OPERA BLOG

Opera Solutions Adds Leading Recommender Engine Capabilities With the Acquisition of Commendo Research & Consulting

JERSEY CITY, N.J., Mar. 27, 2012 — Opera Solutions, LLC (www.operasolutions.com), a global leader in machine learning science and advanced Big Data analytics, today announced the acquisition of Commendo Research & Consulting GmbH, adding leading recommender engine capabilities to Opera Solutions’ advanced data analytics solutions.

Commendo, headquartered in Koeflach, Austria, serves companies around the world with both its Recommendo recommendation engine and custom recommendation systems. It uses sophisticated analytics to serve up the “next purchase” offer for shoppers on the basis of their individual characteristics and shopping patterns.

The two companies first recognized their complementary technology and skills in 2009 while competing in the Netflix Prize, a global competition seeking to double the performance of the movie rental company’s recommendation programs. Commendo was a member of the consortium that ultimately won the $1MM grand prize, besting over 41,000 teams. Opera Solutions participated in another top-ranked group.

“We are dedicated to delivering cutting edge technologies and solutions that leverage Big Data analytics to drive enhanced profits and productivity for our clients,” said Arnab Gupta, CEO and founder of Opera Solutions. “Integrating Commendo’s advanced recommender engine with our existing offerings creates new ways for our clients to grow sales while improving customer loyalty and satisfaction.”

Georg Pressler, Managing Director, Marketing & Sales of Commendo, added, “As a science-driven company, we are delighted to join Opera Solutions. They are a true global center of machine learning prowess, and we look forward to learning from them as well as adding to their store of knowledge and expertise in recommendation systems.”

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Opera CEO to Take the Stage at Structure:Data 2012

What’s next in Big Data? Check out GigaOm’s Structure:Data in NYC, March 21-22, 2012. Since the event is sold out, you can watch the livestream starting at 8:30 am Wednesday, March 21. Topics for this conference, subtitled “Get the Big Picture for Big Data,” will include Big Data infrastructure, algorithms, startups, and product development.

In addition, from 2:20-2:35 pm EDT today, Arnab Gupta will be discussing “Mining the Oil for the 21st Century” with Derrick Harris of GigaOm. Arnab’s “fireside chat” will also be on livestream here.

Other speakers include industry leaders at Mu Sigma, Hadapt, Hortonworks, LexisNexis Risk Solutions, metaLayer.com, Alta Plana, Kaggle, Allstate Insurance, Trend Micro, MarkLogic, IBM, Google, 1010data, Deloitte, EMC, PayPal, Cloudera, Walmart Labs, and Match.com.

Follow @DataConf or the hashtag #DataConf for more updates on Twitter.

Watch live streaming video from gigaombigdata at livestream.com

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Former Joint Chiefs Vice Chairman James E. Cartwright Joins Opera Solutions’ Advisory Board

JERSEY CITY, N.J., Feb. 6, 2012 — Gen. James E. Cartwright, a former vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is joining the Advisory Board of Opera Solutions, LLC (www.operasolutions.com), a global leader in machine-learning science and advanced Big Data analytics.

Cartwright, a four-star general in the U.S. Marine Corps, retired in August 2011 after four decades of military service, having capped his career as vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs. Previously he led the U.S. Strategic Command during the George W. Bush and Obama administrations, where he established his reputation as an expert in applying advanced technology in national defense matters. He is a respected military advisor in the areas of strategic deterrence, nuclear proliferation, missile defense, and cyber security.

In his new advisory role, Cartwright will primarily be involved with Opera Solutions Government Services, the company’s wholly owned subsidiary dedicated to serving local, state, and federal government departments and agencies through solutions and services targeted at national security and anti-terrorism, waste/fraud/abuse, and procurement optimization.

“It is a privilege to add Gen. Cartwright to our distinguished roster of strategic advisors,” said Arnab Gupta, Chairman and CEO of Opera Solutions. “His vision and ability to integrate systems, organizations, and people have sparked innovation in critical areas of U.S. national defense. We look forward to his advice on how best to apply our capabilities in Big Data management and cutting-edge predictive analytics in improving the effectiveness and efficiency of our public sector clients.”

“It’s no secret that Big Data analytics can provide important and meaningful mission-based support to military and government agencies,” said Cartwright. “Opera Solutions is fast becoming a leader in this space. I am excited about the capabilities they can bring to the public sector, and look forward to counseling them on the best ways to make the most meaningful contributions.”

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Man Plus Machine Makes People Extraordinary

Opera Solutions CEO, Arnab Gupta, tells O’Reilly Radar’s Online Managing Editor, Mac Slocum, that the complementary relationship between human and machine creates a new class of opportunities because machine intelligence allows people to become extraordinary.

To see the interview, watch the video below.

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Calling for a New Paradigm: Machines Plus Humans

At this year’s O’Reilly Radar Strata Conference “Making Data Work,” Opera Solutions CEO Arnab Gupta’s keynote address explored the powerful combination of man plus machine in chess, medicine, and business.

To see the full keynote, watch the video below.

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