Introduction to Data Mining

Data mining is a computing process that uses intelligent mathematical algorithms to extract the relevant data and computes the probability of future actions and is also known as Knowledge Discovery in Data (KDD).

Abstract

In this chapter, we’ll explore the incredibly powerful tools included with SSAS for use in data mining solutions. You can begin by thinking of data mining as a terrific “value add” to your BI solution. Although SSAS 2000 included two data mining algorithms, very few of my clients actually implemented them because deep knowledge about data mining algorithms had not been a typical attribute of SQL Server professionals, and that level of knowledge was necessary to implement data mining using SSAS 2000. As with SSAS OLAP cubes in this 2005 release, Microsoft has made a concerted effort to improve the usability of data mining in SSAS 2005, in part by including a large number of easy-to-use wizards. These wizards contain consistently and remarkably well-documented dialog boxes. However, data mining is a complex topic, and it’s important to understand that this chapter is an introduction to this topic.