Introduction to Batch Mode

Data mining is usually an interactive process—you interact with data and models to improve your understanding of the data and the domain it represents. However, IBM® SPSS® Modeler streams can also be used to process data and perform data mining tasks in batch mode, with no visible user interface. Batch mode allows long-running or repetitive tasks to be performed without your intervention and without the presence of the user interface on the screen.

Note: Database modeling and SQL optimization require that IBM SPSS Modeler Server connectivity be enabled on the IBM SPSS Modeler computer. With this setting enabled, you can access database algorithms, push back SQL directly from IBM SPSS Modeler, and access IBM SPSS Modeler Server. To verify the current license status, choose the following from the IBM SPSS Modeler menu.

Help > About > Additional Details

If connectivity is enabled, you see the option Server Enablement in the License Status tab.

See Connecting to IBM SPSS Modeler Server for more information.

Examples of tasks appropriate for batch mode include:

  • Running a time-consuming modeling exercise in the background.
  • Running a stream at a scheduled time (for example, overnight, when the resultant load on the computer will not be inconvenient).
  • Running a data preprocessing stream on a large volume of data (for example, in the background and/or overnight).
  • Running regularly scheduled tasks, such as monthly reports.
  • Running a stream as an embedded part of another process, such as a scoring engine facility.

Note: IBM SPSS Modeler operations can be scheduled in batch mode using the appropriate operating system commands or utilities (for example, the at command under Windows NT).