1. What are the requirements for the server?

Server requirements are periodically revised as the Survey Solutions program evolves hence we've created the following pages on:

• server requirements
• server installation

2. Is it possible to use our existing server for Survey Solutions?

• It depends: If the hardware requirements are met, and the software prerequisites are available, there might be a possibility to reuse the existing server.
• Note that in that case existing services will compete with Survey Solutions for resources. So this solution is possible only with a very powerful server, or non-demanding other services.
• The maintenance of the other software should not affect availability, integrity and security of Survey Solutions service.

3. How do we configure our security software to collaborate with Survey Solutions?

• Firewalls, anti-virus, and integrated security packages need to be configured to permit Survey Solutions server component to communicate with other devices exchanging data with it. Consult your security software manual and network administrator for specific instructions.
• Instructions for Windows Server 2012 Firewall
• Examples for configuring other common security software:
  • Avast Internet Security
  • Comodo Internet Security
  • Kaspersky Internet Security
  • McAfee Internet Security
  • Norton Internet Security
  • ZoneAlarm Pro Firewall
• Other internet security packages may have similar configuration settings to allow a program access to network resources.

4. We have necessary server equipment, but no specialists to install the Survey Solutions software. Is it possible to get help?

• If you encounter any difficulties in setting up your server, please inquire in the forum of the Survey Solutions community of users.

5. We don’t have a proper server. Is a server necessary for Survey Solutions, or can we use the software with the tablets only?

• A server provides essential functionality and is absolutely required for data collection with Survey Solutions.

6. We don’t have a proper server. Are there any alternatives?

• You can install Survey Solutions using major cloud server providers: Amazon, Google, Microsoft and others. The software and functionality is the same regardless whether it is installed in the cloud or on a local machine.

7. How many servers will we need?

• One server can handle hundreds of interviewers and supervisors, and is sufficient for a typical household survey with tens of thousands households.
• In some situations multiple servers may present additional convenience, or even be required.

8. Does the World Bank Group provide connectivity devices and cover connection charges for Survey Solutions?

• No. It is up to the client to arrange proper network infrastructure, purchase any necessary devices, obtain SIM-cards (if necessary), and cover the traffic usage fees.

9. Is it possible to ”synchronize” the server periodically or do I need a constant connection?

• The interviewers and supervisors will attempt to connect to the server at their convenience, so the server must be reachable at all times when the interviewers may decide to synchronize.
• The server connection to Internet must hence be fast and reliable.

10. Should my server be connected to Internet?

• The tablets will need to send data to the server, so it must be visible and reachable.
• In most cases this means the tablets and the server are communicating over the Internet.
• For physical installations it is possible to send the data through a LAN without sending the data over the Internet, but the tablets must also be connected to the same LAN. Usually this means the tablets must be within the WiFi range from the server (up to about 20-30 meters away). Since the tablets are expected to synchronize frequently, this is an inconvenient and rare scenario.

11. Do the tablets need a network connection during an interview?

• No. The interviews are conducted while the tablets are not connected.
• Internet connection is not required and 3G/4G or WiFi traffic is not consumed during interviews.
• Survey Solutions accumulates collected data on the tablet and sends it to the server during synchronization.

12. 3G/4G coverage is rather spotty in our country. Is it still possible to use Survey Solutions?

• Connection can be utilized when available, but spotty coverage would imply more travelling to the areas where signal is available for synchronizations.

13. How often should the tablets synchronize?

• This depends on the protocol of a particular survey.
• For example: every day; or twice a day.
• More frequent synchronizations allow faster turnaround.

14. We don’t want to send our data over the air. Is it possible to avoid using WiFi?

• Modern Android-based tablets usually do not have an Ethernet socket for wired connection and provide exclusively WiFi, and (for some models) 3G/4G connectivity.
• This is the limitation of the devices, not the Survey Solutions software.

15. Is the communication over the Internet secure?

• Survey Solutions uses password protection and authorization procedures to authenticate all users and communications.
• Installing an SSL certificate for the server allows additional encryption of all data.
• Our experts are available to discuss particular risks and other specific security concerns.

16. Which brand and model of tablets should I buy?

• The World Bank is not in the position to point to a particular brand and model as ”the tablet” for Survey Solutions.
• The choice depends on multiple different characteristics and the decision on the model depends on the client, subject to the technical requirements and market availability.
• The characteristics to evaluate are usually: performance, memory, storage, connectivity, screen, battery, price, convenience and ergonomics. Other characteristics may affect the decision if used in the data collection: GPS sensor, optical camera, etc.

17. What requirements does Survey Solutions have for the tablets?

• See Technical Requirements for Tablets

18. What screen size is best for Survey Solutions?

• 7-8-inch screens are often picked as suitable in typical operations. Bigger screens consume more power and reduce autonomous work.
• The choice of the screen should depend on the convenience of use with the software and is usually determined experimentally.

19. Will we need additional batteries?

• Modern tablets have battery life typically ranging from 6 to 12 hours, which is usually sufficient for a day of work of an interviewer.
• If the interviewers remain in a remote area without access to power grid for a prolonged period, they may need additional sources of power.
• External batteries of various capacities can provide a quick solution. Other things being equal it is useful to have a charge indicator on a battery.
• Charging from car batteries or portable generators may also bepossible depending on the survey situation.

20. Can autonomous life of a tablet be extended without any additional equipment?

• It is possible to use the device settings to minimize power consumption:
• adjust screen brightness;
• switch off bluetooth;
• switch off GPS if not used;
• switch off WiFi when not in use, etc;

21. Should we buy new tablets specifically for Survey Solutions or is it possible to use our existing stock of tablets?

• If the tablets you have satisfy the hardware and software requirements, they usually can be used with the Survey Solutions.
• Note that the capacity of the batteries found in most tablets reduces sharply after about 1.5-2 years. Older tablets might thus still be used but may require more maintenance and power backup options.
• If the tablets are still in use for other purposes, other software installed on them will be competing for the resources (memory and CPU). Make sure there is sufficient storage space available to install and operate Survey Solutions.

22. Should all the tablets used in the survey be identical brand and model?

• No. Different tablet models may be used as long as they satisfy the minimal requirements. Typical situations are:
  • Note that 3G/4G connectivity adds to the cost of the device. If the interviewers in a particular region are expected to be always covered by WiFi connectivity, for example if they are coming to the office daily, they might use a tablet without 3G/4G connectivity.
  • Another situation is when the operations are scaled up from a smaller survey or pilot to a full size survey, or a larger survey, and the original model is no longer available on the market. In that case a new model can be used alongside the older ones, as long as they are still functioning.
• Using the same model usually simplifies the support. If there is a problem or an advisory, the survey administrator knows that it affects all the eqipment in a similar fashion.

23. How many tablets will we need to purchase?

• One per interviewer. Have some spares in case a tablet gets lost, stolen, or damaged.
• Number of spares depends on the particular situation. Reserving 1 spare tablet for every 20 active interviewers is indicative.

24. We plan to start fieldwork on May 1 and the supplier promised to deliver the tablets by April 30. That’s ok, right?

• Entirely up to you, but someone will need to check and register all the devices, charge them, install the software, create user accounts, verify everything is in order and fix what’s not.
• The training for use of the tablets as instruments of data collection is essential, and it is only successful if it includes practice with the actual devices. Thus the devices should arrive before the interviewers’ training.

25. How many tablets will we need to purchase for the supervisors?

• None. Supervisors work with computers, not tablets.
• If the supervisors travel with the interviewers, they should be equipped with a laptop to work in the field.
• If the supervisors stay in the office, they may use a laptop or a desktop computer.

26. What are the requirements for a supervisor’s computer?

• Windows-based computer, OS Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 10;
• 4GB RAM, 120GB hard drive space (SSD drive is preferable);
• If the supervisor is working in the field, then connectivity from the field via 3G or 4G, (built-in, USB, or external wireless modem, or a similar device).

27. What database does Survey Solutions use to store data? How can we access it from our system?

• Survey Solutions uses a PostgreSQL system to store and retrieve the data. If in the future, the DB engine is changed in favor of a different database management system, the installation instruction and requirements will be updated.
• The exact database structure is changing frequently between the versions and it should be assumed that there will be more changes in the future. For that reason, the data in the Survey Solutions database should not be accessed directly by any other software the client might use for other operations.
• The data is exported by the Survey Solutions server on demand in the form of a downloadable file.

28. What is the format of the exported file? Is it suitable for our software X?

• The software exports the data as an archive containing multiple files in tab-delimited unicode text format. Binary files (images) are downloaded separately. Survey Solutions documentation explains the particulars on how questions of different types (numeric, text, choice, etc) are saved in the data file.
• Tab-delimited text format is a popular data interchange format suitable for import for many modern databases, spreadsheets, and statistical packages.
• Consult your software operating manual on the support of tab-delimited (also known as tab-separated) data.
• Additionally, the survey data may be exported in the binary formats of Stata or SPSS statistical packages.