Altair SLC Modernization Guide

Altair SLC is a software product designed to interpret and process SAS language statements. It serves as a replacement for SAS, enabling users to execute SAS code on various platforms, including z/OS, Windows, and UNIX. It provides capabilities for report generation, data manipulation, and statistical analysis.

Altair SLC is best described as an application and a tool set. It provides a comprehensive environment for developing and executing data processing and reporting tasks. It includes tools for coding, debugging, and managing SAS language programs.

Organizations that rely heavily on SAS for data analysis, reporting, and statistical processing are prime candidates for Altair SLC. This includes companies in industries such as finance, healthcare, government, and research. Any organization seeking to reduce costs associated with SAS licensing or needing cross-platform compatibility would benefit.

A company should consider Altair SLC when they want to migrate from SAS to a more cost-effective solution, need to run SAS code on multiple platforms, or require enhanced performance and scalability. It is also a good fit when an organization wants to avoid vendor lock-in associated with SAS.

Alternatives to Altair SLC include SAS, WPS (World Programming System), and open-source statistical languages like R and Python. SAS is the incumbent, while WPS is a direct competitor. R and Python require more programming effort to replicate existing SAS workflows.

Altair SLC runs on various platforms, including z/OS, UNIX, and Windows. On z/OS, it typically runs in an LPAR and is dependent on the z/OS operating system. It does not require specific subsystems beyond the standard z/OS environment.

Altair SLC requires a compatible operating system (z/OS, UNIX, or Windows) and sufficient system resources (CPU, memory, disk space) to execute data processing tasks. No other specific products or components are strictly required, but integration with databases or other data sources may necessitate appropriate drivers and connectivity.

Common commands include PROC statements (e.g., PROC MEANS, PROC SORT, PROC PRINT) for data manipulation and analysis, DATA steps for data input and transformation, and various functions for string manipulation, date processing, and mathematical calculations. Configuration files define system settings, library locations, and other operational parameters.

Altair SLC can integrate with various databases using standard protocols like ODBC and JDBC. It can also expose APIs for integration with other applications. The specific API types and integration methods depend on the platform and configuration.

Altair SLC offers a cost-effective alternative to SAS, potentially reducing licensing fees and infrastructure costs. It provides cross-platform compatibility, enabling organizations to run SAS code on different operating systems without modification. It also avoids vendor lock-in, giving organizations more flexibility in their data processing strategies.

By using Altair SLC, organizations can avoid the high costs associated with SAS licensing while maintaining compatibility with existing SAS code. This allows them to leverage their existing investment in SAS programming skills and data processing workflows. It also provides greater flexibility in choosing the right platform for their needs.

Altair SLC is a good fit for organizations that want to reduce their reliance on a single vendor for data processing and reporting. It provides a standards-based approach to SAS programming, allowing organizations to avoid vendor lock-in and maintain control over their data and code.

Altair SLC supports various authentication methods, including operating system-level authentication and integration with directory services like LDAP. The access control model is typically based on user roles and permissions, allowing administrators to control access to data and resources.

Altair SLC provides audit logging capabilities to track user activity and system events. This information can be used to monitor security, detect potential threats, and comply with regulatory requirements. The logs typically include details about user logins, data access, and program execution.

While specific encryption methods may vary depending on the platform and configuration, Altair SLC generally supports encryption of data at rest and in transit. This helps protect sensitive information from unauthorized access. Encryption keys are typically managed using secure key management practices.

Altair SLC is typically deployed on-premise or in a private cloud environment. The implementation requires technical expertise in SAS programming, operating system administration, and database connectivity. Ongoing operational requirements include monitoring system performance, managing user access, and applying software updates.

Administrative interfaces include command-line tools and graphical user interfaces (GUIs) for managing system settings, user accounts, and security policies. The specific interfaces available depend on the platform and configuration. Monitoring and logging capabilities provide insights into system performance and user activity.

Common implementation challenges include migrating existing SAS code to Altair SLC, ensuring compatibility with different data sources, and configuring the system for optimal performance. Thorough testing and planning are essential for a successful implementation.