Analytics; What are the top capabilities?

Recently, I made some adjustments to the Data Center Automation Blueprint where we combined 2 original areas and added a new one for Analytics.  Steve Henning just posted a great guest blog entry over at Doug McClure’s blog called “Why Real Time Analytics?” I personally liked the analogy to TQM and the manufacturing industry.

He also recently jotted down some of his thoughts on capabilities within the comments section for the posting “Data Center Automation Blueprint; now includes virtualization thoughts.”

Here are some of my initial thoughts that I will take another pass at cleaning up in the next week or two.  I wanted to get this posted in a timely manner to hopefully inspire some discussions:

1) Inter-domain Integrations – Steve called it “Cross Silo” in his comment post. But the analytics solutions need to have a data model and API/SDK that is not specific to one domain (e.g., databases, windows systems, network devices, websphere applications).  To perform holistic analysis you need more then one point of view.

2) Pattern Logic Automation- Automation through algorithms, rules etc that work to mimic the human problem solving / analysis process.

3) “Advanced” Graphical Visualization- more then summary graphics, pie charts etc…what I’m think here is something I can look at that helps me see the pattern or some unique situation/trend affecting the business (e.g., correlation of trouble ticket and performance monitoring details).  A better name then “advanced” is needed here for sure.

So far the vendors I’m thinking of when I’m creating the above functionality list (as noted in the DCAB) include;

• AlterPoint (offers specific analytic module “Lifecycle” built upon their NCCM product)
• ConfigureSoft (built upon their ECM product, integrations with MOM, Remedy)
• Opnet (variety of products)
• Netuitive (real-time performance analytics)
• Integrien (real-time performance analytics)
• BMC (acquried ProactiveNet, real-time performance analytics)

Who else do we believe should be in this analytics bucket? Thoughts on these 3 capabilities?  What are some others?