SAS, a global leader in data and AI, is celebrating its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of transforming academic research into industry-leading technology. Founded on the principle that investing in people and prioritizing customers builds enduring trust, SAS has evolved from a statistical software pioneer into a powerhouse for trustworthy AI and analytics. Today, SAS serves more than 50,000 customers in over 150 countries, including the majority of the Fortune 100, all while remaining a debt-free organization.
50-Year Legacy: Founded in 1976 (with roots in the 1960s), SAS has maintained continuous relevance for half a century.
Trustworthy AI: The company’s flagship platform, SAS Viya, is recognized as one of the fastest and most productive environments for deploying and governing AI.
Cultural Pioneer: SAS defined modern workplace culture through employee-first programs like onsite childcare and wellness facilities long before they became mainstream.
Global Impact: Over 50,000 customers worldwide leverage SAS for critical decision-making in healthcare, government, finance, and science.
Industry Recognition: Co-founder and CEO Jim Goodnight was recently named to the Forbes Innovator 250 list.
Next-Gen Focus: At SAS Innovate 2026, the company is showcasing advancements in AI governance, agentic systems, digital twins, and quantum AI.
The success of SAS is rooted in Jim Goodnight’s founding belief: "If you treat people like they will make a difference, they will make a difference." By pioneering work-life balance and removing barriers to creativity, SAS has maintained an unusually loyal employee and customer base. This culture has allowed the company to evolve its technology consistently without losing sight of human well-being.
"From the very beginning, our goal was simple: help people make better decisions they can trust," said Goodnight. "Technology has changed dramatically over the last 50 years, but our commitment to trust, accountability and respect for people has not."
As organizations navigate the disruptions of the AI era, SAS is positioning itself as the bridge between traditional analytics and future-forward innovation. The current focus centers on combining powerful AI with the transparency and accountability required for global scale. Through SAS Viya, the company provides a unified platform that helps organizations develop and govern AI with human oversight.
"The next era of innovation will belong to companies that can combine powerful AI with governance, transparency and accountability," said Bryan Harris, SAS Chief Technology Officer. "That's exactly where SAS is focused."
Beyond software, SAS remains deeply committed to its academic roots. The company partners with over 300 universities and helped establish the world's first Master of Science in Analytics degree. By providing free and low-cost training resources, SAS ensures the next generation is equipped with the AI literacy needed to govern technology responsibly for the next 50 years.
To mark the milestone, SAS has released a new documentary at sas.com/50 that chronicles its journey from a university research project to a global AI leader.
About SAS
SAS is a global leader in data and AI, helping organizations make confident decisions with AI they can trust. For decades, SAS has set the standard for delivering software that drives meaningful impact, incorporating deep industry expertise, transparency and governance. SAS gives you THE POWER TO KNOW®.
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