Former IBM Watson Exec Launches Big Data Firm

Former IBM exec Matt Sanchez has launched an analysis platform called Cognitive Scale, which extracts patterns from clients' internal data to deliver insights via the web and mobile devices.

Sanchez (pictured) formerly led IBM's self-service analytics division Watson Labs, and his new company is funded by venture firm The Entrepreneurs' Fund, set up by Manoj Saxena, former General Manager of IBM Watson and now Chairman of Cognitive Scale.

Based in Austin, Texas, the new company has developed a platform it calls 'Insights Fabric', working on massive amounts of structured and unstructured data to generate insights from 'dark data' - defined as that which is not machine readable or easily accessible, in sources such as devices, blogs, e-mails, social media and images.

Commenting on the launch, Sanchez said: 'There are three jaw-dropping facts that limit the capabilities of big data. First is 55% of big data initiatives fail; second is 70% to 80% of the world's data is trapped in silos within and outside company walls with no secure and reliable way to access it; and third, valuable insights are lost because 80% of data is not machine readable. We address these gaps through cognitive computing to help customers improve decision making, personalize consumer experiences and create more profitable relationships.'

Web site: www.cognitivescale.com .