So far we have built three major databases of this kind. The split in three is caused by differences in data. The first one is intended as an administratively oriented information system in-house. It basically holds data that is not freely available for downloading, but where it would be convenient to give potential users free access to the meta-data components. The starting point is the study , that may be linked to one or more questionnaires , consisting of questions .
Studies result in files of different kinds, residing on media .
Questions give variables in the files, variables may have frequencies or other summary statistics. Users should be able to search in questionnaires to locate questions of interest, look at frequencies before ordering data, or just download documentation created on the fly. It has to be admitted that not all this is yet implemented, presently the database administer some 375 studies, mainly data that we receive from Statistics Norway. It is our opinion that this database has already paid off handsomely the investments. Although the information might seem simple, this database with polling information for a 30-year period have proved to be very valuable and a nice advertising facility for our services.