Cognos Inc is looking to bring data mining to as many people as possible with the launch of an entry level data mining tool, Scenario. The Markham, Ontario business intelligence company says that Scenario is a guided analysis tool that uses artificial intelligence techniques to enable users to pinpoint trends, and identify correlations in data. It runs under Windows 95, and gives users all the familiar tools including dynamic drill down into detailed levels of data, and the ability to display visual, object information on the screen. The product will join, and operate alongside the company’s On-line Analytical Processing client, PowerPlay and the query and reporting tool, Impromptu. Scenario comes to market as a result of Cognos’ purchase of Knowledgeseeker from Canadian company, Angoss Software Inc 18 months ago (CI No 2,779). The company has also started work on its neural network-based data mining product 4Thought, which it acquired with the purchase of London-based Right Information Systems Ltd for $8m in cash and shares in February (CI No 3,100). The product is currently available, but Cognos will adapt it to fit into the existing suite of products. Scenario is being targeted, says Cognos at all managers and knowledge workers and hopes its low will encorage volume sales. Speaking at the DB World event, Cognos business development manager Roger Gilheany said that he expects the company’s figures for year end February 1997 to show a growth increase of around 80%.
