 

New data analysis software encouraging worlds of
discovery

Researchers in a wide range of science and business disciplines can use Parallel Visual
Explorer, IBM's new data analysis software. The new software allows graphic
analysis of data with dozens of variables, letting users see patterns and relationships
almost impossible to detect until now -- even with the help of supercomputers. 

Users can display graphical representations of relationships between many different
variables simultaneously, mapping coordinates as parallel axes rather than as the
perpendicular axes used by traditional visualization tools. Parallel Visual Explorer is
designed to handle large data sets and offers easy-to-use visual query capabilities. 

During beta testing of Parallel Visual Explorer, one medical researcher gained insight
into the impact various treatments have on the immune system of people with AIDS
and other diseases. 

IBM has used Parallel Visual Explorer to improve the way it fabricates and
manufactures circuit boards, resulting in a 25 percent reduction in the need for testing
and inspection. 

With Parallel Visual Explorer, financial analysts can identify trends in stocks,
currencies, commodities and other markets. Marketers identify preferences and
buying trends. The aerospace industry can use Parallel Visual Explorer to analyze
fighter pilot experience and develop air traffic control systems. 

IBM's Parallel Visual Explorer is available now from IBM in the U.S., and will be
available internationally on February 27, 1995. 

The offering includes tools designed to allow for a range of parallel coordinate-based
visual analysis of large, multi-variate data sets. 

Among those tools are a set of patented query techniques, including range,
multi-range, wedge, slice and flow, and multiple scatter equivalents. The user is also
provided tools for adding new variables and rearranging the sequence of displayed
variables (permutation). 

Parallel Visual Explorer runs on any IBM RISC System/6000* portable or
workstation system running AIX 3.2.5* or later, and is designed to operate with
XWindows and Motif 1.2. The software is exceptionally small, requiring only 1.2MB
of hard disk space. A three-button mouse and a color graphics display adapter from
the 5080/6090 family or a PowerDisplay 20* are also required. 

For more information on Parallel Visual Explorer, customers in the U.S. can call
(800) PVE-1234. A DEMO version of Parallel Visual Explorer is currently available
internally on ftp site jackpx.watson.ibm.com (IP address:9.2.198.86;
user:anonymous;password:ident) under /pub/pve directory. 

Trademarks

*Indicates trademark or registered trademark of International Business Machines
Corporation. 

