Visual Numerics Inc. next week will unveil new Java-based visualization and numerical analysis tools for mainstream business users. The tools are used to assemble online analytical and visualization applications for analyzing complex data sets in the financial services, life sciences, manufacturing, and retail industries.

The JMSL Numerical Library version 2.5 for Java has new algorithmic functions, including nonlinear optimization, curve-fitting functions, time-series analysis, and new data-mining and statistical-analysis capabilities. The algorithms can be used for a range of analytical applications. For example, financial-service companies can use the software for financial modeling and risk assessment, and manufacturers can calculate production yields and energy consumption

Travel Website Priceline.com Inc. is installing the Visual Numerics software to analyze historical price data in the company's data warehouse and evaluate how well the data predicts the best price points for Priceline.com to offer customers. Java-based tools make it easier to share the analytical results with other applications. "That's the big sell with Visual Numerics," says project manager Zachary Horne.

The new release also includes a "quick start" pack of code samples and application templates that can be customized or embedded in analytical applications. The software is available now, starting at $4,995.