Using SAS/INSIGHT ® Software as an Exploratory Data Mining Platform

Data mining has captured the hearts and minds of business analysts seeking a solution for exploring and modeling vastly larger, more complex and less well-behaved datasets. Exploratory data analysis, typically consisting of activities like statistical visualization, hypothesis generation, and introductory model fitting is a vital first step in any successful data mining venture. Exploratory data analysis produces direct benefits for data miners in enhanced understanding of data, improved clarity and confidence of the modeling results, and avoidance of pitfalls early in the process. SAS/INSIGHT is SAS Institute’s leading software for facilitating exploratory data analysis featuring a uniquely visual analytic toolset. This paper will review the usefulness of SAS/INSIGHT software for exploratory data analysis, interactive regression modeling, and advanced multidimensional data visualization. Along the way, we'll explore how to win baseball games and still save enough money to build the stadium's new luxury boxes!