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Statistical Analysis System (SAS)

Offered by

Michigan State University

Administrative Information Services

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Administrative Information Services (AIS) offers the Statistical Analysis System (SAS) programming language from the SAS Institute to our clients for customized statistical reporting. AIS Data Administration provides general orientation and limited support to all units authorized to use SAS. No formal training in the use of this product is provided although the SAS Institute offers training at their Southfield, MI training facility.

Through the use of SAS, clients can perform data manipulation and statistical analysis. This product are not intended to replace any of the complex on-line or batch systems supported by AIS, nor are they intended to replace the non-statistical, ad-hoc reporting capabilities provided by VISION:Results.

SAS Access

SAS is available to most of the AIS client community. SAS requires all of the following:

1. Access to some terminal device connected to the AIS mainframe. This could be a terminal connected to the AIS Mainframe or an IBM-PC or compatible microcomputer equipped with 3270 terminal emulation.

2. Access to the Customer Information Control System (CICS), available on the AIS mainframe.

3. Orientation to the SAS programming environment offered by AIS Data Administration.

For specific information about any of these, please call the AIS Help and Support Center at 353-4420 extension 311.

TRAINING AND SUPPORT

Data Administration provides an initial orientation to the SAS programming environment and ongoing support for the submission, viewing and printing of SAS jobs as well as consulting support for problem determination related to language syntax. The client is responsible for being familiar with and understanding the implications of using the various statistical principles involved in the various SAS procedures.

It is recommended that the client acquire the SAS User manuals. Manuals can be purchased directly from the SAS Institute. If you wish to order a manual, please contact the AIS Help and Support Center at 353-4420 extension 311 to request an order form.

DATA ACCESS

SAS has the ability to access sequential disk and tape datasets and VSAM datasets. A maximum of three (3) tape datasets can be accessed during a single SAS job.

When a client requests SAS, Data Administration works with the client office to determine what data they will need. If needed data belongs to another department, authorization must be requested from and approved in writing by the data owner. If the client office has already been granted programming access to data for use with some other programming language (i.e., VISION:Results), then additional authorization is not required for SAS access to that data.

SERVICE AVAILABILITY

SAS jobs may be submitted during the hours that CICSCBC is available, generally Mon-Fri, 7:00AM to 6:00PM and Sat-Sun, 8:00AM to 5:00PM.

SAS jobs may be submitted to run in various jobs classes depending on the resource requirements of the job. The allowable job classes and their restrictions include:

* All Class J Jobs are charged regardless of client.

Tape files can not be used on Sunday unless prior arrangements are made ahead of time to have a computer operator on duty. Call the AIS Help and Support Center at 353-4420 extension 311 if you wish to schedule.

CHARGES

SAS is available without charge to most client offices. Whether an office will be charged for the use of SAS is subject to a number of variables. For more information on this subject, please contact the AIS Help and Support Center at 353-4420, extension 311.

WHAT TO DO NEXT

If you decide you would like to use SAS in your office, please contact the AIS Help and Support Center at 353-4420 extension 311. You will be referred to someone who can help you in coordinating the implementation, determining the appropriate security to be requested and setting up the appropriate training.

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