Data Mining has now its open interface: JDMAPI

I've always been interested in data mining because it mixes some advanced statistical or mathematical methods with complex data computation algorithm (typically developped for computer learning). On the negative side, its application may have a bad press (sometimes well deserved) because of potential abuse it can lead to... I will not dwell time on identity and privacy sensitive issues, but when the goal is respectful of people privacy's right, one can leverage data mining to bring normal analysis to a much higher level. This is achieved through data induction (let the data speak for itself...) as opposed to data deduction (deducts conclusion based on specific report produced) typically encountered in more classical BI application.

Data mining functionality is now built-in inside Oracle 10g through a standardized JSR (http://www.jcp.org/en/jsr/detail?id=73). Although this first effort is limited in scope, it will ensure application could be developed independent on vendor proprietary API. It is currently being continued through a more complete initiative (JSR-247, http://www.jcp.org/en/jsr/detail?id=247) which will bring more mining functionality and advanced algorithm. Most big players contribute to this standardization effort: Oracle, SAS, Hyperion, SPSS, SAP, IBM, etc.., but yes of course except Microsoft.

The standard API also offers extensibility (each vendor can provide additional functionality not explicitly defined within the standard) and also covers the use of Web Services which will ensure complete independence of platform and language implementation.

More info can be found by googling JDMAPI.

I'll try to analyse this API in more detail and let you know my discoveries...