Machine learning and data warehousing: What it is, why it matters

One of the many technologies included under the umbrella of artificial intelligence, machine learning is defined by Wikipedia as "a field of computer science that gives computers the ability to learn without being explicitly programmed." The technology, which is a core part of the data analytics technologies that power the modern data warehouse, features algorithms that can make predictions on their own about data and its insights without being hampered by strict guidelines and instructions. When used successfully, machine learning can help with infrastructure scalability, cost savings, and agility. For its part, artificial intelligence (AI) is the ability of machines to think like humans. It stems from the idea that "given enough data and compute power, machines will be able to think and learn using mathematical simulation of the human brain," said John Santaferraro, research director at Enterprise Management Associates (EMA).