Statistics applications run the gamut between very sophisticated to simple to use. Working in the information age means that you are never short of data. The key is to find a business statistics program that can manage the data you have so that it can help you make the decisions to enhance your business operations.

Some software for statistics applications are specifically tailored to an industry while others offer a basic one size fits all. How do you know which providers of statistics software are the ones that are best for your organization? Think about these common issues that will aid in determining what statistics application your organization requires.

1. Determine your price range for the statistics applications.

2. Can you add features to the statistics software later that aren't needed now, but might be useful in the future as your business expands?

3. How technologically savvy are the users of the statistics applications?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Choose robust statistics software and applications

If your organization will be requiring software programs for statistics that include such elements as data integration, data cleansing, forecasting and text mining, then seek business statistics software designed by suppliers who are industry leaders.

I recommend: SpSS and SAS are the leading providers of statistics software especially for predictive analytics.

Train your staff on the statistics applications purchased

There is nothing worse than having great new software for statistics, but no one on staff has been trained in how to use it. It is a waste of company resources and frustrating to the staff who are staring at their computer screen wondering why they can't use the new product.

I recommend: Microsoft Office Excel is a fine application that can meet most needs of the average business. For online training of Microsoft Office Excel consider the tutorials offered by Business Spreadsheets. If your staff is in need of a stats refresher course, pay a visit to StatSoft for statistical basics.

Purchase only the statistics software and applications that you will use

Don't get lured by a creative sales pitch. There is no point in purchasing statistics software applications that have amazing bells and whistles which you will never use. Speak with a salesperson of the statistics software suppliers you are considering because they know what their applications can do--but only you can determine if the business statistics software is suitable for your needs.

I recommend: StatPages offers some scaled down statistical software applications. There are also some very good free statistical software applications on the Internet. Brightstat is relatively easy to use. Free Statistics offers a variety of statistical software options for you to try and provides reviews of the software packages as well. Go to StatLib to learn about the latest statistics news.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Ensure that the statistics software and applications you buy can be integrated with your current information technology infrastructure.