Whereas it is possible to co-locate the pure AMSS function and the database management function on a single computer. The operations related to the two functions as well as software maintenance are normally performed by different staff categories. Hence, the need for having a separate Database Management System (DBMS) module on the LAN. The sub-system is to decode, reformat and quality control all data received from the AMSS. The data would subsequently be made available to ALL product-generating modules. Because DBMS module must have a rather extended time (up to several months) data storage capability and be available at all times.

The module should therefore consist of:

• Either two file servers with high capacity hard disk drives and configured with data replication.
• Or one such a file server with appropriate fault tolerance, such as disk mirroring, RAID, etc., to guarantee data availability.

In the initial stages of the GDPS computerisation process the DBMS module could also be used for (mere) displaying and printing data/products. When the Operational Weather Forecasting Module comes on stream in the Product Generating sub-system the displaying and printing can then be performed by the module where further processing of the DBMS data will be performed too.

• Either 2 types (f) PC systems (to ensure data replication) or 1 type (f) PC system which should now have 3-4 hot swappable disk drives.
• Colour Scanner

• Windows 2000 (Operating System + File Server)
• PCGRIDS or Missir Vision or Other
• ORACLE DBMS
• Climos (SAWB)