SAS enters the world of artificial intelligence agents

In a world where technologies are evolving at a breakneck pace, SAS, a recognized leader in data processing and analytical intelligence, is taking a leading position by integrating artificial intelligence agents into its solutions. At the Innovate conference, the company unveiled several major advancements aimed at improving AI governance and the integration of industry-specific models. In this article, we will explore the new capabilities of the Viya analytics platform and the implications of these developments on the decision-making landscape. SAS’s Key Developments in Artificial IntelligenceWith the rise of artificial intelligence systems, SAS is constantly updating its Viya platform to meet current market demands. Data management, AI governance, and the implementation of industry-specific models are now at the heart of their innovations. In this section, we will analyze the various developments and additions made by SAS. Intelligent Decisioning and the Creation of AI Agents

The latest notable development from SAS is the adaptation of

Intelligent Decisioning

, a tool that now enables the creation of artificial intelligence agents in low-code/no-code mode. This simplified approach aims to make these technologies accessible not only to experts, but also to ordinary users. For example, in the banking sector, this tool was designed to automate the analysis of loan applications while ensuring that the final decision remains in the hands of a human. This hybridization of automation and human control represents a considerable advancement in the field of finance.

Data Maker and the Generation of Synthetic Data Another fascinating addition is the launch ofData Maker

, a synthetic data generator enhanced by the acquisition of British startup Hazy. With this technology, SAS can now address privacy concerns while compensating for the lack of real-world data. Data Maker is capable of producing multi-table and temporal data, making it particularly valuable for companies requiring compliant and diverse datasets. Its general release is planned for Q3 2025, giving companies ample time to prepare for its use.

Evolution DescriptionAvailability Date

Intelligent Decisioning	Low-code/no-code AI agent creation	Available now
Data Maker	Synthetic, multi-table, and temporal data generator	Q3 2025
Viya Copilot: the cloud-based conversational assistant	Another key new feature is	Viya Copilot

, a conversational assistant that leverages Microsoft Azure services. Integrated directly into the platform, this tool is designed to optimize analysis processes in various business environments. Currently in private preview, Viya Copilot will initially be used within Model Studio, facilitating the creation of AI-powered models and providing coding assistance for SAS users. General availability of this feature is also expected in the third quarter of 2025.

Access via Azure Marketplace and AWS An important point to note regardingViya Workbench , launching in 2024, is that it is now accessible via the Azure Marketplace

and

AWS platforms. This solution allows developers to work using various languages, including R and SAS Enterprise Guide, confirmingSAS’s commitment Optimize integration into diverse environments. This not only promotes flexibility for users, but also strengthens security and collaboration in artificial intelligence development, particularly in regulated industries. Continuous improvement of the Viya platform Integration of easy-to-use tools for developersFocus on security and development collaboration Predefined models for different industries SAS understands that not all companies have the resources to develop artificial intelligence solutions in-house. That’s why SAS offers a category of ready-to-use AI models, tailored to various industries. This offering is designed to meet the needs of companies, whether they have a team of data scientists or not. Let’s analyze this approach in more detail.

Cross-functional and specific models
The models offered by SAS are designed to be flexible and modular, allowing easy integration into various technological environments. Some of these models are cross-functional, focusing on tasks such as identity management or document analysis. Others are developed specifically for specific use cases, such as:
Medication adherence monitoring in the healthcare sector

Supply chain optimization in manufacturing

Fraud detection and tax compliance for government agencies By 2025, SAS plans to introduce four additional models, covering the following areas: Payment fraud detection in the financial sector

Payment integrity in the healthcare sector

Worker safety monitoring in manufacturing

Income tax compliance for the public sector
Application sector
Proposed model

Purpose

Healthcare
Medication adherence
Improving patient adherence to treatment
Industry

Supply chain	Optimizing costs and delivery times	Administration
Fraud detection	Ensuring tax compliance	A solution for all business sizes
SAS Vice President of Applied Artificial Intelligence, Udo Sglavo, emphasizes that these models are lightweight, modular, and easy to integrate into existing infrastructures. “They run in containers that are easily deployed and operational,” he explains. This allows companies to leverage artificial intelligence without requiring strong in-house technical skills.	AI governance at the heart of concerns	With the rise of artificial intelligence applications in businesses, SAS places particular emphasis on the need to govern these technologies responsibly. This trust framework is essential to ensure that deployed AI solutions are ethical and comply with user expectations and various regulations. AI Usage Assessment
Reggie Townsend, Vice President of Data Ethics at SAS, emphasizes the importance of assessing the intended use of AI systems before deployment. The company has introduced a tool called the “AI Governance Map” that helps organizations assess their AI management maturity across four key areas:	Oversight	Compliance

Operations

Corporate Culture This comprehensive approach not only ensures the seamless integration of new systems but also ensures ongoing compliance monitoring, enabling organizations to manage their operations while maintaining high ethical standards.Centralized Governance Tools for Executives

Toward the end of the year, SAS plans to launch a centralized governance tool for executives that will oversee all of the company’s AI systems, models, and agents. This demonstrates SAS’s commitment to fostering a culture of transparency and accountability around artificial intelligence. This initiative has been praised by industry analysts, who see it as an important step toward the responsible adoption of advanced technologies.

The Path to an Equitable Future

SAS’s recent innovations reinforce its leadership position in the artificial intelligence market. Integrating strong governance is essential to avoid the pitfalls that other sectors have experienced. These steps can only encourage companies to adopt a responsible approach, thus deflecting the potential negative effects associated with the technology.

In an ecosystem where giants like Google, IBM, and Salesforce seek to differentiate themselves, SAS demonstrates its ability to innovate while placing ethics at the heart of its initiatives. The combination of industry-specific AI models and advanced governance could well give an edge to companies that choose to collaborate with the leading data processor. The stakes are high, and the future looks promising. Governance Focus Description

Oversight
Real-time monitoring of AI performance and usage
Compliance
Adherence to applicable regulations and laws

Operations

Effective management of AI resources and systems

Corporate Culture Fostering strong ethics within the organization