SAS isn’t just another piece of software, as those of us who work in life sciences know. It’s the backbone of how we prepare, analyze, and submit clinical trial data. For decades, it has been the trusted standard for regulators and sponsors alike. But here’s the reality: support for SAS 9.4M7 is coming to an end, and with that clock ticking, many organizations are facing a decision they’d rather put off.
Do we upgrade now? Or wait and risk it?
The truth is, waiting comes with some very real consequences. And while upgrading may feel daunting ESPECIALLY for companies with complex Stats computing environments, the risks of standing still far outweigh the effort required to move forward. In this post, we’ll explore why it’s critical to act now, what’s at stake if you don’t, and how choosing the right partner can turn what feels like a burden into a strategic advantage.
The End of Support: What’s Changing with SAS 9.4M7
SAS 9.4M7 has been widely adopted since its release, valued for its stability in highly regulated industries. But every product lifecycle eventually winds down, and SAS is moving its customers forward. Once official support ends, organizations that stick with 9.4M7 will face:
- Security vulnerabilities: No more patches or updates means systems are exposed to new threats.
- Compliance risks: Regulators expect validated environments. Unsupported software makes it harder to prove compliance during audits or inspections.
- Operational inefficiency: As surrounding systems evolve, unsupported versions of SAS will become harder to integrate, maintain, and troubleshoot.
- Talent challenges: Experienced SAS programmers are moving toward newer releases. Sticking with outdated versions can make it harder to attract and retain top talent.
It’s not a matter of if these risks will hit, it’s when these risks will hit. The cost of waiting until after support expires can be far greater than the cost of a proactive upgrade¹.
The Hidden Risks of Being Stubborn
Let’s be honest here: upgrades are rarely anyone’s favorite project. They require planning, resources, and coordination across IT, QA, and clinical operations, and are just a headache sometimes. That’s why many companies delay. But the risks of kicking the can down the road are significant:
- Data integrity issues – During migrations, poorly executed processes can corrupt data. Without expert oversight, errors might not surface until later, creating major setbacks.
- Performance degradation – Misconfigured environments can slow down analytics, dragging out timelines for biostats and regulatory submissions.
- Audit failures – Unsupported software or incomplete validation creates gaps that auditors can, and WILL, spot.
- Downtime – Failed installs or poorly tested environments can take systems offline, disrupting ongoing trials.
Each of these risks carries not only operational costs but reputational damage. In an industry where trust is paramount, few organizations can afford to gamble².
Why Choosing the Right Partner for SAS Matters
Here’s the good news: you don’t have to go it alone. But not every vendor or consultant is equally equipped to handle SAS upgrades, especially in the high-stakes world of life sciences, where non-compliance could cost sponsors significant time and financial resources. The partner you choose can be the difference between a seamless transition and a costly and time-consuming misstep.
So what should you look for?
- Deep SAS expertise: Years of experience with SAS environments, across versions and use cases.
- Regulatory know-how: A strong track record in life sciences, with knowledge of GxP, FDA 21 CFR Part 11, GDPR, and HIPAA.
- Proven process: Clear, documented methodology for installation, migration, validation, and testing.
- Compliance-first mindset: Not just IT skills, but the ability to deliver fully validated, audit-ready environments.
- Ongoing support: Upgrades don’t end with installation, you should look for partners that offer monitoring, backups, and 24/7 support.
Equally important: transparency. The right partner will tell you what’s realistic, provide detailed plans, and give you confidence that your environment will be compliant, secure, and stable.
From Strong Tower to Instem: A Proven Partner You Can Trust
If you’ve heard the name Strong Tower Solutions, you already know they built a reputation as one of the most trusted SAS upgrade partners in the industry. With more than 500 engagements under their belt, Strong Tower’s team brought unparalleled experience in installing, migrating, and validating SAS environments for life sciences clients around the world.
Now, Strong Tower has joined forces with Instem, a global leader in solutions for every aspect of the drug development cycle. That means organizations preparing for the end of SAS 9.4M7 support now have access to not only Strong Tower’s specialized SAS expertise but also Instem’s broader ecosystem of solutions designed specifically for life sciences. What more could you need?
This combination creates a unique value proposition:
- Technical depth from Strong Tower’s SAS-focused specialists.
- Regulatory breadth from Instem’s proven experience in supporting compliance-driven processes.
- Scalable infrastructure for organizations of any size, from emerging biotechs to global pharma.
In other words, Instem isn’t just another IT vendor. We understand the science, the regulations, and the stakes.
Why Act Now
Every upgrade project takes time. Assessments, migration plans, validation scripts, testing cycle, they all add up. Waiting until SAS 9.4M7 support officially ends could leave you scrambling, competing for limited resources, or rushing a project that demands precision.
Acting now, with the right partner, means:
- A smooth transition with minimal disruption.
- Audit-ready documentation that satisfies regulators.
- A future-proofed environment that can scale and adapt as your needs evolve.
- Peace of mind knowing your systems are secure, validated, and fully supported.
Final Thoughts on SAS 9.4M7
Upgrading from SAS 9.4M7 may not be optional, but it doesn’t have to be painful if done correctly. By recognizing the risks of standing still and choosing a partner who understands both the technical and regulatory dimensions, you can transform this necessity into an opportunity.
Instem, through its acquisition of Strong Tower Solutions, offers the rare blend of expertise, process, and life sciences focus required to guide organizations through this critical transition. With Instem at your side, you can approach the next release of SAS with confidence, knowing your data, systems, and compliance posture are in the best possible hands.
Because in clinical research, where data drives decisions and decisions impact lives, you can’t afford to take chances with the systems that power it all. Reach out today if you have questions about SAS9.4M7 updates or any other clinical analytics questions.
1 Deloitte. Tech Trends 2024: A Life Sciences Perspective. Deloitte, 2024, www.deloitte.com/us/en/industries/life-sciences-health-care/articles/life-sciences-technology-trends-2024.html
2 U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Clinical Trials and Human Subject Protection. FDA, 2023, www.fda.gov/science-research/science-and-research-special-topics/clinical-trials-and-human-subject-protection
