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2 ORGANIZATION AND RESPONSIBILITIES

2.1 Organization of WIS

2.1.1 In keeping with WMO No. 49, Vol I, A.3, Centres operated by WMO Members and their collaborating organizations shall be categorized as one of the three types of WIS Centres forming the core infrastructure of WIS:

• Global Information System Centres (GISCs),
• Data Collection or Production Centres (DCPCs),
• National Centres (NCs).

Refer to 4, Functions of WIS, for the distinct functions of the three types of WIS Centre (GISC, DCPC, NC).

2.1.2 Each Permanent Representative with WMO shall have the responsibility to authorize users of WIS. Authority to manage the process may be delegated.

2.2 Compliance with Required WIS Functions

WIS Centres shall maintain compliance with required WIS functions. The Manual on WIS serves as instruction on practices, procedures and specifications for WIS functions, supplemented by additional information concerning practices, procedures and specifications for WIS functions set out in the Guide to WIS (WMO No. 1061).

2.3 Interaction among WIS Centres

GISCs shall connect to other GISCs by the WIS Core Network, based on the Main Telecommunication Network (MTN). Data, products and metadata shall flow to a GISC from DCPCs and from NCs within its area of responsibility. An Area Meteorological Data Communication Network (AMDCN) shall connect each GISC to DCPCs and NCs in its area of responsibility. An AMDCN may span multiple Regional Meteorological Telecommunication Networks (RMTNs) and parts of RMTNs.

2.4 Parallel Implementation of WIS

WIS shall be implemented in two parallel parts. One part of WIS is the continued evolution of the WMO Global Telecommunication System (GTS). This focuses on further improving the delivery of time-critical and mission-critical data, products, and services including warnings. The other part of WIS extends WMO services through Discovery, Access and Retrieval (DAR) facilities, as well as flexible timely delivery.

2.5 Discovery, Access and Retrieval Function

As required per WMO No. 49, Vol. I, A.3, WIS shall be based on catalogues that contain metadata describing data and products available across WMO, plus metadata describing dissemination and access options. The Discovery, Access and Retrieval (DAR) function of WIS shall be the primary realization of the WIS comprehensive catalogue, maintained collaboratively by all WIS Centres.

2.6 Robustness and Reliability of Components

High robustness and reliability of WIS components are essential to the operation of WIS. Indicators of performance shall be evaluated in the designation procedure for WIS Centres. That evaluation shall include assurance that data content flowing via WIS network technologies fully satisfies requirements for security, authenticity, and reliability. Some aspects of service levels are identified within this Manual on WIS.

2.7 Collection and Dissemination Services

2.7.1 WIS shall provide three types of collection and dissemination services:
- Routine collection and dissemination service for time-critical and operation-critical data and products: This service is based on real-time “push” mechanism including multicast and broadcast; it should be implemented through dedicated telecommunication means providing a guaranteed quality of service.
- Discovery, Access and Retrieval (DAR) service: This service is based on request/reply “pull” mechanism with relevant data management functions; it is implemented through the Internet.
- Timely delivery service for data and products: This service is based on delayed mode “push” mechanism; it is implemented through a combination of dedicated telecommunication means and of public data telecommunication networks, especially the Internet.

2.7.2 WIS shall support the WMO virtual all-hazards network ensuring fast, secure and reliable exchange of alert and warning information, including ITU (International Telecommunication Union) Recommendation X.1303 (Common Alerting Protocol).
Note: The virtual all-hazards network encompasses all of the technical and operational arrangements necessary for the timely handling and delivery of alert and warning information involving WMO.

2.7.3 The goal of the WMO Integrated Global Data Dissemination Service (IGDDS) is to ensure the definition and operational implementation of an efficient circulation scheme of space-based observation data and products meeting the needs of WMO programmes, in the context of WIS. IGDDS shall remain an important component of WIS, mainly for the exchange and dissemination of data and products generated by space-based observing systems.