Recent years have seen a great variety of applications of DEA (Data Envelopment Analysis) for use in evaluating the performance of many different kinds of entities engaged in many different activities in many different contexts in many different countries. One reason is that DEA has opened up possibilities for use in cases which have been resistant to other approaches because of the complex (often unknown) nature of the relations between the multiple inputs and multiple outputs involved in many of these activities (which are often reported in non-commeasurable units). Examples include the maintenance activities of U.S. Air Force bases in different geographic locations, or police forces in England and Wales as well as performances of branch banks in Cyprus and Canada and the efficiency of universities in performing their education and research functions in the U.S., England and France. These kinds of applications extend to evaluating the performances of cities, regions and countries with many different kinds of inputs and outputs that include "social" and "safety-net" expenditures as inputs and various "quality-of-life" dimensions as outputs.

DEA-Solver-Pro is designed on the basis of the textbook: Data Envelopment Analysis-A Comprehensive Text with Models, Applications, References and DEA-Solver Software, by W.W. Cooper, L.M. Seiford and K. Tone, 2nd edition (Springer 2006). DEA Book 2nd Edition (hardcover)

A slightly older version is also available: DEA Book 1st Edition (paperback)

Notice

Potential users of the professional version of DEA-Solver-Pro may purchase the 2nd edition text book first, and use the student version of the software included in the book. While this book serves as a user's manual, a documentation "Introduction to DEA-Solver-Pro" is provided which contains the introduction and references to the new models not covered by the textbook.

Supported Plaforms:

Latest Release

The new version 9.0 includes a new feature called dynamic SBM with network structure model, which basically combines two popular functions, dynamic DEA and network DEA. It allows evaluation of networked DMU's in a multi period framework. For more details, see Latest Newsletter. The latest release is 9.0f, which solves Dynamic Network SBM models with more than 5,000 DMUs, includes modified output for WeightedSBM-C,-V ("Score") and revised samples. Note there is no change in output calculation.

Since the version 7.1, we have separate versions for 32 bit OS and 64 bit OS. We provide both versions so use the right one depending on your OS setting (32bit: DEA-Solver-Pro80n_32.xls, 64bit: DEA-Solver-Pro80n_64.xls, where n is a minor version a,b,c,..). No 64 bit version is available for Versions 6.0. Version 8.0 or earlier users can purchase version 9.0 at a half price.

The last release of version 8.0 is 8.0c, which includes a completed version of Non-Oriented SBM model. Version 8.0 included a new model called EBA (epsilon-based measure of efficiency) model, which incorporates principal component analysis in the DEA framework. This feature takes into account diversity of input/output data and their relative importance for measuring technical efficiency by unifying radial and non-radial models. Using EBM model, DEA-Solver-Pro becomes quite effective even for cases with dependent and correlated data. Read more on this in DEA Solver Newsletter No. 9.

Version 7.0 released in 2009 came with a new feature called Dynamic DEA, which evaluates DMUs in a multi-period environment. Specifically in Dynamic DEA, period to period activities are modeled as carry-over links on top of conventional components. This new feature is particularly suited for long-term planning and evaluation of DMU performance. Read more on this in DEA Solver Newsletter No. 8. Earlier releases of version 7 repaired problems with the zero measure in Network DEA and uniqueness checking in Dynamic DEA.

Version 6.0 introduced Network DEA for comparing interconnected DMUs where outputs of some DMUs become inputs to other DMUs. Network DEA is particularly useful for evaluating internal divisions and departments of large organizations. For more information on this feature, click DEA Solver Newsletter No. 7.

The last release 6.0k of Version 6 repaired a problem recently found in Bilateral SBM-C(V) models. For Vista users, use the release 6.0j or 6.0k. Note that if you use 6.0f or an earlier one, you need to create a new directory C:\SAITECH\DEA-Solver\sec before upgrading to 6.0j or 6.0k.

For the previous newsletters, click DEA Solver Newsletters.

Purchase Information

If you would like to purchase a license for DEA-Solver-PRO, download the order form, and fax (or send an email with image) it to the number written in the form with your signature. Upon receiving your order form, we will let you know how to download the files. Note that installing the software implies that you have agreed with the license contract. You can obtain the license agreement by clicking on the DEA-Solver-Pro License Agreement.

The current price for one CPU license is $ 800 for educational institutions (students and teachers only), and $1,600 for business (prices as of October 2011). Note these prices are for a single CPU (including dual or quad core CPU) license only. The second license has to be purchased at $400 for additional CPU's at educational institutions, and $800 for business.

If you have already purchased one of version 1 through 8, the version-up price for 9.0 is half the regular license fee. Please write "version-up" on the order form when you apply. Prices are subject to change without notice.

The network license (see below for detail) fees depend on the number of concurrent users on the network. You can get the current network & floating license prices. Prices may change without notice.

Note that because of legal complexity involved, we will not review any change requests in the license agreement.

Japanese customers who wish to pay in Japanese yen, please use the order form by clicking Japanese order form. Japanese license prices are quoted on the Japanese page, which can be reached by clicking on the Japanese flag above. Please fax the order form to SAITECH Japan at 03-5579-7823.

Network License & Floating License

We offer a network license of DEA-Solver-Pro. With a network license installed on your server, you can use DEA-Solver-Pro from your client PC's on your local area network. This function is quite useful in a class room environment where a number of students may use the software concurrently.

A floating license, by which you can install the program on multiple PCs, is also available now. Use the software on any one of them at a time by activating it with a dongle. You can use the software at work, or at home, by carrying a licensed USB dongle. It is a convenient way to use the program on mutiple PC's without purchasing multiple licenses. See details in Purchase Information below.

Downloading the Latest Versions

Version 9.0f with Dynamic SBM with Network Structure (DNSBM) model is available for downloading. Also if you are a licensed user, you can get the revised documentation of 9.0 from the link above right.

* For version 8.0 users:

Version 8 is equipped with an EBM (epsilon-based measure of efficiency) model. Currently the last release 8.0c of version 8 is available for downloading. Also if you are a licensed user, you can get the revised documentation of 8.0 from the link above right.

* For version 7.0 users:

Version 7 came with various models including Dynamic DEA. If you have a version 7.0, you can still obtain the last release 7.2b free. Click DEA software to go to the download page. Note that you need a password to download the files and to extract DEA files.

* For version 8.0 or ealier-version users:

If you have an older version and would like to upgrade it to the latest version, you can purchase a new version 9.0 at a half price.

Software Distribution

Currently we distribute the software from our web site; i.e. no CD shipment. However, if you request, we can send you a CD at an additional cost. Shipping options include the USPS Express ($ 30 for US destinations and $ 50 for outside USA), the UPS ground or express, FeDex and DHL. Costs may vary depending on carrier-destination combinations. If you want a CD, indicate it on your application form and also specify the destination address clearly. For network and floating licenses, we will ship a CD and a licensed dongle.

Tech Support is by email only, No Telephone calls, No emergency request please

Due to complexity of technical support issues by many versions of Windows and Excel in different contries, technical problems may not be solved promptly as some customers may wish. As such, it is recommended that potential customers may place an order well in advance before any crisis may take place, such as deadlines for research papers and presentations etc., which we will not help. While we try our best to resolve technical issues as soon as possible, support, including installation problems, is done by email only.

Temporary Licensing for Training and Demo Classes

Due to popular demands for temporary licensing for training and demonstration classes, we now offer a temporary licensing service for training class usage with a nominal fee. The fee is $ 200 for a class of upto 20 students, $ 250 for upto 30 students, $ 350 for upto 40 students, plus $50 for S&H and a $ 300 deposit for a dongle. The temporary licensing is available through a dongle only, and the deposit will not be charged when the dongle is returned after the class. To apply for such a service, download the temp application form, fill the necessary information, and send it by fax or email at least four weeks before the class. Upon receiving the application and the fee payment, we will send you the software, a dongle and instructions. Note that you need a local area network to link all the PCs in the class, and install the software on the server.

Currently DEA-SolverPro for Excel 2010 on a 64 bit Windows needs a special version of DEA-SolverPro. If you have this combination, indicate it on your application form clearly, so that you get the right version. Excel 2007 or earlier version of Excel on a 64 bit windows works fine with the regular DEA-SolverPro.

Caveats for Registration key and Technical Support

Note that requesting for registration key or technical support is processed only by email. Always include your name, organization, the date you purchased the license and the version number in your correspondence. Also include the name of the person who actually purchased the program before, if it is not yourself. Please be aware that it may take more than a day to make the registration key to work. Although we try to process the customer requests as quickly as possible, we can not guarantee any turn-around time for issuing a registration key or for answering technical questions.

For network and floating licenses, there is no registration key or password, but a licensed dongle is used at a USB port.

Windows OS

Currently following Windows OS are supported: XP, Vista, Windows 7, Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003, or 2008.

For a hard disk crash or Windows OS upgrade in the future, you may need a new registration key. In such a case, send us a letter requesting a new registration key with original license information, including the date, version number, user name and organization, signed by an official person other than the licensee. We will issue a free registration key upon receiving such a letter. Note that there will be an additional charge if you request an old-version software, which is only available by a CD.

If you would like to get the newest version at the same time, there will be a version-up cost as indicated in Purchase Information above. Download an order form from the link above and fax it to us.

Time Limit for issuing a Registration Key

Each licensee must request a registration key within 60 days from the purchase date. Requests for a registration key after the 60-day period may not be fulfilled.

Consulting Services

We offer consulting services on application of the software to real-world cases. Get in touch with us by email.

Inquries

If you need more information on the software and services, contact us by email.