CloverDX vs. SAS/Access

CloverDX designer as a standalone is well suited for fairly straightforward transformations of data. If you want to do large scale data integrations, then their server edition adds an extra level of automation and job control.

Incentivized

SAS/Access is well suited for companies who need to manipulate and analyze large databases and data-sets. It does the same thing as SQL, and if you already know basic SAS coding it is easier to pick up. SAS/Access works well with analyzing data from multiple data-sources at once, including large databases stored in external and virtual environments like Hadoop. Data can be easily reassembled from relational databases for use by the user. SAS/Access is not necessary if you are only pulling data from one database that you have the physical file for.

Incentivized

• Connects with Salesforce very well
• The graphical view of the transformations allows for easy creations and maintenance
• Support has always been eager to assist with any graph creation difficulties I run into

Incentivized

• Secure connections to databases
• Managed access to databases and data
• Customized access to databases

Incentivized

• The initial learning curve is a little steep. Not very steep or super steep, just a little steep.
• Having enough memory for large multi-step problems can be an issue if the graph isn't designed well.

Incentivized

• Syntax for the connection string can be tricky
• Specification of the data source driver can be tricky

Incentivized

While CloverDX has an active forum for users to submit questions and assist with answers, their in house support team is incredibly responsive when I've contacted them for assistance. This seems almost at odds with most other software companies who try to save money on tech support by promoting a forum or knowledge base.

Incentivized

I have always received excelled service working with SAS technical support. Additionally, the tool is used so widely that there are many online resources and use cases that allow you to see many other uses or support routes.

Incentivized

CloverDX was a less expensive alternative to Talend and had a more intuitive interface from what I could see during the evaluation.

Incentivized

Datastage might be the closest one. Being a full ETL tool, it's weird to compare both. Datastage might be more robust for extraction but it lacks the simplicity that the end users need for everyday data extract and analysis.

Incentivized

• Work that use to take multiple people 20 to 30 hours a week to complete each has now been fully automated to where only 1 or 2 hours a week for maintenance is required.

Incentivized

• Bring usable data together quickly for downstream consumption e.g. modelling and reporting.

Incentivized