RemoteExtensions project
Note Use the RemoteExtensions Project only if you are have difficulties with remote interviewing as outlined in
Remote interviewers.
UNICOM Intelligence Interviewer offers a RemoteExtension.mdd script that provides functionality similar to true remote interviewing. This script is installed as part of the UNICOM Intelligence Developer Documentation Library in:
[INSTALL_FOLDER]\IBM\SPSS\DataCollection\<version>\DDL\\Scripts\Interview\CATI
The script runs a simple interview that asks the interviewer to choose the dialer he/she wants to use and to enter their phone number. The script passes this information to the dialer interface and the dialer calls the interviewer. When the interviewer picks up the phone, they are is connected to the dialer and sees a message giving the dialer extension they are connected to. The interviewer may now use Phone Participants to conduct interviews in the usual way. The RemoteExtension script remains running until the interviewer returns to it and clicks Next to continue. This moves to the end of the script and the interview ends. The interviewer may then hang up the phone to disconnect from the autodialer.
Note If an interviewer closes the browser without clicking Next to hang up the call, UNICOM Intelligence Interviewer has to rely on the remote party to terminate the call, with the result that, in some situations, the call may be left connected almost indefinitely. Typical examples are:
▪If the call connects to a voice mail or other automated system it is possible that the remote system may not disconnect the call. This can happen if a call to a cell phone is redirected to voice mail. If the voice mail system interprets the tone that the dialer generates for the interviewer as a message and records it, and there is no time limit for messages, the recording may continue indefinitely.
▪Some phone networks may require both the calling and called party to hang up before the call is cleared completely. Even through the interviewer might have hung up his/her phone, the dialer doesn't hang up and this can keep the call alive. Denmark as one country where this happens.
Setting up the RemoteExtensions project
1 Edit the script using UNICOM Intelligence Professional and, in the routing section, replace the dummy IP addresses with the IP addresses of the dialers that remote interviewers are to use.
2 Create a project for this script. Then upload the .mdd file and activate the project.
3 Send remote interviewers the URL for running interviews on this project and tell them which dialers they may use.
Running the RemoteExtensions script
If you are an interviewer who is working remotely, proceed as follows:
1 Connect to the remote computer using VPN or a similar connection tool.
2 Open a browser window and run the URL for the RemoteExtensions project.
3 When prompted, choose a dialer from the list and enter your telephone number. Click Next to have the dialer call you on that number.
4 When the dialer calls, answer the phone and leave it off-hook. The script tells you what extension you are connected to.
5 Open a new browser window and start UNICOM Intelligence Interviewer - Server Admin.
6 Select a project to work on, start Phone Participants, and enter the extension number you are using.
The dialer selects numbers and passes connected calls to you in the usual way.
7 When it is time to stop work, close the last call and then close Phone Participants.
8 Place your phone on-hook.
9 In the RemoteExtensions browser window, click Next to close the connection to the dialer.
Note The dialer should release your telephone line as soon you place your phone on-hook. Sometimes you may have to wait a minute or so for this to happen. If you have to wait, try not to keep picking up your phone to check the line as this may mislead the dialer into thinking you are still working. Very occasionally you may find that the dialer does not release your line at all. If this happens, contact your supervisor using a different telephone line or email to have your line manually released.
See also