Technology

How to Check Out a Commuter License for IBM SPSS Statistics

Last modified 9/11/2025

This article explains how to check out a commuter license for IBM SPSS Statistics, allowing you to use the software offline for a limited time. This is useful for users who need to use SPSS while away from the campus network or while disconnected from the license server.

Before You Begin

This process is only for users with a concurrent (network) license for IBM SPSS Statistics. You must have the software installed on your computer and be connected to the campus network at the time you check out the license. A connection to the campus network means either being connected to isunet on campus or connected to the VPN using Cisco Secure Client. See VPN at Illinois State University.

Additionally, SPSS is available to all faculty, staff, and students in Azure Virtual Desktop and does not require a commuter license or a connection to the campus network. See How to use Azure Virtual Desktop.

Requesting Access

Access to the concurrent license server is typically granted to faculty, staff, and students who require it for academic or institutional purposes. If you believe you need access and do not have it, please contact your direct IT support team.

How to Check Out an SPSS Commuter License

  1. From within the SPSS application, in the SPSS Statistics menu bar, go to File > Manage License.
  2. In the Show License Detail dialog box, make note of the version number and click on Launch Commuter Utility Tool.
  3. Select the license you want to check out from the list. Ensure you're checking out the license that matches your installed version.
  4. In the Duration (Days) field, specify the number of days you need the license (value between 1 and 30).
    1. If you receive the below error code 88 (Figure 1) and you have set the duration value between 1 and 30, your administrator must configure your software to allow for a duration longer than 7 days. To resolve the issue, try checking out a license for 1-7 days. If this does not resolve the issue, reach out to your local IT support for further assistance.

      Figure 1:
  5. Click Check Out, and then click Exit.

The commuter license will remain active for the specified duration, but can be checked back in at any time if you reconnect to the network.

How to Get Help

Technical assistance is available through the Illinois State University Technology Support Center at:

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