Softwr

Software · head to head

SAS vs Apache Spark MLlib

SAS logo

SAS

Software

Analytics, AI and data management software

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Apache Spark MLlib logo

Apache Spark MLlib

Software

Scalable machine learning on Apache Spark

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; Apache Spark MLlib apache Spark MLlib is Apache 2.0 licensed and free with no paid tier from the Apache project itself; SLA-backed support has to be sourced from a third party such as a managed Spark vendor rather than from Apache.
  • They diverge on capability: SAS covers Statistical analysis, Apache Spark MLlib covers Classification.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which SAS and Apache Spark MLlib actually diverge.

Attributes where SAS and Apache Spark MLlib differ
AttributeSASApache Spark MLlib
Pricing modelsubscriptionopen-source
PlatformsLinux, Windows, WebLinux, macOS, Windows
Founded19761999

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
  • Spark

Only in Apache Spark MLlib

  • Classification
  • Regression
  • Clustering
  • Collaborative filtering
  • Feature engineering
  • Apache Spark
  • Kafka
  • Databricks

Both cover

  • Hadoop
  • Linux support
  • Windows support

What people use each for

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

SAS

  • Regulated statistical analysis and clinical reportingnot Apache Spark MLlib
  • Enterprise data management, visualization and decisioning on one licensed platformnot Apache Spark MLlib

Apache Spark MLlib

  • Large-scale distributed machine learning on Spark clustersnot SAS
  • Classification and regression with decision trees, random forests, gradient-boosted treesnot SAS
  • Clustering with K-means and Gaussian Mixture Modelsnot 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

Apache Spark MLlib

  • Apache Spark MLlib is Apache 2.0 licensed and free with no paid tier from the Apache project itself; SLA-backed support has to be sourced from a third party such as a managed Spark vendor rather than from Apache.

Pricing, plan by plan

SAS

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

Apache Spark MLlib

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Apache Spark MLlib review.

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 Apache Spark MLlib if

  • You need classification.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Linux, macOS, Windows.
  • You also want regression.
Apache Spark MLlib review

Questions people ask

Is SAS or Apache Spark MLlib better?
Neither clearly leads. SAS starts at Free and Apache Spark MLlib at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, SAS or Apache Spark MLlib?
SAS starts at Free and Apache Spark MLlib at Free.
Does SAS or Apache Spark MLlib run on more platforms?
SAS runs on Linux, Windows, Web. Apache Spark MLlib runs on Linux, macOS, Windows.
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 Apache Spark MLlib is typically brought in for.
What can SAS do that Apache Spark MLlib cannot?
SAS covers Statistical analysis, Machine learning, Forecasting, Text analytics. Apache Spark MLlib covers Classification, Regression, Clustering, Collaborative filtering. Both handle Hadoop, Linux support, Windows support.
ShareXLinkedInRedditWhatsAppEmail

Related pages

More on SAS

More on Apache Spark MLlib

Keep looking

Other head to heads