WRDS Support

WRDS Support and Technical Issues

WRDS employs a team of PhD-level specialists & IT technicians.

We support our clients with issues that concern data coverage and quality, programming problems, and a wide-range of technical matters. WRDS support is email-based and we answer most inquiries with same-day turnaround.

We also provide extensive online documentation:

Large array of database manuals in electronic form.
Documents that explain common issues for popular databases.
WRDS guides for getting started with programming in SAS, Fortran or C and making full use of the WRDS-Unix service.
PC connection tips.
Sample programs.

1. How does WRDS facilitate academic research?

The WRDS System facilitates academic research in several ways:

Download data quickly through the Web Interface. It's easy to to identify the right sources for data using our Search Tools and Online Documentation.
Merge multiple databases from different vendors with ease: all databases are in the same format and thus, links are easy to establish.
Gain flexibility, power, and speed by running sophisticated programs using our high-end server.
Get timely support for technical, data, and research issues.

2. Do I need to be a programmer to use WRDS?

No, the WRDS web interface requires no programming skills or specialized knowledge of database management and structure.

You may also use our UNIX server for more sophisticated data retrieval and analysis on the exact same datasets that are accessible using web queries. While basic knowledge of SAS, FORTRAN, or C is helpful to use this service, we provide well documented sample programs, and in many cases only a few changes are required to adapt a sample program to your needs.

3. What are the benefits of using the WRDS Unix Server?

Our UNIX server is most suitable for highly customized data retrievals and intensive analytical programming. We provide numerous sample programs that are tried and true starting points for data exploration and published academic research.

An Example:
You need to extract data from Compustat based on multiple criteria such as belonging to a specific industry, in the S&P 500, and meeting a minimum level of sales, assets, or market value. Instead of running several web queries and then merging the results, a straightforward SAS program can create the final dataset to meet your needs.