SAS or R.

[toddtodd]

I will be working for a financial firm that performs valuations. They currently use all their models with Excel and 80% of the business requires standard models with no or little customization. I would live to automate the valuation modelling process by using either SAS or R. I am already a SAS user and I have not used R. However, R is free and more people seem to be using it. For automation purpose can I get any insight into which program is better suited.

[Reeza · Accepted solution]

If you want to output back to excel and interact with Excel easily, I find SAS easier, however, you can do it in R as well.

Both work really well, the biggest difference being support. SAS support is phenomenal and can't be beat in my opinion.  The SAS Microsoft Add In means you can also imbed your process into excel workbooks, so people who are familiar with excel don't have to stray too far.