PAST vs SAS/STAT

PAST is free desktop software for statistical analysis, available on Windows and macOS. It provides spreadsheet-style data entry, univariate and multivariate statistics, and graphical analysis. The software includes statistical tests, regression models, and scripting support. Data import covers Excel, NEXUS, TPS, NTSYS, FASTA, PHYLIP, Arlequin, BioGraph, RASC, CONOP, and tab-separated text, giving users several ways to bring existing datasets into the application. PAST is offered under a Free plan listed at free, with no separate paid plan listed. Its deployment is desktop rather than web-based. The maker is PAST, associated with Oslo, Norway, and the software was founded in 1999. The combination of spreadsheet entry, statistical methods, scripting, and broad import-format support makes it suited to users who need local analysis of data from varied sources.

SAS/STAT is statistical analysis software for specialized and enterprise-wide analytics. Its library includes more than 90 procedures for methods such as regression, survey and survival analysis, multiple imputation and Bayesian modeling. Other documented areas include ANOVA, categorical, cluster, multivariate and nonparametric analysis, as well as propensity scores and causal treatment-effect estimation. Methods are available for small data sets, missing values and large data tasks. SAS describes 14 SAS/STAT procedures as multithreaded and makes 12 SAS High-Performance Statistics procedures available for single-machine use. Predictive modeling options include regression, generalized additive, mixed and nonlinear models, and decision trees. Hundreds of statistical graphs and customizable graphics are included. SAS says the software runs on major computing platforms, accesses nearly any data source and integrates into computing environments. A free trial provides access to SAS Viya in a private trial environment. Pricing is available on request. SAS lists SAS/STAT on the SAS Viya platform and SAS/STAT 15.4 among its most recent releases.