topic compatability for formats between 32-bit and 64-bit sas in SAS Programming

compatability for formats between 32-bit and 64-bit sas

pmf007 — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 05:59:42 GMT

Not sure if this is the right place to put this question, but here goes ....

Setting the scene : SAS datasets sit on a server and some datasets have permanent formats associated with them (written with a 32 bit machine). All the researchers in the department have SAS installed on our PCs. Until a few days ago, I also had a 32 bit machine but have now swapped to a new 64 bit machine. SAS 64-bit (v 9.3) has been installed on my computer.

Question : I know that catalogs for formats are not compatible between the 32-bit and 64-bit versions of SAS. However, if I 're-do' the formats using 64-bit SAS, will this then make the datasets incompatible for other users that still have the 32-bit SAS on their machines?

I have been reading http://www.philasug.org/ps0410-2.pdf for some hints to make the datasets useable for me, but I don't want to stuff them up for other users.

I hope this makes sense.

Thank

Peta

Re: compatability for formats between 32-bit and 64-bit sas

jakarman — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 09:10:41 GMT

You need to have different versions (32-64-bit) of catalogs with same logic as long as you are using the data on different machines.

Would advise to place them on a separate location. Not mixed with the datasets.

In that way data shoul be accessible from both type of installations (32-64 bit)

A good starting point for migration is the SAS support migration notes.

http://support.sas.com/rnd/migration/planning/files/inventory.html

Some additionals like: http://support.sas.com/documentation/cdl/en/hostunx/61879/HTML/default/viewer.htm#a002208559.htm

Looking closer ther are two approaches used with proc migrate.

a/ cport/cimport This permanent conversion just upgrading the data

b/ connect/share With this you can have 1 version up/down difference while migrating

Needing to have it supported by It-staff.

Now running 64-bit SAS you will probably get more 32-64 bit issues. Expecting the interface to MS-Office

Re: compatability for formats between 32-bit and 64-bit sas

ballardw — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 15:11:18 GMT

You might find the FMTSEARCH option useful to have users point to different libraries containing the 32 or 64 bit versions of your custom formats.

Re: compatability for formats between 32-bit and 64-bit sas

Tom — Sun, 19 Aug 2012 16:41:58 GMT

Maintain separate libraries (or at least catalogs) and use the automatic macro variables like SYSVER, SYSSCP and SYSMAXLONG to determine which one to include in your FMTSEARCH setting.

Re: compatability for formats between 32-bit and 64-bit sas

pmf007 — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 23:25:34 GMT

Thank you. Am currently investigating this option. V helpful!

Re: compatability for formats between 32-bit and 64-bit sas

pmf007 — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 23:26:37 GMT

Thank you. This was very helpful. Our stats group now discussing best way to proceed until all are using 64 bit machines (will happen within the next 6-12 months)

Re: compatability for formats between 32-bit and 64-bit sas

pmf007 — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 23:27:15 GMT

Yep, will keep different catalogs for the different formats. Thank you for your suggestion.