StatWizards® was founded by a businessman versed in applied statistics, and his interests reflect that order. As a consequence, StatWizards focus on solving business problems while maximizing quality and minimizing time and costs. Statistical analysis is regarded as a means rather than an end. That may sound like a distinction without a difference, but it's not. For one thing, it means we consider the total cost to you, the customer, of applying the software, not just buying it.
Most statistical programs start with these implicit assumptions:
You have plenty of time to learn the software, build data sets and set up command files.
The problem you are trying to solve is important, but may or may not be critical to your company.
The problem is well-defined and not subject to change.
The software will be evaluated based on its breadth and execution of statistical algorithms.
By contrast, StatWizards employs these assumptions:
Your time is valuable and scarce.
The problem you are trying to solve is worth a lot of money to your company.
The problem is not necessarily well defined.
Our software will be evaluated based on how well and how quickly you solve your problem.
How is this philosophy translated into practice?
Your time is valuable and scarce. If you recently bought the software, chances are you don't have a lot of time to spend learning how to use it. We chose Microsoft's wizard format as a principal interface because most users already know how to work with it. Consequently, learning time is kept short. In addition, wherever we can, we anticipate responses by filling out boxes in advance, making intelligent choices that most users would make and providing expert advice where appropriate, though we always provide opportunities to override what we suggest. We never abandon you to a blank screen. At the same time, if you are an experienced user, we ensure that you can zip through our wizards without being held up by materials designed for new users. We have taken pains to save you every possible stitch of time that we can.
You are tackling a problem whose solution will be worth a lot of money. That means we don't compromise on quality, and we focus on helping you get the right answer. We don't just test StatWizards using made-up data. We take our Wizards out in the real world and thoroughly use them. A good part of the multi-year development effort went towards incorporating unanticipated things we learned about our products when used in actual, critical situations.
The problem is not necessarily well-defined. We assume that your initial analysis will go through numerous revisions, so we ensure that revisions take much less time than the original work. We avoid having you re-enter data unless it is absolutely necessary. We also allow you the opportunity to go back and retrace steps with different assumptions.
We will be evaluated based on the solution to the problem. We know that you will continue to use our products only if the problems you address are solved quickly, inexpensively and well. That's how your efforts are rewarded, and we hope that will reflect on us Our job is to help you succeed.