Qlik Sense vs SAS: What are the differences?

Introduction

Qlik Sense and SAS are both powerful software tools used in data analysis and business intelligence. Although they have some similarities, there are key differences that set them apart.

1. Cost: One of the primary differences between Qlik Sense and SAS is the cost. Qlik Sense offers a more affordable pricing model compared to SAS, which tends to be more expensive. This can be a significant factor for organizations looking to implement a data analytics solution within a limited budget.

2. Ease of Use: Qlik Sense is known for its user-friendly interface and intuitive drag-and-drop features, making it easier for non-technical users to navigate and analyze data effectively. On the other hand, SAS is a more complex tool, requiring expertise in programming and statistical analysis. This difference in ease of use can impact the learning curve for users and the speed at which insights can be generated.

3. Deployment Options: Qlik Sense provides cloud-based deployment options, enabling users to access and analyze data from anywhere with an internet connection. In contrast, SAS predominantly offers on-premise deployment options, which may require additional IT infrastructure and maintenance. The flexibility of cloud deployment can be advantageous for organizations with remote or distributed teams.

4. Visualization Capabilities: Qlik Sense excels in data visualization, offering an extensive range of interactive charts, graphs, and visualizations that enable users to explore and present data in a visually appealing manner. While SAS also provides visualization capabilities, it may require more manual coding and customization to achieve similar results.

5. Integration with External Data Sources: Qlik Sense has robust integration capabilities, allowing users to seamlessly connect and integrate data from various external sources, such as databases, cloud applications, and spreadsheets. SAS also offers integration, but it may require more configuration and scripting to establish connections with external data sources.

6. Collaboration and Sharing: Qlik Sense provides collaborative features that facilitate data sharing, storytelling, and collaboration within the platform itself. Users can create and share interactive reports, dashboards, and apps, allowing for easier collaboration and decision-making. SAS also offers collaboration features, but these may require additional licensing or third-party tools for seamless sharing and collaboration.

In summary, Qlik Sense offers a more cost-effective solution with a user-friendly interface, cloud deployment options, and strong data visualization capabilities. While SAS provides powerful statistical analysis capabilities, it requires more expertise and may be pricier. The choice between the two depends on the organization's specific needs, budget, and level of technical expertise available.