SAS Recognized as a Leading AI and Machine Learning Platform by Research Firm

SAS, a leading global company in data and AI business solutions, has once again been recognized as a top performer in the field of AI and machine learning (ML). This recognition comes from Forrester, a well-known research and advisory firm, which named SAS a Leader in its recent report, “The Forrester Wave™: AI/ML Platforms, Q3 2024.” The report evaluates 14 of the most significant AI providers, ranking them based on detailed evaluation criteria.

Forrester’s evaluation of these platforms is comprehensive, focusing on three key areas: the current offering, strategy, and market presence. In these categories, SAS® Viya®, SAS’s flagship platform, achieved top scores in several crucial aspects, including data exploration, tools for training and evaluation, data and model governance, roadmap, and customer base. This indicates that SAS Viya stands out as a strong platform for businesses looking to harness the power of machine learning (ML).

The report highlights that “SAS offers beautifully designed tools to access world-class analytical and AI methods.” This statement underscores the user-friendly nature of SAS’s offerings, which are designed to make sophisticated AI and ML accessible to a wide range of users. Additionally, the report notes that “SAS has evolved with the times,” shifting from being primarily an analytics vendor to providing a modern, comprehensive platform for developing the next generation of AI/ML applications. This evolution reflects SAS’s commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements and meeting the changing needs of its customers.

One of the key strengths of SAS Viya, as noted in the Forrester report, is its ability to handle data ingestion and preparation effectively. These are critical steps in the machine learning (ML) process, as the quality of the data directly impacts the quality of the models built on that data. The platform also excels in model evaluation and assessment, offering robust tools that help users ensure their models are performing as expected. This makes SAS Viya a reliable choice for companies that need to train and deploy advanced models in various environments.

SAS’s long-standing experience in analytics, machine learning, and AI plays a significant role in its continued success. According to the report, “SAS is a good fit for companies who want a powerful platform for training and deploying advanced models in multiple different environments from a provider with decades of experience in advancing state-of-the-art in analytics, machine learning, and AI.” This statement highlights the trust that businesses place in SAS, knowing that they are working with a company that has a deep understanding of the industry and a proven track record of innovation.

Jonathan Wexler, Director of AI and Analytics Product Strategy at SAS, emphasized the importance of AI in today’s rapidly changing world. He pointed out that global disruption is on the rise, and the volume of information is becoming overwhelming. To navigate these challenges, Wexler suggests that organizations need to use a combination of AI types, including Generative AI and traditional machine learning (ML), along with techniques like text analytics and forecasting. He also stressed the importance of intelligent data management and governance to ensure that AI solutions are accurate, precise, and trustworthy.

Wexler further explained that SAS is intensely focused on creating a user-friendly and seamless experience for businesses looking to scale human productivity and decision-making with AI. This focus on ease of use and accessibility is a hallmark of SAS Viya, which is designed to empower users of all skill levels to engage in the analytics process. Whether you are a developer, data scientist, IT professional, or business analyst, SAS Viya provides the tools and environment needed to collaborate effectively and make intelligent, data-driven decisions.