Key Survey Status Descriptions

This page provides information about "status changes" that can affect your use of Key Survey throughout the year.

The Survey-DEC will provide notices for all known status changes both on the News page and in the Key Survey Users mailing list.

A status change is temporary and generally occurs in response to an error in the system, temporary losses of Key Survey staff or if something needs to be updated:

Limited Service or Limited Client Support:

• What is "Limited Service" and how does it affect me?
  • Description: Limited Service generally occurs as a result of prolonged Key Survey staff absences.
  • Duration: This can last anywhere between one and three working weeks.
  • Effects:
    • Survey activation/launch requests will continue to be processed.
    • Activation Status will not be updated during this period.
    • You will get an email to let you know a survey has been activated during this time.
    • Consultations will become unavailable.
    • New Account requests will not be processed until AFTER "Limited Service" has ended.
    • All existing and active surveys will NOT be affected.

Public Holiday:

• What happens during a "Public Holiday"?
  • Description: During public holidays, ALL Key Survey services will become unavailable.
  • Duration: A public holiday normally lasts for one day.
  • Effects:
    • The Key Survey system will continue to run.
    • The system will be checked periodically by administrators.
    • All services normally provided will be unavailable until the public holiday ends.

Service Disruption - Issue:

• What kind of "Service Disruptions" can I expect and how long do they take to fix?
  • Description: A Service Disruption occurs when an error or update forces the Key Survey system to go offline.
  • Duration: This can last anywhere between a few minutes and one working day (depending on severity).
  • Effects:
    • Disruptions occur very rarely and can normally be fixed within a few minutes.
    • Key Survey users and respondents will be unable to answer surveys or login during these periods.
    • The Key Survey website can also become inaccessible during a disruption.

Key Survey Upgrade:

• What does a "Key Survey Upgrade" involve?
  • Description: All current surveys and data are backed-up before a new software version is installed.
  • Duration: The Key Survey system will go offline for about two hours (usually between 6 and 8pm).
  • Effects:
    • Vendors release new Key Survey software as soon as it is developed and tested.
    • Upgrades are actioned after hours to reduce disruptions to users and respondents.
    • If you have an important survey running you can contact the Survey-DEC to discuss rescheduling an upgrade.

Key Survey Update or Bug-Fix Update:

• What's the difference between an "Update" and an "Upgrade"?
  • Description: An update generally involves installing patch files to update features rather than upgrading to a new version.
  • Duration: The Key Survey system will go offline between half and two hours (usually between 6 and 8pm).
  • Effects:
    • Patches are occassionally released to add new features, plug-ins and/or fix software problems.
    • The survey system administrator will reserve two hours (after business hours) to perform an update for testing purposes.
    • If you have an important survey running you can contact the Survey-DEC to discuss rescheduling updates.

Related Pages

• News & Service Updates
• Client Service Disruption Dates
• Apply for an Account
• Request Survey Activation