Remote Access

The remote access system allows researchers to communicate with an automated system via e-mail to analyze restricted data. Remote access provides the convenience of performing analysis from any computer at any time, but it has several limitations. Please read all of the following information before choosing remote access as your mode of access.

Remote access is designed for researchers who are proficient with SAS and SUDAAN. These are the only statistical packages available. The remote access system cannot allow certain SAS/SUDAAN procedures. Please read the SAS/SUDAAN Restrictions.

Before You Begin

Read SAS/SUDAAN Restrictions [PDF - 68 KB] and plan your statistical programming accordingly.
You must use a secure university, government, or corporate e-mail address to submit statistical code. Free or web-based e-mail accounts cannot be used, even in forwarding mode.
You will need to create a username and password.
You will need to indicate the date you would like your subscription to begin and for how many months you would like it to last.
You will receive an email from the remote access system administrator outlining the procedures and rules for using the RDC remote access system. You must send a reply email agreeing to comply.

Details of Working with Remote Access

At no time will you be able to see individual data records (microdata). You will send SAS/SUDAAN code via e-mail and receive their output via e-mail, without direct access to the data.
The remote system is designed for researchers who are proficient with SAS and SUDAAN. We do not provide technical support for SAS/SUDAAN. We are not set up to provide help on syntax or functionalities of SAS/SUDAAN procedures.
You can use only standard SAS and SUDAAN statistical procedures to carry out your analyses. Macros are not allowed. If you wish to use other statistical software such as STATA, HLM, or SPSS, you must conduct your research on site.
You cannot create permanent data sets on the remote access system. You may write intermediate results, values, and temporary datasets in the "work" directory. All the values and information stored in the "work" directory will disappear as soon as SAS finishes execution of your job. Any attempt to write to the hard drive will abort your run and the system will inform you of the violation.
Although the remote system works around the clock, please bear in mind that RDC Analysts are available only during normal office hours (Monday through Friday, except federal holidays). Your comments, suggestions, and questions regarding performance, operations, and availability will be addressed during normal business hours.
Simultaneous, multiple-job submissions are prohibited. You are allocated a single slot where the data request rests until serviced. It is important that you wait for results from the previously submitted job before sending the next one. Any job received while the slot is full will be eliminated without any communication.
To provide fair service to all the subscribers, the system will allow a maximum of one hour to finish execution of a job. Please model data requests accordingly (e.g. instead of submitting one time consuming job, submit many short jobs).
The remote system delivers the log file and output file (.lst file). The maximum size that most of email systems can handle is 5 MB. Output larger than 5MB may not be delivered.

Remote Access Rules

Remote access users can only submit statistical code related to the analysis plan outlined in the research proposal. If additional/different analyses are desired, they must first be discussed with your RDC Analyst and may require a new or amended proposal.
Remote access rights are only granted to one person. Only that person can submit data requests and receive output from the remote access system (ANDRE).
Any attempt to circumvent ANDRE to obtain prohibited information that may result in a disclosure will result in an immediate suspension of the account and possible legal actions.
Output results that pose a disclosure risk will be suppressed. Additional cells or values may be suppressed to maintain confidentiality (complementary suppression).
Output will be returned in a text file via email.

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