Data Mining - Predictive Analysis

Question

We are looking at acquiring Data Mining software to primarily run predictive analysis processes.

How does SQL Server Data Mining solution compares to other solutions like SPSS from IBM?

Since SQL Server DM is included in SQL Server Enterprise license - what would be the justification to spend extra couple 100K to buy separate software just to do DM?

Answer 1

I would look into open source options as well, including R, RapidMiner, Weka

I would recommend checking out the Rexer survey, as it shows popularity and satisfaction measures for a variety of data mining products:

http://www.kdnuggets.com/2010/03/f-annual-rexer-analytics-data-miner-survey-results.html

Answer 2

Depending on what you are looking to accomplish, and obviously your budget, there are certainly some great things being done in R. Check out Rattle for R and Revolution Computing.

I am a big fan of SPSS, and unfortunately have not used their Modeler package, but it seems like it may be worth considering. I have used SAS Enterprise Miner, and while it is powerful, I am not a big fan.

I haven't dabbled with Weka that much, but I found RapidMiner to have a steep learning curve, but does have alot of capability.

Answer 3

If you want to keep everything in the Microsoft stack check out www.predixionsoftware.com which is planning the release of a disruptive Excel add-in as an update to the current MS DM add-ins.

Answer 4

You might want want to give KNIME a try before paying for something else. Works well with databases and is excellent for exploratory analysis.