4 Essential Data-Mining Tools

Statistical analysis software such as Google Chart API and SAS Analytics help companies make the most of their data.

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Looking for interesting trends in your customer data? As OkCupid discovered, you can accomplish a lot with Microsoft Excel. Here are some other tools that can help.

R
This open-source statistical analysis software includes built-in tools for creating charts and graphs.
Price: Free
r-project.org

Datameer Analytics Solution
Businesses use this application to analyze very large data sets.
Price: From $500 a month
datameer.com

SAS Analytics
SAS's software includes tools for data mining and statistical analysis as well as forecasting trends.
Price: From $8,100 a year for one user
sas.com

Google Chart API
Google's Web-based tool allows users to create charts and graphs that can be easily embedded into a website.
Price: Free
code.google.com/apis/chart

Senior reporter Jason Del Rey covers technology, branding, and company culture for Inc. magazine and contributes to the From the Reporters daily blog. Before joining Inc., his work appeared in Newsday, The (Newark) Star-Ledger, and the Staten Island Advance, and on ESPN.com. He lives in New York City. @DelRey