To date, the use of CAPI software has involved distributing questionnaires, sample and respondents' answers to and from a central location to multiple, distributed PCs or hand-held devices. Most issues involved in administering CAPI surveys relate to scheduling and tracking the distribution (via diskette, e-mail, ftp or direct connection). It is also difficult and time-consuming to distribute changes to a survey, and to have instant access to the data and production statistics during the course of fieldwork. In addition, many CAPI products are standalone products that make it difficult to conduct hybrid CATI/CAPI surveys, or to recruit for CAPI surveys by telephone.

This allows for centralized control over the survey and all sample data—there is no need to distribute scripts and sample files, nor to retrieve response data! The survey, the sample and the responses are always stored on a central server—your field force uses laptop PCs or Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) with an Internet browser to conduct surveys. Instant access to the data allows for instantaneous fieldwork management, reporting and data analysis. Your call center can screen respondents and schedule appointments for CAPI interviews. The sample and screener information is automatically available for the interview and the interviewer can determine his/her schedule though the browser interface.

By enabling your mobile devices with Internet access, your field force can take advantage of Internet functions such as:

• Mapping software, allowing your field force to figure out the best way to go from interview to interview, to know the distance and travel time between points, and to be apprised of traffic situations and other delays.
• E-mail, so you can send additional briefing material, or inform your interviewers of changes to their schedule.
• Scheduling software, for keeping track of appointments.
• If your laptops or PDAs are equipped with a microphone and sound card, Results software can also control voice recording of "open ends."