Guide to Statistics Software and Applications

Choose robust statistics software and applications

If your organization will be requiring software programs for statistics that include such elements as data integration, data cleansing, forecasting and text mining, then seek business statistics software designed by suppliers who are industry leaders.

I recommend: SpSS and SAS are the leading providers of statistics software especially for predictive analytics.

Train your staff on the statistics applications purchased

There is nothing worse than having great new software for statistics, but no one on staff has been trained in how to use it. It is a waste of company resources and frustrating to the staff who are staring at their computer screen wondering why they can't use the new product.

I recommend: Microsoft Office Excel is a fine application that can meet most needs of the average business. For online training of Microsoft Office Excel consider the tutorials offered by Business Spreadsheets. If your staff is in need of a stats refresher course, pay a visit to StatSoft for statistical basics.

Purchase only the statistics software and applications that you will use

Don't get lured by a creative sales pitch. There is no point in purchasing statistics software applications that have amazing bells and whistles which you will never use. Speak with a salesperson of the statistics software suppliers you are considering because they know what their applications can do--but only you can determine if the business statistics software is suitable for your needs.

I recommend: StatPages offers some scaled down statistical software applications. There are also some very good free statistical software applications on the Internet. Brightstat is relatively easy to use. Free Statistics offers a variety of statistical software options for you to try and provides reviews of the software packages as well. Go to StatLib to learn about the latest statistics news.