SAS 9 is still widely used in many organizations. At the same time, SAS is increasingly focusing its innovation and development efforts on the modern, cloud-capable SAS Viya platform. As a result, SAS 9 continues to be maintained, but no longer receives new features—and long-term support is expected to be phased out over time.
For organizations using SAS 9 today, this raises an important strategic question:
How can your existing SAS environment evolve to meet future business and technology requirements?
Industry analysts such as Forrester and Gartner observe a growing trend toward modern, cloud-native analytics platforms. Organizations are seeking flexible, scalable solutions that can easily integrate with new technologies and support evolving regulatory demands.
So what are the options for companies working with SAS 9 today?
Which paths offer the best fit—and what are the key considerations for each?
This article provides a neutral overview of three viable strategies, highlighting their benefits and potential challenges to help you make an informed decision.
SAS Viya is the next-generation analytics platform from SAS. It is cloud-ready and designed to integrate seamlessly into modern IT architectures. Key benefits include:
Scalable performance through cloud deployment
Support for open-source languages like Python and R
Continuous updates and a clear long-term roadmap
Who might benefit from this option?
Organizations that want to continue using existing SAS solutions with minimal code changes
Businesses with regulatory requirements that value SAS as a validated environment
Teams aiming to modernize their infrastructure without changing platforms
What should be considered?
Effort: The migration depends on the current SAS 9 environment—some applications may require adaptation.
Costs: Viya is subscription-based (SaaS), which may involve a shift in budgeting models.
Integration: Existing on-premises processes may need to be adapted for the cloud.
Some organizations take the opportunity to reshape their analytics platform using open-source tools such as Python or R.
Why consider this approach?
No license fees for programming languages or libraries
Large communities and rapid access to innovation
Cloud-native design enables performance and scalability
When is this a good fit?
For teams already working with open-source tools
If the goal is to increase flexibility and reduce vendor lock-in
When embedding analytics and AI into a broader cloud strategy
Points to consider:
Code migration: Existing SAS programs may need to be re-implemented.
Process adaptation: Data pipelines and reporting structures will likely need changes.
Training: Teams need relevant open-source expertise and onboarding.
Many organizations choose to modernize step by step. In a hybrid setup, existing SAS 9 applications continue to run, while new use cases are implemented using open-source technologies. Over time, this approach supports a transition—either toward Viya or another platform.
Why go hybrid?
Smooth transition with reduced risk
Continued use of existing SAS applications
Flexibility to explore new technologies at your own pace
Ideal for:
Organizations with substantial SAS investments that can’t be replaced immediately
Teams introducing Python or R alongside existing systems
Businesses planning a phased migration strategy
Key considerations:
Integration: Ensuring interoperability between SAS and open-source environments
Governance: Managing a dual system may increase complexity and require clear responsibilities
The best path forward depends on your business and technical context:
Compliance: How important are validated processes and audit trails?
Cost-benefit analysis: What are the financial implications of change versus continuity?
Internal capabilities: Is there expertise for open-source development and operations?
Long-term goals: How much flexibility do you need over the next 3–5 years?
And if you choose to wait?
There’s no immediate urgency—but delaying strategic planning could lead to:
Higher maintenance and support costs over time
Increased integration effort with newer technologies
Reduced agility as business and regulatory demands evolve
SAS 9 remains a stable and proven platform. However, with innovation efforts moving toward Viya and other modern solutions, now is the right time to define your analytics roadmap.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Each option—whether SAS Viya, open source, or hybrid—comes with unique advantages and trade-offs.
Our recommendation: Begin with a structured assessment:
Which SAS applications are business-critical?
Where could alternative technologies add value?
What infrastructure strategy supports your long-term vision?
By planning early, you can manage risks and costs effectively—while building an analytics architecture that is flexible, scalable, and ready for the future.
We’re happy to support you in evaluating your current SAS landscape and implementing the right solution—whether it’s Viya, open source, or a hybrid approach.
