SAS Overview

The SAS System is one of the most popular Statistical software for all kinds of data analysis. It is a general purpose statistical package designed for both interactive, non-interactive, and batch uses.

SAS is supported as one of the "Standard Tools" by University Information Technology Services (UITS). The UITS Stat/Math Center (812/855-4724; email: statmath@iu.edu) can answer basic to advanced SAS questions.

Note: If you are a student using SAS for a class exercise, questions about your class work should be directed first to your instructor or associate instructor.

SAS Program Functionality:

Breadth of functionality: Excellent

SAS has scores of statistical and mathematical functions, scores of statistical procedures, macro facility, very flexible data handling capability, and excellent programming capability. SAS can read data in almost any format (e.g., numeric, alphanumeric, binary, dollar, date, time formats), and can read files created using spreadsheet/data base software. It also has excellent data manipulation utilities.

The following is a brief overview of some of the functionalities of SAS:

  • Data transformations
  • Programming capability
  • Macro facility
  • Matrix manipulation
  • Descriptive Statistics
  • Contingency tables
  • Correlation
  • T-tests
  • Univariate & Multivariate ANOVA
  • Regression
  • General Linear Model
  • Nonlinear Regression
  • Logistic Regression
  • Probit Analysis
  • Discriminant Analysis
  • Factor Analysis
  • Cluster anlaysis
  • Multidimensional scaling
  • Forecasting/Time Series
  • Nonparametric analysis
  • Graphics and graphical interface.

Reliability and Robustness: Good

SAS has very few known bugs at this point. Bugs are corrected in a speedy manner as soon as they are reported.

State of the Art: Excellent

SAS Release 6.0 and higher are considered as one of the leading statistical software applications. Graphical interface, multiple engine architecture, etc. are a few examples of the latest technology in the software.

User Friendliness: Good

SAS is fairly easy to learn. Explanation for keywords and subcommands are available through online help. At IU SAS is available from a number of platforms (e.g., Windows, UNIX).

SAS for Windows: State of the art product. Easy to use. Need a lot of 30+ MB of disk space to install the base, stat, and graph. Help is available from each Window, by clicking on the HELP menu. Software will be upgraded periodically.

SAS for UNIX: SAS on the RS/6000 is recommended. Help is available only when SAS is invoked using X term or Display Manager Mode. The same is true of SAS for HP, and SunOS. Lately more and more users are accessing SAS from one or another unix platform at IU.

SAS Help Resources:

Network-based help: Good

The Knowledge Base (KB) maintained by the UITS Support Center on the web has answers to several frequently asked SAS questions. This KB may be searched using keywords (e.g., sas). SAS also has an active international newsgroup group (sas-l) which has subscription from around the world. There is no local SAS user's group at IU.

Program's Help System: Good

SAS offers extensive online help in Display Manager Mode, SAS on microcomputers also have extensive help utility.

SAS Program Availability:

SAS is available on UITS systems. For details, see the Statistics Software Availability page.

UITS may offer this software for personal and departmental purchases. See the Sales page for more information.

SAS Training and Support:

Document Availability: Excellent

UITS makes basic manuals available at various Software Manual Locations. Documentation is also available for reference at the UITS Stat/Math Center.

Training Availability: Good

Instructors may request for specially arranged classes for introducing their students to SAS by contacting the UITS Education Program. SAS also has online tutorials.

User Group: None

There is no local SAS user's group at IU. To join the national electronic mailing list, send email to listserv@uga.cc.uga.edu with the body of the message:

  subscribe sas-l

UITS Consulting Support: Full Support

Consulting support is available from UITS stat/Math Center from 9 am to 5 pm (M-F) via phone, email, and for walkins. An appointment is recommended for walkin consulting. UITS Support Center, and Student Technology Center consultants might provide very basic support.

Other Consulting Support: Good

Registered SAS users can contact the vendor directly with the number provided with the license agreement. Users can subscribe to the SAS-L discussion group and post their questions to the net. SAS computists can always turn to their colleagues who are familiar with SAS software for help.