Fair Isaac Upgrades Xpress-MP Suite

Decision management vendor Fair Isaac has introduced an upgrade of its Xpress-MP mathematical modeling and optimization suite.

Xpress-MP 2008A contains new optimization solvers, including a "quadratically constrained quadratic programming solver" that can be used to solve portfolio optimization problems, problems in statistics, and transport or facility location problems involving quadratic distance measures, according to the company.

In addition, the upgrade includes a "convex nonlinear programming solver" that can be used to solve certain nonlinear problems in engineering and chemistry, the company said. Other new features enable more customization of the software to meet specific needs of the user.

Optimization in the context of Xpress-MP refers to a mathematical technique used to calculate resource utilization to achieve a particular result, such as maximizing return on investment or service levels or minimizing costs or transit time.

Competitors include ILog's CPLEX. IBM announced last month that it planned to acquire ILog, based in France, for $340 million. IBM said the acquisition would strengthen its portfolio of business process management software.

IBM's acquisition plans has shaken up the market for business rules engines. ILog and Fair Isaac are ranked by Forrester Research as the top two vendors in the market. Pegaystems and Coritcon are the next largest competitors.