IBM ILOG - ILOG CPLEX

IBM ILOG CPLEX Optimization Studio

What is CPLEX? A solution for optimization problems

IBM ILOG CPLEX provides C, C++, Java, .NET, and Python libraries that solve linear programming (LP) and related problems. In particular, it solves linear or quadratic constrained optimization problems where the objective to be optimized can be expressed as a linear function or a convex quadratic function. The variables in the model can be declared to be continuous or further constrained to take only integer values.

CPLEX is available in these forms to meet a variety of user requirements:

The CPLEX Interactive Optimizer is an executable program that can read a problem interactively or from files in certain standard formats, solve the problem, and provide the solution interactively or in text files. 

Concert Technology is a set of libraries that provide an API with modeling capabilities that allow a programmer to embed CPLEX optimizers in C++, Java, or .NET applications. The library is provided in these files: ilocplexXXX. lib, concert.lib, and cplexXXX.jar , where XXX stands for a version number. This convention of including the version number in the name of the library allows you to maintain more than one version if needed. The library is also provided in these files on Microsoft Windows platforms  cplexXXX.dll and concertXXX.dll. The library is also provided for UNIX platforms: libilocplex.a, libconcert.a, and cplex.jar. In all these cases, Concert Technology uses the Callable Library (described below).

The CPLEX Callable Library is a C library that allows programmers to embed CPLEX optimizers in applications written in C, Visual Basic, Fortran, or any other language that can call C functions. The library is provided as a DLL on Windows platforms and in a library (i.e., with file extensions) on UNIX platforms.

Advantages of IBM ILOG CPLEX Optimization Studio

• Replace intuition with fact-based decisions
  translate business problems into optimization models and solve them with powerful CPLEX engines.
• Solve a range of optimization problems
  Explore mathematical programming, constraint programming, and constraint-based models with CPLEX engines.
  
• Choose your deployment
  Choose from on-premises, cloud & hybrid deployment options to successfully deliver präskriptive analytics through mathematical and constraint programming.
• Get better results for many industries
  Help reduce operational costs by better mapping critical information with IBM ILOG CPLEX Optimization Studio.

Why IBM ILOG CPLEX Optimization Studio is the best choice for decision making

• Offers established optimization technology with more than 25 years of experience
  Choose a vendor with decades of experience in optimization technology. The prestigious Edelman Prize is awarded each year to the best practitioner project in operations research. IBM CPLEX Optimizer is used four times more often than any other optimization technology to develop innovative solutions for solving difficult challenges by Edelman finalists.
• Provides a comprehensive end-to-end solution for solving complex problems
  IBM ILOG CPLEX Optimization Studio provides a comprehensive end-to-end solution to even the most complex challenges. This includes integration with IBM SPSS Modeler, running optimization algorithms in the cloud, and enabling user collaboration and powerful visualizations in an intuitive user interface.
• Empower rapid and accurate optimization model development and deployment
  Use OPL, an algebraic modeling language that makes it easier to understand and identify constraints, goals, and costs. Choose from a variety of interfaces, programming languages, or deployment scenarios. Deploy in Java, Python, .NET, C and C++, or with a client/server architecture. Use built-in development tools for debugging, profiling, tuning, and conflict detection. Enjoy absolute modeling flexibility with a compact and expressive OPL and an IDE with diverse model development services that no other company offers.
• Provides a solution for many industries
  A number of leading companies from various industries around the world use IBM ILOG CPLEX Optimization Studio to achieve better results. For example, a global logistics service provider is building its next-generation logistics management platform. A manufacturer of arc welding systems and power sources in Italy is reducing inventory by 15 percent and cutting order losses by 70 percent. A financial services company helps banks reduce cross-shipping fees by 63 percent.