~upd~ Free Trial - Sas Software

Download the trial on a Friday. Spend the weekend running the "SAS Programming 1: Essentials" free e-learning course (often bundled with the trial). By Monday, you will be able to talk to senior data managers in their native language. That is worth the price of admission (which is currently $0).

But for the solo data scientist, the startup founder, or the student, there is a silent question that lingers: "Is SAS only for the Fortune 500, or can I get my hands on it right now?" sas software free trial

In the world of advanced analytics, SAS is the 800-pound gorilla. For decades, it has been the gold standard for industries where failure is not an option: banking, pharmaceuticals, government, and healthcare. Download the trial on a Friday

However, it suffers from an identity problem. New coders find it "old." Old coders find it "reliable." If you are trying to break into legacy industries, this trial is your golden ticket. If you are building a flashy web app, stick to open source. That is worth the price of admission (which is currently $0)

SPSS is clunky. R has a steep curve. SAS proc mixed (for hierarchical linear modeling) is the industry standard for education and psychology research. The OnDemand platform is free indefinitely for professors and students. You can write a dissertation using SAS without paying a cent.