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Machine Learning & Data Science · head to head

Azure Machine Learning vs SAS

Azure Machine Learning logo

Azure Machine Learning

Machine Learning & Data Science

Enterprise-grade machine learning service

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
SAS logo

SAS

Machine Learning & Data Science

Analytics, AI and data management software

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Azure Machine Learning requires knowledge of Azure ecosystem and integration with other Azure services; SAS sAS publishes no rate, no minimum and no named cost driver; the how to buy page offers only a customized price quote based on your requirements and deployment preferences
  • They diverge on capability: Azure Machine Learning covers Automated ML, SAS covers Statistical analysis.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Azure Machine Learning and SAS actually diverge.

Attributes where Azure Machine Learning and SAS differ
AttributeAzure Machine LearningSAS
Pricing modelusage-basedsubscription
PlatformsAzure CloudLinux, Windows, Web
Founded19751976

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Machine Learning & Data Science).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Azure Machine Learning

  • Automated ML
  • Designer (drag-and-drop)
  • Notebooks
  • MLOps
  • Model registry
  • Azure Blob Storage
  • Azure DevOps
  • Power BI

Only in SAS

  • Statistical analysis
  • Machine learning
  • Forecasting
  • Text analytics
  • Optimization
  • Python
  • R
  • Hadoop

Both cover

  • Web support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Azure Machine Learning

  • Machine learningnot SAS
  • Data analysisnot SAS
  • Model trainingnot SAS
  • Predictive analyticsnot SAS

SAS

  • Regulated statistical analysis and clinical reportingnot Azure Machine Learning
  • Enterprise data management, visualization and decisioning on one licensed platformnot Azure Machine Learning

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Azure Machine Learning

  • Requires knowledge of Azure ecosystem and integration with other Azure services
  • Compute resources for training and inference generate separate charges

SAS

  • SAS publishes no rate, no minimum and no named cost driver; the how to buy page offers only a customized price quote based on your requirements and deployment preferences
  • Most new and existing customers are routed through authorized resellers rather than buying direct
  • Cloud marketplace purchases require choosing between pay as you go and bring your own licence, each with different licensing terms

Pricing, plan by plan

Azure Machine Learning

Free
  • Free TierFree
    • Limited compute
    • Basic features
  • Pay-as-you-go$0.05/hour
    • Full platform
    • All compute options
    • Enterprise features

SAS

Free
  • SAS OnDemand for AcademicsFree
    • Academic use
    • Core SAS
  • SAS ViyaFree
    • Full platform
    • Cloud-native
    • AI/ML

Which should you pick?

Choose Azure Machine Learning if

  • You need automated ml.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Azure Cloud.
  • You also want designer (drag-and-drop).
Azure Machine Learning review

Choose SAS if

  • You need statistical analysis.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Linux, Windows, Web.
  • You also want machine learning.
SAS review

Questions people ask

Is Azure Machine Learning or SAS better?
Neither clearly leads. Azure Machine Learning starts at Free and SAS at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Azure Machine Learning or SAS?
Azure Machine Learning starts at Free and SAS at Free.
Does Azure Machine Learning or SAS run on more platforms?
Azure Machine Learning runs on Azure Cloud. SAS runs on Linux, Windows, Web.
Can I use Azure Machine Learning for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Azure Machine Learning best used for?
Azure Machine Learning is most often used for machine learning, data analysis, model training, predictive analytics. Of those, machine learning and data analysis are not what SAS is typically brought in for.
What can Azure Machine Learning do that SAS cannot?
Azure Machine Learning covers Automated ML, Designer (drag-and-drop), Notebooks, MLOps. SAS covers Statistical analysis, Machine learning, Forecasting, Text analytics. Both handle Web support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Azure Machine Learning: Does Azure Machine Learning have any platform licensing fees?

No, Azure Machine Learning carries no extra cost. You only pay for the underlying compute resources utilized during model training or inference.

Source
Azure Machine Learning: What AutoML capabilities does Azure Machine Learning provide?

Azure Machine Learning supports automated model creation for classification, regression, vision, and natural language processing tasks.

Source
Azure Machine Learning: Does Azure ML support language model fine-tuning?

Yes, Azure Machine Learning supports fine-tuning of foundation models from providers including OpenAI, Meta, Hugging Face, and Cohere.

Source
Azure Machine Learning: What MLOps features are included?

Azure ML includes end-to-end pipeline automation with CI/CD capabilities, managed endpoints for model deployment, and monitoring tools.

Source
Azure Machine Learning: Can I access foundation models from multiple vendors?

Yes, Azure Machine Learning provides access to a model catalog with foundation models from Microsoft, OpenAI, Hugging Face, Meta, and Cohere.

Source
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