February 19, 2003

Bayes Makes a Comeback

Ever wonder how Amazon.com runs their recommendation engine (the part of the website that suggests items you might like based on previous purchases)? They're using Bayesian analysis (I'm assuming, having never actually seen the inner workings of Amazon). This process is based on work by an 18th century mathamatican and clergyman, Thomas Bayes. News.com has a story on Bayes, and the types of tools his equations are powering.