Accessing Data from Databases

The Batch Facility, like IBM® SPSS® Statistics Server, uses ODBC technology to access data from databases. This means that you must define an ODBC data source before you can use the Batch Facility to access database data. The data source must be defined on the computer where you will run the report. If you have data sources defined for IBM SPSS Statistics Server, you can use the same data sources with the Batch Facility. For more information about the IBM SPSS Statistics Server data access technology and what you need to do to use it, see the "Data Access" chapter in admindoc_name (on the product ISO file).

Note: GET DATA has a CONNECT subcommand that specifies a connection string for the ODBC data source. You cannot specify a new connection string that is valid directly in the syntax window--instead, use the Database Wizard in the IBM SPSS Statistics client application to paste the command.

To use the Database Wizard to paste syntax:

1. Launch the IBM SPSS Statistics client application.
2. Connect to the IBM SPSS Statistics Server. This ensures that the pasted syntax specifies the ODBC data sources from the perspective of the server computer--that's where the production report will be run.
3. From the menus choose:

   File > Open Database > New Query

4. Select a data source.
5. When you get to the last panel of the Database Wizard, select the Paste it into the syntax editor radio button.
6. Click Finish to paste the connection string and the rest of the syntax into the syntax editor. See the IBM SPSS Statistics client application online Help for more information about using the Database Wizard.