On October 24, 2024, the 31st Platform Network Meeting took place as a hybrid event at Villa 7 in Heidelberg. The next meeting will take place on May 15, 2025 at our customer's premises. This event brought together architects, administrators, and technical project managers to share insights about advanced SAS environments and discuss practical, hands-on solutions.   An Event for Experts: Exchange and Interaction The Platform Network Meeting is tailored specifically for SAS administrators and technical specialists. The diverse agenda included topics such as: New integration options like SAS for Office 365 Best practices for UTF-8 migration Large Language Models and SAS Container Runtime   One of the standout sessions was the interactive presentation, “Your Opinion is in Demand,” delivered by Beate Prellwitz from SAS Education. She introduced a new learning platform designed for SAS Viya architects and administrators, encouraging participants to actively contribute their insights and preferences. “We didn’t just want to inform the participants; we wanted to engage them in dialogue and make it interactive,” said Prellwitz.   Why Face-to-Face Learning Matters A key takeaway from the event was the participants’ preference for in-person training sessions. Many attendees emphasized the value of direct interaction with trainers to resolve complex issues effectively. Furthermore, the event provided an excellent platform for networking, allowing administrators from various organizations to share experiences and best practices.   Conclusion The Platform Network Meeting continues to be a vital initiative for fostering the development of SAS experts. The combination of technical knowledge-sharing, interactive activities, and personal connections makes this event series unique and impactful. We’re excited to welcome you to one of our upcoming meetings. Join us to learn, connect, and grow with SAS! à SAS Training | Browse Course Catalog       ... View more

Bridging the Gap to Data-Driven Decisions  The insurance industry is evolving rapidly, with data-driven decision-making becoming a crucial competitive advantage. However, adopting a data-focused corporate culture comes with its challenges. SAS Education is committed to closing this gap, providing organizations with the skills, tools, and strategies they need to excel in this new era.    Transforming Insurance Module 2: A Workshop for Change  On November 6, 2024, SAS Education hosted the Transforming Insurance Module 2: Developing the data driven Company workshop at the University of Cologne Business School. This intensive full-day session brought together 17 professionals from leading insurance companies, including Barmenia and VHV. The workshop addressed key topics vital to the future of insurance:    Data Ethics: Ensuring ethical practices in data usage for decision-making.  Storytelling with Data: Presenting complex insights in an engaging and understandable way.  Artificial Intelligence (AI): Exploring practical applications of AI within the insurance sector.  Engaging a Diverse Audience  Participants ranged from executive assistants to senior managers, representing a wide spectrum of roles and expertise levels. Trainers Beate Prellwitz and David Weik expertly adapted their teaching methods to meet the needs of this diverse audience. Their approach combined interactive activities, real-world scenarios, and hands-on exercises to make the content accessible and actionable.  Insights from the Workshop: Building Trust in Data  A key theme of the workshop was the importance of building trust in data and analytics. Participants highlighted the value of the session:    “I appreciated how the training catered to participants with different levels of knowledge.”  “The mix of technical expertise and psychological insights made this session unique!”    Establishing trust in data is essential for reducing uncertainty and making confident, informed decisions.  Empowering the Insurance Industry with Tailored Training  SAS Education goes beyond standard product training. By offering customized programs tailored to the specific needs of industries like insurance, SAS enables organizations to embrace data literacy and stay competitive in a data-driven world.  Ready to transform your organization’s approach to data? Explore SAS Education’s tailored training programs today.       ... View more