Machine learning is a technique that discovers previously unknown relationships in data.

Machine learning and AI are often discussed together. An important distinction is that although all machine learning is AI, not all AI is machine learning. Machine learning automatically searches potentially large stores of data to discover patterns and trends that go beyond simple statistical analysis. Machine learning uses sophisticated algorithms that identify patterns in data creating models. Those models can be used to make predictions and forecasts, and categorize data.

The key features of machine learning are:

• Automatic discovery of patterns

• Prediction of likely outcomes

• Creation of actionable information

• Ability to analyze potentially large volumes of data

Machine learning can answer questions that cannot be addressed through traditional deductive query and reporting techniques.