Hello Karyn!

Answer # 1: They differ a lot... Access is to "input data" as SAS is for crunching those data.

Answer # 2: SAS can filter whatever you want, as long you program it to do it. Perhaps your MS-Access input screen should "validate" the data as it is inserted into your database. Using appropriate validation tables, your fields would be accurate. You could also use those validation table to create format in SAS. I think that the way to "connect" SAS to Access is by using SAS/ACCESS to PC-FILE FORMAT module. (I'm working on UNIX and don't have that module yet).

Answer # 3: <grin> Well there is a say: "Garbage in, garbage out" :-)

Answer # 4: Theorically, unlimited. Practicaly, it depends on your platform and available storage. In my case (on Unix), I have a table that reaches 15 gigabytes with 56 000 000 observations. 200k observations is very easy on Unix... On a PC, I don't know yet... We will move to Client/Server in august (SAS-PC / SAS-UNIX)... Will let you know the results by then... I'm sure that some guru here will provide better input on that subject.

Hope this will provide some insights... That was my 0.02 cents worth... :-)

Sincerely yours,

Patrice Bourdages :-) IS Analyst Quebec, QC, Canada

-----Message d'origine----- De : Karyn [mailto:froggee_1NOfrSPAM@HOTMAIL.COM.INVALID] Envoyé : 27 juin, 2000 10:33 À : SAS-L@LISTSERV.UGA.EDU Objet : SAS vs Access

Hi, we are looking at getting SAS for our department, and I have a few questions maybe someone can answer for me.

1. How does SAS differ from Access, aside from the fact that one is a database and one is a tool for analysis. Basically what I am trying to do is show everyone the basic differences and why we need BOTH Access and SAS.

2. While using SAS, if we use the data pulled directly from Access, does SAS have the capability to filter out errors that already may exist in the database. Basically what are it's limitations on analyzing data. For example, does the data have to come over from Access a certain way for SAS to successfully compute a statistical analysis of it.

3. If the data is already erroneous is Access or the main txt file, will it not be wrong in SAS as well?

4. Does anyone know the maximum records SAS will store? I think my main database has over 200,000 records.

Thank you all!!!

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