February 2016 Vol. 14 No. 2

Front-line Researchers

• Hiroshi Sakai, Senior Research Engineer, NTT Software Innovation Center
  Susumu Okuhira, Director, Cloud Services, NTT Communications

  

  Overview
  OpenStack has been attracting attention as open source software for integrated management of IaaS (infrastructure as a service) consisting of servers, networks, storage, and other resources. Masayuki Hayashi, an NTT Communications manager and an active “cloud evangelist,” spoke with Hiroshi Sakai, Senior Research Engineer at NTT Software Innovation Center, which has been involved with the OpenStack community since its early days, and Susumu Okuhira, Director of Cloud Services at NTT Communications, which manages the operation of OpenStack as actual services. He asked them about the background to adopting OpenStack for cloud services and about new services designed to achieve an Enterprise Cloud (next-generation cloud infrastructure).

Feature Articles: Interdisciplinary R&D of Big Data Technology at Machine Learning and Data Science Center

• R&D Activities at Machine Learning and Data Science Center

  

  Abstract
  The Machine Learning and Data Science Center (MLC) was established in April 2013 as a research and development hub of big data analysis technologies at NTT laboratories with the aim of creating innovative services from a wide variety of big data. MLC uses machine learning and data mining technologies cultivated by NTT laboratories and a parallel-distributed processing platform (Jubatus) for high-efficiency and real-time data analysis to develop diverse big data analysis technologies and support big data services. This article introduces these big data activities at MLC.

• From Multidimensional Mixture Data Analysis to Spatio-temporal Multidimensional Collective Data Analysis

  

  Abstract
  This article introduces a multidimensional mixture data analysis technique that can efficiently extract significant features that transect different types of data with multiple attributes such as application logs available on the Web and sensor data collected from IoT (Internet of Things) sensors. The basic algorithm and an example of an application to review site data analysis are described. Spatio-temporal data modeling and an extension of a spatio-temporal multidimensional collective data analysis technique for predicting the time and place of near-future events are also explained.

• The Latest Developments in Jubatus, an Online Machine-learning Distributed Processing Framework

  

  Abstract
  Mobile terminals and other devices are now adopting multiple sensors, which generates voluminous data sets (big data). This necessitates rapid analysis of big data to understand the latest trends and current events. In this article, we introduce the latest developments in the open source community and commercial support activities for the distributed processing framework called Jubatus. Case studies are introduced to show that it offers deep analysis of big data in real time.

• Advanced Processing and Analytics for Large-scale Graphs

  

  Abstract
  Expectations have been rising in recent years for capabilities to extract hidden knowledge in friendship relationships, product purchase relationships, and business transaction relationships for use in promoting sales, increasing work efficiency, and other such purposes. A graph is a data structure that represents data relationships. Data mining on graph data is called graph mining. Here, we describe advanced graph mining techniques that can be used to instantly discover hidden knowledge in large-scale graphs which lead to improved work efficiency through high-speed graph processing. We also present examples of graph mining applications.

• Improving Network Management and Operation with Machine Learning and Data Analytics

  

  Abstract
  In this article, we describe the current and future direction of our research on the use of machine learning and data analytics to solve network management and operation problems. Specifically, we introduce ways to predict or detect network failures using social networking services or network logs, ways to extract workflows using operator logs, and methods to predict mobile traffic by investigating traffic generation factors.

• Advanced, High-performance Big Data Technology and Trial Validation

  

  Abstract
  Tourism to Japan is expected to increase as the year 2020 approaches. In every possible scenario, people will need access to stable transportation and communication services as well as other social infrastructure. NTT is researching and developing solutions to meet these requirements by using big data technologies. In this article, we present one such advanced, high-performance big data technology, and we describe the results of a field test (the Fukuoka trial) of services for tourists visiting Japan.

Global Standardization Activities

• Overview of Network Synchronization Technology Standardization in ITU-T

  

  Abstract
  Network synchronization technologies are fundamental to telecommunications network services around the world. They are standardized internationally by the Telecommunication Standardization Sector of the International Telecommunication Union, Study Group 15. In this article, we present an overview of time and phase synchronization technologies that have been gaining attention in recent years and explain how these technologies can be achieved. We also introduce the initiatives being implemented for their international standardization and review the other topics being discussed for future standardization.

Practical Field Information about Telecommunication Technologies

• Case Studies of Failures and Countermeasures in Access Network Facilities

  

  Abstract
  This article describes case studies of failures and countermeasures in access network facilities. This is the thirty-third article in a bimonthly series on practical field information on telecommunication technologies. This month’s contribution is from the Access Engineering Group, Technical Assistance and Support Center, Maintenance and Service Operations Department, Network Business Headquarters, NTT EAST.

NTT around the World

• NTT Communications India Pvt. Ltd.
  Netmagic Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

  

  Abstract
  NTT Communications India (NTT Com India) is a managed MPLS (multiprotocol label switching), network integration, and system integration company in India. It has headquarters in Delhi/Gurgaon and five other branches across India. Netmagic Solutions is a sister company of NTT Com India that joined the NTT Communications Group in 2012. It offers cloud, managed hosting, and datacenter services in India. The sister companies are working closely together to deliver the benefits of total ICT (information and communication technology) solutions to our customers in India.

External Awards/Papers Published in Technical Journals and Conference Proceedings

• External Awards/Papers Published in Technical Journals and Conference Proceedings