Cisco Systems announced Thursday "connected analytics," a mix of hardware, software and services based on sensor data, designed to analyse information in real-time so that companies can respond in time. Cisco says its "Connected Analytics for the Internet of Everything" portfolio will help the company's customers extract value from data generated by the expanding ecosystem of connected people, processes, data and things that together forms the Internet of Everything (IoE).

Data generated by IoE is increasingly massive, messy, everywhere ? and on the move. Cisco is combining intelligent networks and infrastructure with data virtualization to offer access highly distributed data, while adding analytics capabilities to extract valuable insights.

Cisco's portfolio includes "Connected Analytics for Events," which uses insights from Wi-Fi and device usage reporting to provide immediate visibility. For example, it can be used to evaluate sports fan behavior. Understanding what fans are doing, where they are in the venue and what kind of experience they are having allows organizations to make split-second decisions that will enhance the fan experience by indicating for example, where concession stands need additional staffing or where extra event security may be needed.

"Connected Analytics for Retail" correlates in-store video camera feeds and Wi-Fi data with existing operational data such as inventory. Retailers can track in-store patterns and use existing video technology to determine, for example, where shoppers are spending more time in the store and which shelves need restocking.

"Connected Analytics for Service Providers" provides intelligence based on patterns in networks, operations and customer data. For example, such insights can help service providers deliver more accurate recommendations on the types of movies a customer may enjoy or the ability to send out alerts regarding usage in advance of billing cycles.

"Connected Analytics for IT" provides business intelligence and insights to help align IT capabilities such as data management and data governance with business objectives. For example, analytics can be applied to align implementation of new IT capabilities such as deploying collaboration technology in new branch offices or by understanding evolving security requirements in real time so organization can mitigate risk by improving cyber security.

"Connected Analytics for Network Deployment" analyzes the network for operational efficiencies, resolution of incidents and visibility into network deployment. It allows organizations to detect issues before they happen for proactive problem resolution and to make future decisions on how to drive maximum network stability and performance at the lowest possible cost.

"Connected Analytics for Mobility" uses location analytics to analyze wireless networks and provide insights about Cisco Service Provider Wi-Fi solution customers. By learning about Wi-Fi use patterns and adoption, service providers can proactively plan Wi-Fi capacity.

"Connected Analytics for Collaboration" measures the adoption of collaboration technologies internally so a company can analyze Cisco Collaboration applications. For example, an organization can track how many employees are adopting the collaboration technology, how they are using it and what kind of ROI they are seeing from collaborative selling or how the technology is helping reduce travel costs.

"Connected Analytics for Contact Center" provides visibility across an organization's entire call center services to deliver actionable recommendations that help organizations understand their customers, provide better service, and improve customer satisfaction.

These offers build on Cisco's IOx platform, which allows the company's customers to develop, manage and run software applications directly on Cisco industrial networked devices, including hardened routers, switches, and other devices.

Cisco is offering its new Connected Analytics portfolio globally.