What is SAS Enterprise Guide?

SAS Enterprise Guide is an advanced analytics, data management, and visualization software developed by SAS Institute Inc. It integrates a broad range of SAS analytics capabilities into a user-friendly, point-and-click Windows client environment.

Version History and Features

The latest version, SAS Enterprise Guide 8.3, released in August 2020, incorporates the latest .NET Framework and VC++, hot fixes, security patches, and is compatible with Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise. Version 8.2, launched in November 2019, introduced direct connections to workspace servers, a new Git integration interface, and the ability to access and run tasks from SAS Studio 5.2. The June 2019 release, version 8.1, featured a modernized user interface, flexible window management, a new start page, and multiple enhancements including improved search functionality and favorites.

Functionality

SAS Enterprise Guide enables users to access, manage, and analyze data from various sources, run analytical tasks, and generate reports. It provides capabilities for direct server connections, project management, and code-based and code-free programming options. The software's flexibility allows running multiple items simultaneously without locking the interface and dragging data sets directly into the program.

Support and Documentation

Extensive documentation for SAS Enterprise Guide is accessible through the Help Center on support.sas.com, offering users guidance on utilizing the full range of its features and functions.

What is Google Data Studio?

Google Data Studio is a data visualization and reporting tool. It enables users to transform data into customizable informative reports and dashboards. Data Studio is part of the Google Marketing Platform and integrates with Google's advertising and analytics services, as well as various external data sources, allowing for a broad view of data across different platforms.

It provides real-time collaboration and sharing capabilities, similar to Google Docs and Sheets. Users can create reports with interactive charts and graphs, leveraging built-in and community connectors to fetch data from a variety of sources. Google Data Studio's intuitive interface allows for easy report creation and data interpretation, making it accessible to users of different skill levels.

As a free tool offered by Google, it is particularly attractive for small to medium-sized businesses looking for a cost-effective way to present data insights. Google Data Studio is web-based, which means it requires no installation and can be accessed from any device with internet connectivity.

SAS Enterprise Guide vs Google Data Studio

Platform and Interface

SAS Enterprise Guide is a Windows GUI tool tailored for SAS analytics, offering a point-and-click interface that facilitates data manipulation, statistical analysis, and report generation. Google Data Studio, however, is a cloud-based data visualization tool that provides a web interface for creating interactive dashboards and reports, emphasizing ease of use for users with varied skill levels.

Data Handling Capabilities

Both SAS Enterprise Guide and Google Data Studio allow users to visualize data and generate reports. SAS Enterprise Guide excels in handling large datasets, complex analytics, and regulatory compliance, with features such as data cleaning, manipulation, and advanced statistical analysis. Google Data Studio focuses on accessibility and integration with Google's suite of tools, offering real-time data collaboration and sharing capabilities.

Integration and Versatility

SAS Enterprise Guide is praised for its versatility, being used across various departments such as marketing, HR, and risk, and for different purposes like forecasting, model validation, and querying databases. In contrast, Google Data Studio provides strong integration with other Google services such as Google Analytics and Google Ads, making it a preferred option for marketing analytics and straightforward data source connectivity.

User Experience and Accessibility

The user-friendly nature of SAS Enterprise Guide, with its menu-driven approach, caters to users within an organization who are familiar with SAS. On the other hand, Google Data Studio's user-friendly, web-based interface is more accessible to users without specialized training, facilitating sharing and collaboration online.

Advanced Analytics and Customization

SAS Enterprise Guide stands out for its advanced analytics capabilities, including options for ANOVA, univariate, regressions, and more specialized statistical methods. It is also capable of scheduling, running, and maintaining version histories of processes. Google Data Studio, while not as advanced in statistical analysis, offers substantial customizability in report aesthetics and interactive elements, which can be beneficial for presentations and quick insights.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the latest version of SAS Enterprise Guide?

SAS Enterprise Guide 8.3 is the latest version, released in August 2020.

Can SAS Enterprise Guide run on Windows 11?

Yes, starting in November 2021, SAS Enterprise Guide is supported on Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise.

Does SAS Enterprise Guide offer Git integration?

Yes, SAS Enterprise Guide 8.2 features a new Git integration user interface.

Can I run multiple items without locking the user interface in SAS Enterprise Guide?

Yes, SAS Enterprise Guide 8.1 added the ability to run multiple items without locking the user interface.

How does SAS Enterprise Guide differ from Google Data Studio in terms of version updates and platform support?

SAS Enterprise Guide has regular version updates with added features, such as the 8.3 version with .NET Framework and VC++ upgrades, and from version 8.1 onwards, it has enhanced user interface and functionality. It is also specifically supported on Windows operating systems, including Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise.

Why Choose Sourcetable Over SAS Enterprise Guide and Google Data Studio

As a spreadsheet tool, Sourcetable provides a singular platform for data consolidation from various sources. Its real-time database querying with a familiar spreadsheet interface positions it as a capable alternative to SAS Enterprise Guide's analytics offerings.

Unlike Google Data Studio, Sourcetable offers direct manipulation of data through typical spreadsheet operations, such as adding new data tables and reordering tabs, enhancing user control and flexibility in data analysis.

With functionalities to add, rename, and create charts within sheets, Sourcetable facilitates a seamless transition from data upload to visualization, a streamlined process that may not be as straightforward in Google Data Studio or SAS Enterprise Guide.

By enabling users to upload CSV files and immediately convert data into actionable insights through chart creation, Sourcetable simplifies the data-to-decision pathway, offering a pragmatic solution for dynamic data management and analysis.