Consulting	Technical Support	Publishing
Training	SAS Certified Professional Program	Users Groups

	SAS Services World-class software can't be world-class without the backing of superior support and services. Below is a sampling of the some of the many ways we help you maximize your investment in SAS software.

SAS provides a full range of consulting services, from initial business analysis through to final delivery. A primary objective is to encourage all customers to become self sufficient in the deployment and use of the product, so a skills transfer element is a fundamental component of all the services offered.

All consulting services are designed to address customers' key business problems, especially in areas such as:

• Customer Relationship Management
• Balanced Scorecard
• Risk Management
• Systems Performance and Charge-back Accounting
• Financial Reporting and Consolidation

These services include:

Data Warehousing

Through all stages of Data Warehousing, from initial requirements analysis and project scoping through to construction and implementation support. SAS Institute consultants can provide skills in Data Warehouse modeling and architecture, and support customer staff in learning the construction techniques involved in best practice Data Warehousing. Advice can also be provided on exploitation of the warehouse, using the full range of options available with SAS software including OLAP applications and Web enablement.

Latest service offerings include the integration of data from ERP systems with other data sources to address comprehensive business reporting needs. SAS consultants work with customers to harness the power of SAS software to considerably reduce the time it takes to retrieve information from ERP systems.

The foundation of the Data Warehousing service is SAS's Rapid Warehousing Methodology, which provides a framework to support customers in the implementation of Data Warehouses and Data Marts. The methodology supports an iterative approach to development, delivering business benefit from the earliest point in the warehousing process.

Data Warehousing projects are undertaken on a partnership basis, with the customer providing experience relating to the business issues relevant to their business. Experience has shown that Data Warehousing projects are rarely successful when driven purely by either business or IT staff, and our methodology is focused on creating a team from both areas to work together.

Data Mining

The application of Data Mining techniques, either on top of an existing Data Warehouse or from the initial point of data extraction. SAS's 'SEMMA' approach (Sample, Explore, Modify, Model, Assess) to Data Mining provides a robust framework for undertaking sophisticated analysis, backed up by the usage of simple to use reporting and visualisation tools to aid in data cleaning and transformation. Enterprise Miner software then provides a project based analysis environment, and SAS consultants can undertake skills transfer in the use of this product with the customer's own data.

Installation and Migration Assistance

With complex hardware/software configurations, installation assistance can be provided to ensure a 'robust' platform for future developments, or to help plan and implement upgrades from an earlier release of SAS software. This service can also include advice about moving applications between different computing platforms, for example rightsizing and conversion to two or three tier client/server operation.

Application Review / System Audits

To review the design and efficiency of SAS software based systems. This may be on a complete system, or alternately may take place at predetermined review points throughout a project when the customer's own staff or third parties are undertaking development work. In the latter case, these 'milestones'offer the opportunity to validate the design approach and consider new options if necessary.

South Africa is a unique country and therefore SAS Institute South Africa needs a unique customer support approach. Although the standards in the Technical Support brochure apply to South Africa, we in SAS SA add value in additional ways.

Why Customer Support and not Technical Support?

The South African office hotline support number answers all queries regarding SAS Software, not just technical support. For example, licence enquiries, distribution request etc

The consultant attending to your query will put your request in a tracking system and supply you with a reference number. This consultant is 100% responsible for the satisfactory resolution of your query.

What tools is available for your own use?

• List Server - (see technical support brochure for details)
• The SAS web site - www.sas.com
• Online Help
• SASWare Ballot
• Telephone Support Number - 0800 004943

What happens to my query after I phoned the 0800 number?

After you phone the toll-free number and explain the request or problem, you will receive a tracking/reference number. Your query will then be handled by the consultant who took the call or be forwarded to the relevant SAS employee. The consultant however, is still responsible for the query! With global specialist resources your problem/query will be solved efficiently and effectively.

When can you phone the toll-free number?

You can phone Customer Support from Monday to Friday between 08:00 and 17:00. Should you have a need to contact Customer Support outside these hours, you can use one of the following tools

• local e-mail address for support
• EMITS

Superior quality training is an integral part of SAS' commitment to its software customers. We realize that an investment in training is designed to do one thing -- increase your organization's productivity. And we're committed to helping your organization realize the full value of its investment.

We deliver on that promise with:

• More than 50 courses that deliver up-to-date content that is of the highest quality.
• Certified SAS instructors that often stand as thought leaders in their fields.
• Multiple delivery methods designed to meet your time, budget and education needs, including public and on-site training, as well as interactive Live Web classes and e-learning products that deliver on-demand training at your convenience.

When you invest in SAS Education, our technical training specialists work closely with SAS software developers to facilitate your learning experience and to develop a course and a learning path that suits the needs of the individuals using the software application. But we don't stop there. If you have a special need, SAS Education account representatives will provide a training assessment and will work with you to customize solutions to help you, your work group or your department achieve the results you envision.

To find out more information on any of the above please email Denishree Moonasamy

Click here to see all the training courses and fees.

SAS Publishing offers a variety of products and services for SAS users, including online and hardcopy documentation geared to all levels of SAS users.

• Web Bookstore - browse descriptions, view table of contents and sample code, and place orders using the shopping cart feature. The bookstore is updated daily to provide you with the most current information about our books.
• Books by Users Press (BBU) - provides a library of books written by SAS users, for SAS users. BBU books offer a real-world perspective to using SAS.
• SAS Learning Edition - is a personal learning version of the world's leading business intelligence and analytical software. It combines a powerful version of SAS with instruction paced for the beginner.
• SAS OnlineDoc - gives you quick online access to SAS reference documentation. Available free upon registration via the Web or for purchase on CD
• Self-paced e-Learning - provides you with the opportunity to practice in the SAS environment wherever you are and whenever you want.

Find out more about SAS Publishing on support.sas.com

Throughout the business world, companies recognize that certification is the way to stay abreast of the latest technology and serves as a benchmark for hiring, promoting and planning employee career paths. As the world leader in software and services that drive the intelligent enterprise, SAS is committed to providing your company the competitive advantage that certification brings. Designed to recognize users who exhibit an advanced understanding of SAS software, the SAS Certified Professional Program makes it easy to identify experts who have the skills and knowledge to optimize the power of SAS.

Professional certification from SAS also provides organizations a reliable measure of employee knowledge by differentiating the most qualified technical professionals, increasing individual and group productivity levels, and improving the organization's overall competency using SAS software.

SAS offers six globally recognized certification tracks in SAS programming, data warehousing and application development. Credentials are awarded through the successful completion of one or more SAS Certified Professional exams. Currently, the program has more than 3,100 SAS Certified Professionals in more than 40 different countries.

As the worldwide demand for professionals with a high level of SAS software expertise continues to grow, certification from SAS can give you the edge you need to stay a step ahead of your competition.

Find out more about the SAS Certified Professional Program by contacting Ruby Raju

SAS encourages users to become active in users group activities and SAS helps establish and nurture such groups. Various users groups offer excellent user conferences around the world.

Whether you're a seasoned SAS software user with experiences to share or a newcomer who'd like to interact with other users, a users group is an excellent way to help you get the most value from your investment. Users groups offer a unique opportunity to:

• Enhance your understanding of SAS software and services.
• Exchange ideas about using your software and hardware most productively.
• Learn about new products, solutions and services as soon as they become available.
• Exert more influence over the direction of SAS software and services.
• Improve managerial and leadership skills by serving as a users group officer, coordinating and participating in annual and regional SAS users group conferences, or organizing a new users group.

Find out more about SAS users groups by contacting Michelle Chettoa