Overview

SigmaPlot 5.0 for Windows is a powerful and complex program for graphing and analysis. The graphing utilities are extensive, as are the data analysis tools. The program easily accommodates graphing, manipulation, and transformation of large data sets. SigmaPlot can create many different types of two- and three-dimensional graphs, including 3-D meshes. All graph attributes can be customized via dialog boxes, and graphs can be output to a variety of printers. SigmaPlot comes with a large set of curve-fitting equations. A regression wizard facilitates curve fitting and results reporting.

SigmaPlot itself is highly customizable with an INI file, which can be edited, and controls the system and option settings for SigmaPlot. Also, the user can generate custom transformations and curve-fitting equations. SigmaPlot is best suited for those who need a flexible and customizable graphing and numeric analysis package, and have some experience using such packages. The occasional graph-maker would be underutilizing this package, and may be overwhelmed by the features alone.

Available platforms	Windows 95, 98
System requirements	486 or higher with 32 Mb RAM and Excel (for OLE2 linking)
Test platforms	Dell Dimension XPS T450 (450 MHz PIII with 256 Mb RAM), 17" monitor (800 x 600), Windows 98 Update, HP DeskJet 820Cse, Excel (Office 2000)
Price	$599. Special pricing for academic and government institutions, and for site and network licenses.

How Long Did It Take to Learn to Use It Productively?

It took me less than an hour to become familiar with the graphing portion of SigmaPlot. It is straightforward and similar to what one would expect from a graphing program. But it took me a few long hours before I became familiar with the nonlinear regression portion of SigmaPlot. In this case, the sample files and accompanying text in the programmer's guide were very helpful. Still, it may take many long hours of use before I am comfortable with this portion of the program. The automation features (customization, transforms, and macros) fall under the realm of programming. Though this is a strong feature in SigmaPlot, it is only for the more experienced and dedicated user.

Product Quality

Customizability

SigmaPlot is one of the most customizable programs I have seen, especially in this area of data analysis. The macro and transformation features allow for complex analysis of large data sets.

Ability to Program in Scripts, Add Extension Modules, etc.

SigmaPlot itself can be programmed through macros or by editing the INI file, which describes the program's system and option attributes. SigmaPlot also works with Excel through OLE2. This adds another level of complexity that the user can exploit.

Ability to Import and Export in Different File Formats

SigmaPlot 5.0 easily imports and exports older SigmaPlot files from all platforms, Excel files, Lotus files, dBase files, text files, SigmaScan files, DIF files, and comma-delimited files (CSV).

Useful or Unusual Features

The level at which SigmaPlot can be customized - from building complex regression equations, to modifying the program interface (INI file), to programming complex data transforms - is undoubtedly the strongest feature of this program. SigmaPlot already comes with a whole slew of useful equations, which also can be modified. With SigmaPlot, an experienced user can set up complex data transforms and regression with little trouble, especially if the equation is available. There is also a regression wizard that is invaluable in walking the user through analysis of a data set by nonlinear regression.

Limitations

Not to pick nits, but the license number, which needs to be typed in upon installation and during updates, is way too long. There is no need for this. There are too many dialog boxes and tabs within the dialog boxes. This got me lost a few times, even while trying to modify graph attributes.

While other graphing programs can probably graph as well as SigmaPlot, the other programs cannot match SigmaPlot's flexibility and reach. And I have yet to see a program that can match the strength of the regression package in SigmaPlot.

Technical Support and Documentation

The documentation is dense and thorough. The documentation consists of a user guide and programming guide. The user guide does a good job of explaining the different features of the program, and has only a short tutorial to go through the different graph types. The programming guide has many different tutorials on how to program transformations and regression equations.

The online help facility is quite thorough, covering all aspects of the program from graphing basics, to transformations, to Microsoft Office integration.

Technical support is free for registered users and is available by phone or email.

Updates are available online. SigmaPlot is already up to a 5.0.4 patch update. This is a small patch, less than 1 Mb, that unzips into a set of DLL files. You then have to move the DLL files to the SigmaPlot folder. Additionally, you have to go to the INI file and make a change to one of the lines. This procedure is not automated in any way.

Target Users

SigmaPlot is a must-have for programming-savvy data analysts. There is no doubt that these experienced users will benefit most from this software package. But, users with an understanding of nonlinear regression and limited programming experience will find a package they can grow into. Unfortunately, the users who only need to graph simple data will be underutilizing SigmaPlot.

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