SAS to JMP....Will I Get What I Need?

shellp55

Hello

I have Base SAS 9.3 with Enterprise Guide and I've written quite a few programs in SAS code.  Mostly I manipulate data from importing, change/create new fields, export to another medium like MS-Access.  I link onto the MS-Access data via Crystal Reports and use that for my reporting.

I currently have SAS through my employer but I pay the yearly license fees.  However, I'm a contract employee and every year I worry that if the contract is not renewed, that I lose access to SAS which I use for the calculation of so many metrics.

I realize I am not using SAS to even a miniscule amount of its capabilities but purchasing a version for my own use, plus the huge license fees yearly (which would be 4 x the license fees I'm paying now) is just too pricey so I need to look for something else.

So I'm looking to JMP and just wondering:

• can I use my current SAS program in JMP?
• can anyone describe the differences of the two programs?
• from what I've read the visual analytics are quite good so perhaps I wouldn't need other software for reporting?

I welcome any comments about JMP from you, the users.  I'd also be interested to know if you looked at other statistical software like SPSS and why you chose JMP over that?

Thanks so much.

reeza

You could use SAS for reporting instead of Crystal Reports directly, it can create some fancy stuff if you're interested. 

I think the SAS license in Canada as a consultant is about $10K the first year and $5K the second but don't hold me to that. As a contractor I would consider a cost of doing business, but its definitely high.  Actually, its part of the reason I don't consult more on the side, I don't have access to SAS besides at work.

Other options:

WPS: rip off of SAS. I have ethical reasons for not going with them. Its basically SAS but they didn't do the research or most of the work, just an implementation. 

R: Totally different language.

Python: I'd recommend this language. I think its going to go far and there's a ton of resources and user groups out there around it and it has good packages attached. It does not create pretty reports as far as I know. 

Most of the clinical stuff could also be done with a basic SQL package such as MySQL as well.