According to Gartner, big data processing and cloud computing are among the most significant trends in 2013. Consequently, an important task of higher education is to train a competitive specialist knowledgeable in the relevant technologies.The course on computer data analysis developed by the authors for the training of specialists of different specialties combines the performance of data analysis tasks in the Excel and SPSS environments. Seeking to expand the use of statistical data analysis software, we turned to SAS's Academic Support Program. This application (SAS OnDemand for Academics) includes a free opportunity for students taking SAS courses and faculty teaching SAS-supported courses to download a SAS client to their computer and perform cloud-based data analysis using SAS servers.

A research object is the distance courses on the data analysis: «Quantitative and Research Methods for Leaders» (Franklin Pierce University, USA), «Statistical methods of analysis in business» (Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University, Ukraine), «Big Data in Education» (Columbia University, USA). Every course was examined as a pedagogical system. Structural components of these systems were the subject of research. Presentation of results of comparative analysis of three concrete distance courses through the prism of experience of participant was the purpose of the article. Case study was the main method of research. General lines and differences between three courses, their advantages and disadvantages were found out. A conclusion about an utility of participating in the opened distance courses at the role of student for the university teachers is done. Such activity enables not only to promote the level of the qualification, but to give a new look on the traditional course and to increase its advantages and to reduce disadvantages.