Increased competition and weaker than expected acceptance of new software offerings contributed to weak operating results for much of the past decade.

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The growing acceptance of open-source software, especially when it is supported by a dedicated vendor, is another way by which the big data wave is different from previous surges of investment in the collection and analysis of data.

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He was the leading figure in developing alliances with major technology players, ultimately forging a broad acceptance of the vision he pioneered in the software industry.

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