New FICO Software Enables Data Scientists to Transform Big Data into Predictive Models

SAN JOSE, Calif., Aug. 27, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- FICO (NYSE:FICO), a leading predictive analytics and decision management software company, today introduced FICO^® Model Builder for Big Data, the latest release of its powerful analytics tool. Model Builder for Big Data enables data scientists to rapidly discover, design and deploy predictive analytics models that find signals in unstructured and massive data sets and turn those signals into actionable insights.  

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Model Builder for Big Data brings proven machine learning and statistical data mining to Big Data for the first time, enabling analysts to find the predictive signals hidden in huge and challenging data sources. Its state-of-the-art text mining capabilities, unique Semantic Scorecard formulation, and embedded Lucene and Tika indexing and extraction libraries, provide powerful mining of text from a wide variety of document types, and boost the predictive strength of its transparent, easily understood scoring formulas. Model Builder for Big Data also integrates Apache Hadoop, the open-source framework for scalable, reliable, distributed computing and storage, and works with Cloudera's proven, enterprise-ready Hadoop distribution. Along with new support for the popular R language for statistical computing and graphics, Model Builder brings a breadth and depth of functionality for Big Data that is both scalable and cost-effective.

"Modeling massive data sets can be challenging, because most traditional data analysis tools have been built for the 'small data' world, with highly structured, mostly numerical data," said Stuart Wells, chief technology officer at FICO. "Today, data volumes are orders of magnitude larger, they defy a simple 'rows and columns' structure, and they're mostly made up of messy, unstructured information like text, voice and even video.  We have built Model Builder for Big Data to cope with this kind of unwieldy raw information, and make it into something meaningful and valuable."

"Enterprise developers are increasingly managing massive amounts of data, content and information," said James Taylor, CEO and principal consultant at Decision Management Solutions. "Existing technologies and techniques for predictive analytics are unlocking secrets previously hidden in enterprises' structured data, but there is an even larger opportunity if unstructured content can be tapped for additional decision-making insight."

FICO^® Model Builder for Big Data is part of the FICO^® Decision Management Platform, and is available on-premise and is expected to be available via the FICO^® Analytic Cloud.

About FICO
FICO (NYSE: FICO) is a leading analytics software company, helping businesses in 80+ countries make better decisions that drive higher levels of growth, profitability and customer satisfaction. The company's groundbreaking use of Big Data and mathematical algorithms to predict consumer behavior has transformed entire industries. FICO provides analytics software and tools used across multiple industries to manage risk, fight fraud, build more profitable customer relationships, optimize operations and meet strict government regulations. Many of our products reach industry-wide adoption — such as the FICO^® Score, the standard measure of consumer credit risk in the United States. FICO solutions leverage open-source standards and cloud computing to maximize flexibility, speed deployment and reduce costs. The company also helps millions of people manage their personal credit health. FICO: Make every decision count^™. Learn more at www.fico.com.

Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Information

Except for historical information contained herein, the statements contained in this news release that relate to FICO or its business are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially, including the success of the Company's Decision Management strategy and reengineering plan, the maintenance of its existing relationships and ability to create new relationships with customers and key alliance partners, its ability to continue to develop new and enhanced products and services, its ability to recruit and retain key technical and managerial personnel, competition, regulatory changes applicable to the use of consumer credit and other data, the failure to realize the anticipated benefits of any acquisitions, continuing material adverse developments in global economic conditions, and other risks described from time to time in FICO's SEC reports, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2012 and its last quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2013. If any of these risks or uncertainties materializes, FICO's results could differ materially from its expectations. FICO disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

FICO and "Make every decision count" are trademarks or registered trademarks of Fair Isaac Corporation in the United States and in other countries.

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