Phone
There is the software that runs on the phone. Normal users will only use the software on the phone.

Cloud
And there is the software that runs on our servers (i.e. the cloud). Organisational users, such as aid organisations, bussineses, government etc., can access the cloud. The cloud allows you to see the data uploaded by the phone users, and to send data out again to phone users. When ready, the cloud can be accessed by secure log-in in through the PanPhone website.

Smartphone
PanPhone runs on any standard, off-the-shelf, Android smartphone (or even tablets). Android is currently the world's most popular operating system for smartphones. The phone needs a touch screen and requires a screen size of at least 320 x 480 pixels, or 3.5 inches, in order for typing to be easy. This will not be a challenge as most smartphones nowadays will meet that requirement.

Electricity
For users without regular access to electricity, solar chargers for phones are available at some electronics stores.

Mobile network
Access to a mobile data network is needed in order to synchronise data between the phone and the cloud. The speed of the mobile network is not essential, as the amount of data synchronised each day is kept to a minimum. In Malawi, where PanPhone is based, mobile data coverage is fairly widespread and expanding. In our experience, wherever there is a GSM signal, there is normally also at least EDGE data coverage.