New York, Oct. 16, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hadoop World - Informatica Corporation (Nasdaq:INFA), the world's number one independent provider of data integration software, and Cloudera, the leader in enterprise analytic data management powered by Apache Hadoop, today announced they are partnering to support DataKind in growing the "Data-for-Good" Movement. As DataKind sponsors, Informatica and Cloudera will jointly fund DataKind programs and projects aimed at improving the use of data in the social sector.
DataKind is a nonprofit that tackles the world's toughest challenges through data science by bringing together pro bono data scientists with leading mission-driven organizations including: NGOs, multilateral organizations and government agencies. Mission-driven organizations are surrounded by data available from cell phones, satellite imagery, and digital transactions, but lack access to the professional resources they need to fully harness the data revolution. DataKind has successfully completed more than 45 pro bono data science projects since its inception in 2011, some of which were discussed by DataKind co-founder Drew Conway in his keynote address on Data for the Greater Good at Informatica World 2014.
"We are thrilled to welcome Cloudera and Informatica, two pioneers in the movement to harness the power of data, as supporters of DataKind's activities for social good," said Jake Porway, DataKind founder and executive director. "Data scientists are experts at using data to find answers to intriguing questions and many welcome the opportunity to use those skills to make the world a better place. DataKind helps them do that by connecting them to data projects for organizations working on some of the most challenging problems of our time - including poverty eradication, education reform and vaccine delivery. With Cloudera and Informatica's support, DataKind will be able to engage even more volunteers and organizations on these high-impact engagements."
Sponsorship funds from Informatica and Cloudera will support DataKind's pro bono data science projects for organizations like past partners Amnesty International or the World Bank. In one recent project, DataKind worked with MIX Markets to combine data about microfinance results from dozens of institutions, creating a richer view of the microfinance landscape than had ever been seen. In another, DataKind conducted a data-mining project for the Grameen Foundation that resulted in improvements to their data collection procedures and alterations to their program strategy. DataKind has also done projects that used machine learning on satellite data to map rural poverty and natural language processing on text messages to improve counseling for at-risk teens.
"At Cloudera, we're really excited to be working with DataKind and Informatica. We've seen first-hand how data, and data science skills, can transform the commercial sector," said Mike Olson, Cloudera Chief Strategy Officer and DataKind Board member. "DataKind's mission to bring that combination to the social sector, and to work with great NGOs and non-profits, aims to deliver better outcomes to those organizations. The work that DataKind is doing actually makes the world a better place. It's wonderful for us to put our resources, our skills and our people to work for the greater good."
"As DataKind gains traction for its projects around the world, Informatica envisions helping it expand not only through our sponsorship, but also through the volunteer efforts of our own data professionals," said Jo Stoner, chief human resources officer and executive vice president, Informatica. "Informatica has a culture of giving back to our communities and our employees are really committed to engaging in social programs. Combining that passion to make a difference, with the passion for data that both Informatica and Cloudera share, is a powerful combination and DataKind provides a terrific channel through which we can help NGOs and other social sector organizations realize the full potential of data for the good of all."
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About DataKind
DataKind brings high-impact organizations dedicated to solving the world's biggest challenges together with leading data scientists to improve the quality of, access to and understanding of data in the social sector. This leads to better decision-making and greater social impact. Launched in 2011, DataKind leads a community of passionate data scientists, visionary partners and mission-driven organizations with the talent, commitment and energy to use data science in the service of humanity. DataKind is headquartered in New York City and has Chapters in Bangalore, Dublin, San Francisco, Singapore, the UK and Washington DC. More information on DataKind, our programs and our partners can be found on our website: www.datakind.org
About Cloudera
Cloudera is revolutionizing enterprise data management by offering the first unified platform for Big Data, an enterprise data hub built on Apache Hadoop. Cloudera offers enterprises one place to store, access, process, secure, and analyze all their data, empowering them to extend the value of existing investments while enabling fundamental new ways to derive value from their data. Cloudera's open source Big Data platform is the most widely adopted in the world, and Cloudera is the most prolific contributor to the open source Hadoop ecosystem. As the leading educator of Hadoop professionals, Cloudera has trained over 22,000 individuals worldwide. Over 1,200 partners and a seasoned professional services team help deliver greater time to value. Finally, only Cloudera provides proactive and predictive support to run an enterprise data hub with confidence. Leading organizations in every industry plus top public sector organizations globally run Cloudera in production.
About Informatica
Informatica Corporation (Nasdaq:INFA) is the world's number one independent provider of software. Organizations around the world rely on Informatica to realize their information potential and drive top business imperatives. Informatica Vibe, the industry's first and only embeddable virtual data machine (VDM), powers the unique "Map Once. Deploy Anywhere." capabilities of the Informatica Platform. Worldwide, over 5,000 enterprises depend on Informatica to fully leverage their information assets from devices to mobile to social to big data residing on-premise, in the Cloud and across social networks. For more information, call +1 650-385-5000 (1-800-653-3871 in the U.S.), or visit www.informatica.com. Connect with Informatica at http://www.facebook.com/InformaticaCorporation, http://www.linkedin.com/company/informatica and http://twitter.com/InformaticaCorp.
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