ODK Aggregate provides a ready to deploy server repository to: manage collected data, provide standard interfaces to extract data (e.g., spreadsheets, queries, etc.), and integrate with existing systems via web requests. ODK Aggregate can run on Google's App Engine which allows users to avoid the difficulties of setting up their own scalable web service. ODK Aggregate also runs on a Tomcat server backed with MySQL or PostgreSQL.

Installation

1. Please read all the instructions and notes before beginning.
2. Make sure you have used ODK Collect and are familiar with how it works.
3. Next, try the ODK Aggregate demo server to explore the core functionality.
4. Make sure Java 6 or higher is installed on the computer you plan to use. If it is not, download and install it.
5. Decide whether to install a local instance or an App Engine instance. We strongly recommend you try an App Engine instance first.

Installing an App Engine Instance

1. You'll need to setup a App Engine account. These accounts are free (under these terms). You will need to be able to receive a text message from Google to verify your account.
2. Once you're logged into your App Engine account, click on the "Create Application" button, choose an application identifier (e.g., my-app-id) and application title, and click on "Save." The identifier determines your url and can never be changed.
3. Download ODK Aggregate vN.N.N, unzip and run it.
4. The installer will guide you through configuring ODK Aggregate for App Engine and then launch a script to finalize the install.

Installing a Local Instance

1. Download ODK Aggregate vN.N.N, unzip and run it.
2. The installer will guide you through configuring ODK Aggregate for a Tomcat and MySQL/PostgreSQL install and then launch a script to finalize the install.

Using the Application

1. You can now design and upload form definitions to Aggregate. Once you do that, you will be able to download forms to ODK Collect.
2. Submitted data once in ODK Aggregate can be viewed, exported, mapped and deleted.
3. Refer to the inline help in ODK Aggregate (near the login button) for more detailed instructions.

Useful Notes

• The developer wiki has release notes and tips on Aggregate troubleshooting (and App Engine troubleshooting).
• Google App Engine servers may be located anywhere in the world. Depending on the sensitivity of the data and specific storage rules/restrictions, the server infrastructure may not have all necessary security precautions (such as encryption). It is the organization's responsibility to research and comply with applicable laws and regulations before storing data on Google App Engine. The organization is also responsible for taking the appropriate security precautions and educating users that the information will be available to the organization and stored on Google servers as specified in the Google App Engine Terms of Service.
• Looking for other servers? Try ODK Briefcase (for local offline storage), FormHub (for free data hosting on the cloud), DataHQ (like Aggregate but in Python), RapidSMS (for SMS integration) or OpenMRS (for medical records).