IBM Data Management magazine Issue 2, 2009

IBM System S software delivers real-time
analysis of data flows

From Snapshots to Stream Computing

IBM InfoSphere Data Architect Version 7. 5. 2 features several improvements, including simplified storage needs estimating. Volumetric information is used to approximate storage requirements and forecast growth rates. Other new enhancements include copy/paste to invoke privacy attributes, mapping across multiple data projects, and toggling between tree navigation and flat navigation in the explorer to allow faster navigation between data sources. IBM UPDATES INFOSPHERE DATA ARCHITECT

Version 7. 5. 2 simplifies process of estimating storage requirements

Today, the result of most data nalysis resembles a single frame from a motion picture: a snapshot of one point in time. But now, after seven years of development, IBM has made its stream computing technology, evolving from its System S project in IBM Research, available commercially as IBM InfoSphere Streams.

The software uses a streaming architecture and algorithms developed by the IBM Research team to process thousands of simultaneous data streams, providing nearly instantaneous analysis that is continually refined as new data becomes available. System S software can help organizations respond to changing conditions in real time by seeing and responding to events across complex systems.

The System S architecture represents a significant advancement in the relationship between queries and data as well as in computing system organization and capability. Traditional data analysis applies changing queries to static data; System S evaluates constantly changing data against a set of defined queries derived from user expressions of information needs and interests.

User requirements are translated into specifications of how potentially available raw data and existing information can be transformed to satisfy organizational objectives. The run-time environment accepts these specifications, determines how it might reorganize itself to best meet those requirements, and automatically makes the

required changes. The run-time environment can now continually adapt to the state and utilization of its computing resources, as well as the information needs expressed by the users and the availability of data to meet those needs.

IBM is making System S trial code available at no cost. The code includes Streams Studio, the development environment, and Streams Runtime, to test applications. Toolkits and adapters are available as well. In addition, IBM announced the opening of the IBM European Stream Computing Center in Dublin, Ireland. The center will serve as a hub for research, advanced testing, and support for European clients interested in adopting stream computing technology.