Stata/MP is the fastest and largest version of Stata
Stata is a general-purpose statistical software package created in 1985 by StataCorp. Most of its users work in research, especially in the fields of economics, sociology, political science, biomedicine and epidemiology.[citation needed]
Stata's capabilities include data management, statistical analysis, graphics, simulations, regression, and custom programming.
The name Stata is a syllabic abbreviation of the words statistics and data. The FAQ for the official forum of Stata insists that the correct English pronunciation of Stata "must remain a mystery"; any of "Stay-ta", "Sta-ta" or "Stah-ta" are considered acceptable.
There are four major builds of each version of Stata:
Stata/MP for multiprocessor computers (including dual-core and multicore processors)
Stata/SE for large databases
Stata/IC, which is the standard version
Small Stata, which is a smaller, student version for educational purchase only