Data Management

The term “cloud computing” generally means anything that involves delivering hosted computing services over the Internet. Here, the word “cloud” is used to refer to the Internet, most frequently depicted in diagrams as a cloud.

Macys.com has made a name for itself by analyzing consumer data to gain insight into its loyal shopper base. The retailer, which features more than 60,000 products online and leverages multiple digital channels to share product information cross-channel, has armed itself with a set of internal cloud-based, high-performance analytics tools designed to improve customer segmentation, market-basket analysis and real-time personalization cross-channel, based on a broader scope of product attributes.

The phrase “big data,” is all the rage these days and IBM made a major move to drive growth.

By Stephen J. Pargeter, [email protected]

Chicago -- Charming Charlie said Tuesday it has selected ShopperTrak to measure, analyze and deliver store-performance data for its nearly 200 locations.

ShopperTrak's Managed Service, which provides access to secure and anonymous foot-traffic data and actionable analyses, is currently being installed in all Charming Charlie stores and will continue through November 2012.

Dallas -- Patagonia said Thursday it has renewed its partnership with Epsilon, a subsidiary of Alliance Data Systems Corp., so that Epsilon will continue to provide comprehensive database marketing services designed to give Patagonia a better understanding of customers and improve cross-channel marketing campaign results.

Armonk, N.Y. -- IBM announced it has completed the acquisition of Vivisimo, a leading provider of federated discovery and navigation software that helps organizations access and analyze big data. Financial terms will not be disclosed.

Dublin, Calif. -- Epicor Software Corp., announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire substantially all of the operating assets and intellectual property of New Zealand-based partner Cogita Holdings Limited. The transaction is anticipated to close by May 31, 2012.

Blue Bell, Pa. -- PDS, a developer of human resource, benefits, recruiting, and payroll systems, announced that convenience store operator Wawa has gone live with PDS’ Vista HRMS 4.1 application. The chain has been a customer of PDS since 1987.

Jacksonville, Fla. -- Regency Centers, a national owner, operator and developer of grocery-anchored and community shopping centers, announced that buildings at two of its shopping centers in North Carolina and Illinois have received LEED Silver established by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).