Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer programs for performing calculations of cost of entities are described. According to one embodiment, a method is described wherein one or more data sources are identified; information is gathered from those data sources, which is then used to calculate an adjusted cost of the entities. According to another embodiment, the information gathered from the data sources relates to dollar costs and other information pertaining to the entities, which is used to statistically model cost-related figures pertaining to the entities.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods for record linkage and comparing attributes are presented herein. Broadly speaking, embodiments of the present invention associate data records using distance measures and weights. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention generate a weight-based comparison of attributes. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention involve deduplication of records in a single database and linkage of records in multiple databases. In some embodiments of the invention, records may be merged into a master database based on the linkage and comparison of attributes. In addition, embodiments of the present invention may calculate a quality measure to be used in comparing attributes and records.