Proc Python

[Kaushansky]

When Proc Python will be available to use?

[SASKiwi]

What version of SAS is your question related to? PROC PYTHON is available currently in SAS Viya.

[Kaushansky]

Do you when or if Proc Python will be available in SAS desktop 9.4 or SAS Studio ?

[SASKiwi]

SAS 9.4 is no longer getting any significant new functionality. 9.4M8 was released in Jan 2023 and contained mostly just security updates. Viya is now the platform getting new functionality. I think you will need to switch to Viya if you want PROC PYTHON.

[Kaushansky]

Thank you.
I have a paid version of desktop SAS 9.4 and SAS Studio. Would I be able to access Viya or is that a different license I need to buy in addition?

[SASKiwi]

If you upgrade to SAS 9.4M8 you will have full support up to Jan 2028. I suggest you talk to your SAS account manager regarding Viya options. Viya architecture is very different so you can expect to have to do a lot of conversion. For example, Viya 4 only runs on linux inside containerised processes so there is no equivalent to desktop SAS 9.4.

[johatc · Accepted solution]

Proc Python is now available for SAS 9.4M9 on the following operating environments:

• Windows
• Windows for x64
• 64-bit Enabled AIX
• Linux for x64

 See KB0046084 The PYTHON procedure is available for SAS® 9.4M9 (TS1M9)

[MAGG]

In general, I was under the impression that SAS had communicated that its policy for SAS 9.4 is to limit future enhancements to security-related updates and not introduce new functionality. Given that understanding, I am curious why SAS has made an exception in this case, which I personally welcome and appreciate.

[johatc]

The SAS Vision is Viya.  At the same time, SAS allows Customers to transition on their own timeline without any concerns about support along the way.  As such, and in response to Customer demand, it is indeed the case that new capabilities are made available to SAS 9.4.

[MAGG]

Is there some roadmap which new non-security features/ we could expect for  SAS 9.4 ?

[johatc]

From SAS Innovate 2026, see

SAS 9.4 M10: Continuing Support and Roadmap in the Era of Viya  

 Expanding MFA Across the SAS 9 Ecosystem: Unified Security for Every Entry Point 

Lock It Down: Simplifying TLS for SAS 9.4 Deployments

[Quentin]

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@johatc wrote:

Proc Python is now available for SAS 9.4M9 on the following operating environments:

• Windows
• Windows for x64
• 64-bit Enabled AIX
• Linux for x64

 See KB0046084 The PYTHON procedure is available for SAS® 9.4M9 (TS1M9)

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Thanks for this wonderful news!!!

@ChrisHemedinger I know this is an old thread, but is it possible to mark @johatc 's answer as correct?  Would be good to have this answer up top for the google searches.  This is GREAT news that PROC PYTHON is now available to all.

🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉