Hack/reduce is launching in Boston today, and the idea here is to open up a facility where big data hackers and big data entrepreneurs can come together to share computer resources and office space and work on their ideas. They’re hoping to foster innovation around big data in the Boston area.

Although there is a sense of urgency to get all the parts in place, Wikibon Analyst Jeff Kelly
said it will take some time to see results, but that there will be an immediate impact in terms of conversation and getting projects started.

Other goals of the hack/reduce organization will be to bring in speakers from time to time, run workshops, help develop the community around big data analytics, and draw upon existing resources in Boston, such as MIT, Harvard, hack/reduce’s financial district, and medical research. Essentially, they want to put Boston on the map in terms of big data.

Big data played a big part in election predictions. Nate Silver of the 538 blog took some heat for predicting Obama’s win with an algorithm he created based on his data analysis. Kelly said, “In society at large and within the political establishment, it is still a new concept, using data to drive campaigns or otherwise influence politics.” He believes that people are still in the early stages of understanding big data, and that some may even feel threatened by it, especially those who are resistant to change.

The use of big data throughout the election will further the reputation of big data and
analytics, and Kelly sees more adoption of it. It will also help promote it in the enterprise.
He said, “I think it’s an opportunity to kick off the conversation in some of those enterprises that may be a little behind the curve when it comes to big data and analytics.” See the whole segment with Kristin Feledy and Jeff Kelly on the Morning NewsDesk show.