to hand over information contained in databases and corporate records, including data from non-US subsidiaries.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
CBC Disses Data Mining
Back in December (before I had my blog), I heard this 'report' on CBC radio. A very one-sided (negative) report on the "threat of data mining". I've mentioned it to a few folks so I thought I'd provide the link:
http://www.cbc.ca/thecurrent/2006/200612/20061218.html
(scroll down to Part 2 to listen to the broadcast)
I was very disappointed that they didn't interview anyone in the data mining space for their side of the story. Actually this is more a story on data and privacy NOT data mining at all but it's important for us all to understand what the public is hearing.
http://www.cbc.ca/thecurrent/2006/200612/20061218.html
(scroll down to Part 2 to listen to the broadcast)
I was very disappointed that they didn't interview anyone in the data mining space for their side of the story. Actually this is more a story on data and privacy NOT data mining at all but it's important for us all to understand what the public is hearing.
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