DS* SPSS Announces SPSS 9.0 for Windows;

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SPSS Announces SPSS 9.0 for Windows;
New Data Access and Analysis Capabilities Boost Leading Statistics Software
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SPSS 9.0 for Windows features enhanced graphical analysis capabilities, new statistics and new data access tools which combine to simplify the acquisition and analysis of these large amounts of data from an almost limitless number of sources. These improvements help users analyze their data for better-informed decisions.

Topping the list of new features in the leading statistics package is a table-to-graph function that allows users to see a picture of their tabular data in a few mouse clicks. Instead of sifting through a mountain of numbers to find important factors and relationships, analysts can switch over to a graph of their data for a visual representation of the information, whether it is from basic reports or advanced analytic techniques, without having to rerun the analysis. Additionally, tables that are switched to graphs can include all data in the report or can be focused on a specific portion of the data. This allows users, especially those working with large amounts of data, to quickly pinpoint facts, patterns and trends that might otherwise be tedious and time-consuming to find.

The new release of SPSS for Windows also expands the variety of data sources analysts can access. The addition of an ASCII Text Wizard to SPSS' extensive set of data acquisition tools gives users the ability to map ASCII data from wherever it resides whether it be a data warehouse or a Web database, for example - and make it available to create useful information in SPSS for Windows. In addition, by joining SPSS 9.0 with the recently announced SmartViewer Web Server, organizations can have a comprehensive Report OLAP system not only for acquiring and analyzing data, but also for distributing and consuming information.

"We recognize that analysts are working with larger amounts of data today and they're getting that data from a growing number of sources," SPSS Market Manager Russ McNeilly said. "SPSS 9.0 provides the means to access and analyze that data in a meaningful and productive way, and that's just the beginning. If you add SmartViewer Web Server to the mix, you have a complete Report OLAP system -- with far more statistical analysis and ad hoc reporting power than any other OLAP product available. The whole package allows you to quickly distribute worthwhile information to your entire organization for individualized analysis."

Other new SPSS 9.0 for Windows benefits include:

Better data access and management - In addition to the ASCII text wizard, SPSS 9.0 features direct data interfaces for Oracle Express, Arbor Essbase and BusinessObjects.
Better Graphical Comparisons - New, interactive graph types, including area, stacked bar and double-axis graphs, enhance the graphics capabilities introduced in SPSS 8.0 and provide for easier, better comparisons.

Other new graphics features include the ability to plot multiple variables in one chart and the ability to chart the values of individual variables.

Additionally, new graph customization options, including the ability to reorder and hide categories, specify data ranges and add reference lines, simplify analysis and strengthen the presentation of findings.

More in-depth analysis - New statistics provide for more insightful analysis. With Multinomial Logistic Regression, users can predict categorical outcomes with more than two categories such as predicting whether a customer will buy product A, product B or product C, and the addition of Receiver Operating Characteristic analysis allows users to evaluate the diagnostic performance of a test.

Together, SPSS 9.0 and the recently released SPSS SmartViewer Web Server deliver Report OLAP via the Web. With SPSS 9.0, model builders and knowledge workers alike can clean and prepare data for analysis; create multidimensional report cubes and interactive graphs; and slice, dice and drill down into cubes and graphs for unique views that lead to better decisions. Then, using SmartViewer Web Server, they can post reports on the Internet or an intranet where customers and colleagues can view and interact with them using only their Web browsers. SmartViewer Web Server gives information consumers the power to view, slice, dice and drill down into reports online. SPSS also offers a standalone version of SmartViewer, which is offered as a Windows client application for people who do not have access to the Web.

SPSS 9.0 System Requirements

Windows 9x or NT - 586/P90 or higher
16MB RAM - 60MB disk space
SVGA Monitor - Math co-processor

Pricing and Availability Information

The North America list price for a single user license of SPSS for Windows is $795. A variety of pricing programs, including aggressive multiple unit pricing, site and network licensing are available. The product is scheduled for release in North America in December 1998 and internationally in January 1999. SmartViewer Web Server is priced at $19,995 in North America for an unlimited number of users.