How Do You Spell 'BI'?

"What does SAS stand for?" We get asked that question quite frequently – and expect to hear it a time or two at upcoming events like SUGI and SAS Forum International. 

SAS (pronounced "sass") used to stand for "statistical analysis software." But that was nearly three decades ago. Since 1976, this company has grown tremendously – as have the uses of our software. So we decided to let the acronym stand on its own, to better reflect the myriad of ways in which SAS adds intelligence. For a sampling, just click through this issue to see how organizations are benefiting from SAS – to the tune of millions of dollars, euros, pounds, etc.

In the UK, Barclays uses SAS to better manage existing and prospective customers.

In the U.S., Harrah’s Entertainment also uses SAS for understanding its customers – and then launching loyalty-building marketing campaigns.

Topdanmark uses SAS to tap into SAP data to fulfill reporting needs. According to this Danish insurer, SAS complements SAP: It provides the best of both worlds.

Cetrel uses SAS to make faster, smarter business decisions. The company now has access to the insights it needs to meet the business challenges of today – and tomorrow – head on, says its CFO.

The finance director of Croatia’s Zagrebačka wanted to present financial information to regulators, management and shareholders in a way that would reflect full compliance with international standards – with complete reliability. "We wanted the best. So we decided to implement SAS."

Even decision makers at the EU’s Web portal use SAS to ensure that 10 million monthly visits result in satisfied European citizens.

Purdue University’s School of Veterinary Medicine uses SAS to monitor pet diseases that could result from acts of bioterrorism or exposure to chemicals. Add to that anthrax studies in African antelopes and on U.S. cattle trails, and you have some less-than-typical uses of analytic software.

As you can see, SAS still does statistics ... and a whole lot more. So, these days, I guess you could say that what SAS really stands for is "business intelligence."

Diana M. Levey
sascom Editor-in-Chief

Matthew Barnason
sascom International Editor

Diana Levey
sascom Editor-in-Chief