Administering Server Software

This guide is intended primarily for system administrators who are responsible for integrating server technology into a networked environment in which client applications are run in distributed analysis mode. Administrative tasks include:

Installation. The server software is designed to run continuously and respond to logins and requests from end-user desktop computers. Select an appropriate server computer for the server software—one that has little downtime, is configured for end-user access, and is networked to the appropriate desktop computers. The more memory and processing power the server computer has, the faster client requests are handled. The client application must be installed on the end user desktop computers. Client installation can be done from a network location. Installation provides an overview of how to install the server software and the client application. Detailed installation instructions are included on the product DVD.

Data access. If you need to provide end users access to data on a remote server while they are working in distributed mode, the server software needs to be able to access that data. IBM® Corp. products can access data from a variety of data file types, including databases. To make your job easier, IBM Corp. products are distributed with DataDirect Connect ODBC for accessing data from a database. Data Access introduces data access for IBM Corp. products. Additional documentation is included on the product DVD.

Configuration and maintenance. Because the server software is intended for continuous operation, it should be monitored at regular intervals by a system administrator. There are several configuration options that give you control over how the server software operates. Configuring, Monitoring Usage, and Maintenance discusses configuring and monitoring the server software.

Supporting end users. End users require information about server names, user accounts, and where to find data. You may also need to assist them in solving problems. Supporting End Users discusses the kind of support that end users require.

Performance. Analyzing and Improving Performance provides strategies for improving the performance of the server software.

Troubleshooting. Server Software provides troubleshooting tips.

IBM SPSS® Statistics Batch Facility (IBM SPSS Statistics Server only). The IBM SPSS Statistics Server product includes IBM SPSS Statistics Batch Facility, which is intended for automated production of statistical reports. If you are running IBM SPSS Statistics Server at your site, read The IBM SPSS Statistics Batch Facility, which describes the IBM SPSS Statistics Batch Facility and the tasks that you may need to perform to support it.