Remote Scientific Use Files
Remote Scientific Use Files (Remote SUF) are factually anonymous datasets from official statistics that can be accessed via the RDC’s Remote Access system. The Remote Access system provides convenient data access from within your own scientific institution via a remote desktop application, thus enabling a modern and efficient data analysis.
Requirements
Requirements for the use of the Remote Access system are the successful application for the remote SUF products via the request form and the conclusion of a user contract. Applying institutions must be located in Germany. The Remote Access system may only be accessed within the premises of the contractually specified scientific institution using the institution’s hardware. The following technical requirements must be met:
- Transmission of a fixed IP address or a fixed IP address range of the accessing facility to the RDC for clearance for the Remote Access system
- Installation of a remote desktop application on the institution’s hardware
- Use of a two-factor authentication application
Detailed instructions will be provided during the consultation with your supervising RDC location. All data users must be obligated to statistical confidentiality in accordance with Section 16 (7) of the Federal Statistics Act.
The Remote Access system
After a successful application and technical setup, data users access the RDC's Remote Access system via a remote desktop application. Within the remote system, the requested data can be analysed using either Stata or R. Uploading or downloading data by data users is excluded. Requested external variables are entered into the Remote Access system by the FDZ. The official microdata remain within the Remote Access system and thus within the infrastructure of the Statistical Offices of the Federation and the Federal States. Output generated in the Remote Access system and intended for publication is reviewed for confidentiality by the responsible RDC location and then made available to the data users via email.
Data supply
Currently, factually anonymous remote SUF are available for the microcensus and the DRG statistic. The range will be expanded successively to include further statistics. Details on the content of the remote SUF can be found in the metadata available for download on the respective product pages.
Analysis software
Analyses in the Remote Access system can be syntax-based using either Stata or R as analysis software. When using R, the number of data users per project is limited to three.
FAQ - Frequently asked questions
1. How do I get access to the Remote Access system?
After your successful application for the remote SUF via the application form, you will receive a detailed guide to the system which contains, among other things, the information required to set up an account and the required software.
2. Which requirements have to be fulfilled?
To use the Remote Access system, requirements are that the requesting institution is authorised for use and is located in Germany and that the Remote Access system is only accessed on the premises of the requesting scientific institution within Germany. All data users must be obliged to maintain statistical confidentiality in accordance with Section 16 (7) Federal Statistics Law.
3. Which statistcs can I use as Remote-SUF?
The Remote-SUF is currently available for the microcensus and the DRG statistic. Further statistics will follow successively. We will keep you informed about newly available remote SUF via the RDC website and the RDC newsletter.
4. . Which analysis software can I use to analyse Remote-SUF?
The data can be analysed using Stata or R.
5. Who can I contact if I have any questions?
Your supervising RDC location is your first point of contact for questions about the Remote Access procedure. You will find the correct contact person for specific questions about a particular statistic on the page All data after clicking on the respective statistic.
6. What is a two-factor authentication?
The two-factor authentication (2FA) is a security method that requires users to provide two different types of proof in order to gain access to a system or account. In the case of the Remote Access system, an app that provides one-time passwords is required in addition to the login details.
7. Which app can I use for the two-factor authentication?
We recommend you to use the 2FA app from IT.NRW. Installation instructions will be provided as part of the application process. Alternatively, you can also use common apps from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store for two-factor authentication using one-time passwords.