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Software · head to head

SAS vs Azure Machine Learning

SAS logo

SAS

Software

Analytics, AI and data management software

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Azure Machine Learning logo

Azure Machine Learning

Software

Enterprise-grade machine learning service

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: 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; Azure Machine Learning requires knowledge of Azure ecosystem and integration with other Azure services
  • They diverge on capability: SAS covers Statistical analysis, Azure Machine Learning covers Automated ML.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where SAS and Azure Machine Learning differ
AttributeSASAzure Machine Learning
Pricing modelsubscriptionusage-based
PlatformsLinux, Windows, WebAzure Cloud
Founded19761975

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

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 SAS

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

Only in Azure Machine Learning

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

Both cover

  • Web support

What people use each for

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

SAS

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

Azure Machine Learning

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

Where each one falls short

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

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

Azure Machine Learning

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

Pricing, plan by plan

SAS

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

Azure Machine Learning

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

Which should you pick?

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

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

Questions people ask

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