SAS launches business unit

Software maker SAS said Monday that it has launched a new business unit devoted to developing and selling marketing-analysis software. The company, which specializes in business analysis applications, said more than 40 companies already use SAS Marketing Automation, a software program designed to help companies plan marketing campaigns based on data about customers. With the formation of the new unit, SAS hopes to capitalize on what it expects to be a $2 billion software market in 2006.