SAP brings new analytics tools to companies large and small

A data visualization created by SAP's Lumira Edge

A bumper crop of new analytics tools has arrived for business users over the past few weeks, and on Tuesday SAP rolled out two fresh examples. Both promising simplicity and usability for non-experts, SAP Predictive Analytics 2.0 offers updated capabilities for enterprises seeking insight into large volumes of data such as from the Internet of Things, while a new Edge edition of SAP's Lumira tool targets small and medium-size businesses with data-discovery features.

Combining the functionality of SAP's predictive-analysis software with its InfiniteInsight suite of analytics tools, Predictive Analytics 2.0 aims to help organizations uncover trends and patterns in massive stores of data.

"The growth of data sources and sensors and the increased demand for actionable insights mandate broader access to predictive analytics," said Clemens Praendl, senior vice president and general manager for analytics at SAP. "SAP Predictive Analytics is designed to help bridge the skills gap by placing complex predictive capabilities in the hands of many more users."

With new features for data preparation, visualization, scoring, data modeling and network analysis, the software is designed to enable users to predict and act in real time instead of relying on batch processes. Potential applications include fraud detection, risk mitigation, revenue optimization and customer retention, SAP said.

The new Edge edition of SAP's Lumira data-visualization tool set, meanwhile, offers quick installation and the ability to create, view, modify and share compelling visualizations within the browser.

User-management services included with the tool are designed to help provide better control and more secure data visualization and administration.

Both Predictive Analytics 2.0 and SAP Lumira's Edge edition are now generally available. Pricing was not immediately available.