Extension nodes provide
a mechanism for extending the functionality of a SAS Enterprise Miner
installation. Extension nodes can be developed to perform any essential
data mining activity (that is, sample, explore, modify, model, or
assess [SEMMA]). Although the SAS Enterprise Miner nodes that are
distributed by SAS are typically designed to satisfy the needs of
a diverse audience, extension nodes provide a means to develop custom
solutions.
Developing an extension
node is conceptually simple.
An extension node consists
of the following:
-
one or more SAS source code files
stored in a SAS library or in external files that are accessible by
the SAS Enterprise Miner server
-
an XML file defining the properties
of the node
-
two graphic images stored as .gif
files.
When properly developed
and deployed, an extension node integrates into the SAS Enterprise
Miner workspace so that, from the perspective of the end user, it
is indistinguishable from any other node in SAS Enterprise Miner.
From a developer's perspective, the only difference is the storage
location of the files that define an extension node's functionality
and appearance. Any valid SAS language program statement can be used
in the source code for an extension node, so an extension node's
functionality is virtually unlimited.