What you missed in Big Data: Machine learning gains yet more momentum

Companies large and small are embracing machine learning in a bid to make better use of their data. Last week, eBay Inc. led the charge by acquiring SalesPredict Ltd., an Israeli startup that uses the technology help marketers gain a better understanding of their customers. Its cloud service can analyze a company's sales records to identify the most valuable type of leads and then single out the accounts that match the description in its CRM system. Moreover, SalesPredict says that the data produced by its technology also makes it easier to identify new high-value prospects and optimize advertising campaigns. No terms were disclosed for the acquisition, but eBay did divulge that the startup's team will join its Israeli engineering team to help with product development efforts.