Oracle 12c = Improved Analytics and Data Mining
At Oracle OpenWorld 2012 it became evident that the next major release of the Oracle Database - 12c holds much promise for a much improved environment in Predictive Analytics and Data Mining.
Oracle 12c which will be released in production most likely in the first half of 2013, finally lifts the requirement for prerequisite Data Mining models when building and using associated Predictive Analytical Statistical routines. This makes the processes of Forecasting and Prediction Estimates much more straightforward by simply including the new modeling syntax directly in Oracle SQL statements.
Oracle Database has long had scores of embedded statistical capabilities and routines and this improvement greatly advances the postion of Oracle with respect to other Database Systems in the area of Predictive Analytics.
The SQL Server 2008 and 2012 Analysis Services Systems have enjoyed the best programmer and user interface with the included Visual Studio Business Intelligence Development Studio. Oracle SQL Developer though is quickly becoming better in that area as the new front end for Oracle Data Mining. The next release of Oracle SQL Developer will include a much improved process flow paradigm for Data Mining Projects somewhat similar to the approach used in the popular Rapid Miner system from Germany.