August 31, 2011, 12:31 PM — As tools for real-time and batch analysis of so-called big data emerge, IT operations are gaining the ability to track the activities, habits and movements of customers with great precision.
[Help! A Web ad is stalking me and How to mine customer data the right way]
Experts say many businesses want to better analyze data stored in emerging massively parallel databases like the open-source Apache Hadoop framework to learn where their customers are employed, what they do in off-hours and who they spend time with.
The information could help companies tailor Web-based advertising and marketing materials to specific customers.
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