What is Data Visualization?
One of the most useful tools available for presenting complicated material in an accessible way is data visualization. This rapidly evolving field of data analytics is focused on using visual representations like graphs or charts to convey raw data. Presenting data in a visual manner makes it easier to understand and faster to process, even for those who aren’t mathematically inclined or trained in analytics. These visual representations of data aren’t just visually appealing, they also tell a story about the information, allowing audience members to spot outliers, notice trends, and see patterns emerge from data. Visually conveying points is a powerful way to leverage data to achieve the desired outcome.
There are many kinds of data visualizations, each of which serves a specific professional purpose. Some of the most popular techniques for conveying information are:
- Waterfall charts
- Histograms
- Area charts
- Scatter plots
- Infographics
- Maps
- Pie charts
- Bar charts
- Box-and-whisker plots
- Heat maps
Because we live in an increasingly visual culture, those who know how to present information in visually engaging stories have the power not only to help make sense of past events but to offer predictions for the future as well. This article will explore two of the most popular data visualization platforms, SAS and Zoho Analytics, to see which one is a better option for analyzing, visualizing, presenting, and sharing the insights collected from data.
Using SAS for Data Visualization
SAS is one of the most popular statistical software packages used across industries, in particular, the world of academia. This command-driven software package has a variety of applications for data visualization purposes, as well as statistical analysis and business intelligence.
SAS is written in the C language. In addition to its use as a programming language, SAS can also be used as a graphical interface. This system was designed to handle data from a variety of sources. Because the SAS platform is independent, it can run on either Linux or Windows operating systems.
SAS software has a variety of applications; in the field of data analytics, SAS is a valuable tool for reporting, retrieving, and analyzing statistical data, as well as executing SQL queries. It allows users to perform statistical analysis, manage, extract, modify, and transform data, which is useful for quality improvement, business planning, project management, and operations research purposes.
Some of the benefits of using SAS include its:
- Extensive collection of statistical algorithms and methods
- Large online community
- Versatility of applications across industries
- Customizable options for analysis and output
- High-quality graphics
SAS is considered by users to be an affordable, easy-to-download software package. Its users appreciate the simplicity of its visualization and coding options. This is perhaps why on the 2020 Fortune 500 list, 91 of the 100 top companies use SAS, including Nestle, Discover, and Honda.
Using ZoHo Analytics for Data Visualization
Zoho Analytics is a self-service business analytics and analytics platform that allows users to analyze data efficiently and cost-effectively. The majority of Zoho Analytics users rely on this platform to create dashboards.
Zoho Analytics has many data visualization tools and options such as:
- Charts
- Pivot Tables
- KPI widgets
- Customized dashboards
- Summary views
Its extensive possibilities for data visualization make Zoho Analytics a valuable resource for those working with data visualization. In addition, its AI-powered assistant enables users to ask questions and receive accessible, comprehensive answers delivered to them in the report form.
Zoho Analytics has several practical features that enhance usability. It has a drag-and-drop Designer, as well as Zia, a “smart” assistant who is on call to field questions. Its powerful data import and integration APIs allow users to quickly create connectors, as well as access data from both online and offline apps for analysis. Zoho Analytics users are able to connect to many relational databases that are hosted on the cloud or in-house, as well as NoSQL databases. This platform also alerts users when anomalies or outliers are present.
There are many benefits to using Zoho Analytics. Those working with this platform can draw from data from many sources. In addition, most users consider it to be relatively easy to use compared to other business analytics platforms. Tasks can be automated to cut down on time and cost. Its pricing system is transparent, and packages are largely affordable.
Some of the most useful features of Zoho Analytics are its:
- Capacity for collaborative analytics
- Mobile apps for Android and iOS
- Smart modeling capabilities that enable connection to relevant data tables
- Cross-functional analytics capabilities
Many Zoho Analytics users rely on the advanced analytic features and power this platform provides. They also appreciate its responsive and helpful customer support options. A variety of organizations and companies rely on Zoho Analytics for their data analysis and visualization needs. Companies like Tesla Energy, Suzuki, and Ticketmaster are just a few of its most known users.
Which Comes Out Ahead?
In terms of pricing, both Zoho Analytics and SAS offer free trials. While Zoho Analytics has a free version available, as well as one that starts at $30/month, SAS starts at $800/year, which comes out to a more costly option. Both SAS and Zoho Analytics offer several of the same features such as customizable dashboards, search and filter options, visual discovery, and reporting and analytics options. However, only SAS provides users with the option for relational display and content management.
With regard to integrations, Zoho Analytics can integrate with 85 other platforms such as Microsoft Excel, LinkedIn, Facebook, Google Analytics, and Dropbox Business, whereas SAS has very limited integration capabilities and can only integrate with two other platforms, Microsoft Outlook and Excel. This leaves Zoho Analytics as the clear winner for platform integration. In addition. SAS supports only the English language, whereas Zoho Analytics supports ten languages such as Chinese, Italian, and Japanese. Therefore, for non-English-speakers, Zoho Analytics is the clear choice.
SAS has not yet won any major awards, while Zoho Analytics has received the 2020 Expert’s Choice Award from Finances Online. In terms of overall satisfaction, both platforms received 4.3 out of 5 stars from users. Finally, 78% of Zoho Analytics users are likely to recommend this product, whereas 62% of SAS users would do the same.
Both SAS and Zoho Analytics provide a variety of options to help with your professional data analytics and visualization needs. However, it is important to consider variables such as cost, platform integration options, and supported languages when ultimately deciding which of these platforms is best for your business.
Start Learning Data Visualization & Data Analytics with Hands-On Classes
Are you interested in learning about the most current practices for analyzing, cleaning, and visualizing data? If so, Noble Desktop offers data analytics classes for students with no prior coding experience. These full-time and part-time courses are taught by top New York Data Analysts and provide timely and hands-on training for those wishing to learn more about topics like Python, SQL, Excel, or data science, among others.
In addition, a variety of live online data visualization courses are also offered for those who prefer studying in the virtual format. More than 80 classes are available, varying in length from three hours to ten weeks, and costing between $219 and $12,995.
Noble Desktop’s Data Visualizations Classes Near Me tool is designed for those who want to locate and learn more about the various data visualization courses in the area. Over 200 classes are currently listed, in-person and live online. Courses cost between $119 and $12,995 and vary in length from three hours to ten weeks.