Chap 4
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1 Collect Observations, Generate Products, Create Metadata and Archive Information
2 Assign User Role
3 Maintain and Expose Catalogue of Services and Information
4 Authorise Access to Information by Users
5 Deliver Information to Users (Internal and External)
6 Manage System Performance
Note: WIS is concerned with data management and telecommunications aspects but the actual content of data and products is out of scope for WIS itself. Such content is a matter for the specific programme supported.
4.2.2 The required standard interfaces to these functions are described in the WIS Technical Specifications (section 5 in this Manual on WIS).
Note: The phrase "information intended for global exchange" encompasses time-critical and operation-critical information (data and products). This includes "essential data" and part of the "additional data", as specified in WMO Resolution 25 (Cg-XIII) and Resolution 40 (Cg-XII).
4.5.2 Receive Information from GISC Area
4.5.2.1 Each GISC shall receive information intended for global exchange from NCs and DCPCs within its area of responsibility. This requirement also intersects the WIS Discovery Access and Retrieval (DAR) requirement, noted here following.
4.5.2.2 See also sections 5.2, WIS-TechSpec-1 (Uploading of Metadata for Data and Products), and 5.3, WIS-TechSpec-2 (Uploading of Data and Products).
4.5.3 Exchange Information with Other GISCs
4.5.3.1 Each GISC shall exchange information intended for global exchange with other GISCs. Each GISC shall collect such information from its area and exchange with other GISCs so that each GISC has such information from all GISCs.
4.5.3.2 GISCs should employ the MTN and associated collaborative mechanisms to achieve the exchange efficiently, and without detriment to the performance of any GISC.
4.5.3.3 See also section 5.4, WIS-TechSpec-3 (Centralization of Globally Distributed Data).
4.5.4 Disseminate Information to GISC Area
4.5.4.1 Each GISC shall disseminate information to NCs and DCPCs within its area of responsibility, including but not limited to the information intended for global exchange.
4.5.4.2 See also sections: 5.11, WIS-TechSpec-10 (Downloading Files via Dedicated Networks); 5.12, WIS-TechSpec-11 (Downloading Files via Non-dedicated Networks); 5.13, WIS-TechSpec-11 (Downloading Files via Other Methods).
4.5.5 Maintain 24 hour Cache
4.5.5.1 Each GISC shall hold the information intended for global exchange for at least 24 hours and make it available via WMO request/reply ("Pull") mechanisms. This requirement intersects the WIS Discovery Access and Retrieval (DAR) requirement, noted here following.
4.5.5.2 See also sections: 5.4, WIS-TechSpec-3 (Centralization of Globally Distributed Data); 5.5, WIS-TechSpec-4 (Maintenance of User Identification and Role Information); 5.6, WIS-TechSpec-5 (Consolidated View of Distributed Identification and Role Information).
4.5.6 Discovery Access and Retrieval
4.5.6.1 In support of the Discovery, Access and Retrieval (DAR) function, each GISC shall maintain and provide access to a comprehensive catalogue of information across all WMO programmes encompassed by WIS. This includes, but is not limited to, information intended for global exchange. To satisfy the DAR functional requirement, GISCs are required to support, in interactive and batch modes: upload, change and delete of metadata; user discovery of metadata; user access to metadata; and synchronization of the WIS comprehensive metadata catalogue with other GISCs.
4.5.6.2 See also sections 5.9, WIS-TechSpec-8 (DAR Catalogue Search and Retrieval), and 5.10, WIS-TechSpec-9 (Consolidated View of Distributed DAR Metadata Catalogues).
4.5.7 Data Network Connectivity of GISC
Each GISC shall provide around-the-clock connectivity to the public and dedicated communication networks at a capacity that is sufficient to meet its global and regional responsibilities. Each GISC should assure the appropriate level of availability and capacity for every telecommunications facility employed in support of WIS, to include as necessary routing and backup arrangements. Each GISC should maintain service level agreements with suppliers of its communication links and associated hardware.
4.5.8 Coordinate Telecommunications in GISC Area
Each GISC shall co-ordinate with the Centres within its area of responsibility a WIS telecommunications infrastructure that can meet the WIS requirements for information exchange within the area. In the case of particular global and/or regional agreements, a GISC could also support the exchange of agreed WIS time critical and operational critical information with other areas. The telecommunications infrastructure is implemented through various technologies and services (for example, Internet, satellite-based data distribution, dedicated data network) in accordance with capacity and reliability requirements.
4.5.9 Recovery Arrangements of a GISC
Each GISC shall implement and operate proper procedures and arrangements to provide swift recovery or backup of its essential services in the event of an outage. Each GISC shall maintain arrangements for its essential services to be taken up by another GISC in case of an incapacitating system failure. Each GISC should maintain arrangements for system back up in case of total site failure (for example, an offsite Disaster Recovery Centre) and for partial back up in cases otherwise affecting WIS functions within the GISC.
4.5.10 Performance Monitoring of a GISC
4.5.10.1 Each GISC shall participate in monitoring the performance of WIS, including monitoring the collection and distribution of data and products intended for global exchanges. Each GISC shall report routinely to other GISCs and to WMO Secretariat information concerning the status and performance of connectivity to WIS Centres in its area, including capacity as well as technology used (for example, Internet, satellite-based data distribution, dedicated data network). CBS shall review and report on the status and performance of GISCs with the assistance of the WMO Secretariat.
4.5.10.2 Monitoring of the collection and dissemination of WIS information (data and products) should include, as appropriate, Integrated World Weather Watch Monitoring and other programme-related monitoring.
4.5.10.3 See also sections 5.16, WIS-TechSpec-15 (Reporting of Quality of Service).
Note: The term information is used in a general sense and includes data and products.
The specific performance and functional requirements of a particular DCPC shall be determined by the programme it supports. DCPCs that support programmes with mission-critical responsibilities, and especially programmes with safety-of-life missions, shall maintain a high level of operational reliability, including required telecommunications. Each DCPC shall provide metadata describing the information it makes available through the WIS comprehensive catalogue, shall provide access to that information, and shall participate in monitoring the overall performance of WIS.
4.6.2 Collect Information from DCPC Area
4.6.2.1 As appropriate to its programme role, a DCPC shall collect information intended for dissemination to NCs within its area of responsibility (that is, regional collections).
4.6.2.2 See also sections 5.2, WIS-TechSpec-1 (Uploading of Metadata for Data and Products), and 5.3, WIS-TechSpec-2 (Uploading of Data and Products).
4.6.3 Collect Programme-Related Information
4.6.3.1 As appropriate to its programme role, a DCPC shall collect the specific programme-related data and products.
4.6.3.2 See also sections 5.2, WIS-TechSpec-1 (Uploading of Metadata for Data and Products), and 5.3, WIS-TechSpec-2 (Uploading of Data and Products).
4.6.4 Production Support of Programme-Related Information
4.6.4.1 As appropriate to its programme role, a DCPC shall provide data management and data communications adequate to support the production of regional or specialized data and products.
4.6.4.2 See also sections 5.2, WIS-TechSpec-1 (Uploading of Metadata for Data and Products), and 5.3, WIS-TechSpec-2 (Uploading of Data and Products).
4.6.5 Provide Information Intended for Global Exchange
4.6.5.1 As appropriate to its programme role, each DCPC shall provide information intended for global exchange to its responsible GISC.
4.6.5.2 See also sections 5.2, WIS-TechSpec-1 (Uploading of Metadata for Data and Products), and 5.3, WIS-TechSpec-2 (Uploading of Data and Products).
4.6.6 Disseminate Information
4.6.7.1 Each DCPC shall support access to its products via WMO request/reply (”Pull”) mechanisms in an appropriate manner.
4.6.7.2 See also sections: 5.5, WIS-TechSpec-4 (Maintenance of User Identification and Role Information); 5.7, WIS-TechSpec-6 (Authentication of a User); 5.8, WIS-TechSpec-7 (Authorization of a User Role).
4.6.8 Describe Information with Metadata
4.6.8.1 Each DCPC shall describe its data and products according to an agreed WMO metadata standard, provide access to this catalogue of data and products, and provide this metadata as appropriate to other centres, in particular a GISC.
4.6.8.2 See also sections: 5.9, WIS-TechSpec-8 (DAR Catalogue Search and Retrieval); 5.10, WIS-TechSpec-9 (Consolidated View of Distributed DAR Metadata Catalogues).
4.6.9 Recovery Arrangements of a DCPC
As appropriate to its programme role, each DCPC shall implement and operate proper procedures and arrangements to provide swift recovery or backup of their essential services in the event of an outage.
4.6.10 Performance Monitoring of a DCPC
4.6.10.1 Each DCPC shall participate in monitoring the performance of WIS.
4.6.10.2 See also sections 5.16, WIS-TechSpec-15 (Reporting of Quality of Service).
4.7.1.1 As required per WMO No. 49, Vol. I, A.3, each NC shall use WIS to provide data and products, in accord with its programme responsibilities. These shall be provided with associated metadata, in accordance with WIS practices, procedures and specifications.
4.7.1.2 See also sections 5.2, WIS-TechSpec-1 (Uploading of Metadata for Data and Products), and 5.3, WIS-TechSpec-2 (Uploading of Data and Products).
4.7.2 Collect Programme-Related Information
4.7.2.1 As appropriate to its programme role, each NC shall collect programme-related data and products.
4.7.2.2 See also sections 5.2, WIS-TechSpec-1 (Uploading of Metadata for Data and Products), and 5.3, WIS-TechSpec-2 (Uploading of Data and Products).
4.7.3 Production Support of Programme-Related Information
4.7.3.1 As appropriate to its programme role, each NC shall provide data management and data communications adequate to support the production of data and products.
4.7.3.2 See also sections 5.2, WIS-TechSpec-1 (Uploading of Metadata for Data and Products), and 5.3, WIS-TechSpec-2 (Uploading of Data and Products).
4.7.4 Describe Information with Metadata
4.7.4.1 Each NC shall describe its data and products according to an agreed WMO standard and provide this information as appropriate to other centres.
4.7.4.2 See also sections: 5.9, WIS-TechSpec-8 (DAR Catalogue Search and Retrieval).
4.7.5 Performance Monitoring of an NC
4.7.5.1 As required per WMO No. 49, Vol. I, A.3, each NC shall participate in monitoring the performance of WIS.
4.7.5.2 See also sections 5.16, WIS-TechSpec-15 (Reporting of Quality of Service).
4 FUNCTIONS OF WIS
4.1 Roles in and Review of WIS Functions
An ongoing process for understanding user requirements, including quality of service, shall determine the functional scope and physical sizing of WIS, thereby to ensure that WIS continues to be responsive to the current and future needs of the supported programmes. All supported programmes and Technical Commissions shall participate in this process, which shall be part of general WMO requirements reviews.4.2 List of WIS Functions
4.2.1 WIS Centres collectively support the major WIS functions listed here:1 Collect Observations, Generate Products, Create Metadata and Archive Information
2 Assign User Role
3 Maintain and Expose Catalogue of Services and Information
4 Authorise Access to Information by Users
5 Deliver Information to Users (Internal and External)
6 Manage System Performance
Note: WIS is concerned with data management and telecommunications aspects but the actual content of data and products is out of scope for WIS itself. Such content is a matter for the specific programme supported.
4.2.2 The required standard interfaces to these functions are described in the WIS Technical Specifications (section 5 in this Manual on WIS).
4.3 Functional Architecture of WIS
Note: Guide to WIS 4.3 references the Functional Architecture of WIS, provided as supplementary guidance for WIS Centres in a technical document.4.4 Data Flow among WIS Functions
Note: Guide to WIS 4.4 provides, as supplementary guidance for WIS Centres, a data flow model of the WIS functional architecture for the required WIS functions, illustrating a possible implementation of major WIS functions.4.5 Functional Requirements of a GISC
4.5.1 GeneralNote: The phrase "information intended for global exchange" encompasses time-critical and operation-critical information (data and products). This includes "essential data" and part of the "additional data", as specified in WMO Resolution 25 (Cg-XIII) and Resolution 40 (Cg-XII).
4.5.2 Receive Information from GISC Area
4.5.2.1 Each GISC shall receive information intended for global exchange from NCs and DCPCs within its area of responsibility. This requirement also intersects the WIS Discovery Access and Retrieval (DAR) requirement, noted here following.
4.5.2.2 See also sections 5.2, WIS-TechSpec-1 (Uploading of Metadata for Data and Products), and 5.3, WIS-TechSpec-2 (Uploading of Data and Products).
4.5.3 Exchange Information with Other GISCs
4.5.3.1 Each GISC shall exchange information intended for global exchange with other GISCs. Each GISC shall collect such information from its area and exchange with other GISCs so that each GISC has such information from all GISCs.
4.5.3.2 GISCs should employ the MTN and associated collaborative mechanisms to achieve the exchange efficiently, and without detriment to the performance of any GISC.
4.5.3.3 See also section 5.4, WIS-TechSpec-3 (Centralization of Globally Distributed Data).
4.5.4 Disseminate Information to GISC Area
4.5.4.1 Each GISC shall disseminate information to NCs and DCPCs within its area of responsibility, including but not limited to the information intended for global exchange.
4.5.4.2 See also sections: 5.11, WIS-TechSpec-10 (Downloading Files via Dedicated Networks); 5.12, WIS-TechSpec-11 (Downloading Files via Non-dedicated Networks); 5.13, WIS-TechSpec-11 (Downloading Files via Other Methods).
4.5.5 Maintain 24 hour Cache
4.5.5.1 Each GISC shall hold the information intended for global exchange for at least 24 hours and make it available via WMO request/reply ("Pull") mechanisms. This requirement intersects the WIS Discovery Access and Retrieval (DAR) requirement, noted here following.
4.5.5.2 See also sections: 5.4, WIS-TechSpec-3 (Centralization of Globally Distributed Data); 5.5, WIS-TechSpec-4 (Maintenance of User Identification and Role Information); 5.6, WIS-TechSpec-5 (Consolidated View of Distributed Identification and Role Information).
4.5.6 Discovery Access and Retrieval
4.5.6.1 In support of the Discovery, Access and Retrieval (DAR) function, each GISC shall maintain and provide access to a comprehensive catalogue of information across all WMO programmes encompassed by WIS. This includes, but is not limited to, information intended for global exchange. To satisfy the DAR functional requirement, GISCs are required to support, in interactive and batch modes: upload, change and delete of metadata; user discovery of metadata; user access to metadata; and synchronization of the WIS comprehensive metadata catalogue with other GISCs.
4.5.6.2 See also sections 5.9, WIS-TechSpec-8 (DAR Catalogue Search and Retrieval), and 5.10, WIS-TechSpec-9 (Consolidated View of Distributed DAR Metadata Catalogues).
4.5.7 Data Network Connectivity of GISC
Each GISC shall provide around-the-clock connectivity to the public and dedicated communication networks at a capacity that is sufficient to meet its global and regional responsibilities. Each GISC should assure the appropriate level of availability and capacity for every telecommunications facility employed in support of WIS, to include as necessary routing and backup arrangements. Each GISC should maintain service level agreements with suppliers of its communication links and associated hardware.
4.5.8 Coordinate Telecommunications in GISC Area
Each GISC shall co-ordinate with the Centres within its area of responsibility a WIS telecommunications infrastructure that can meet the WIS requirements for information exchange within the area. In the case of particular global and/or regional agreements, a GISC could also support the exchange of agreed WIS time critical and operational critical information with other areas. The telecommunications infrastructure is implemented through various technologies and services (for example, Internet, satellite-based data distribution, dedicated data network) in accordance with capacity and reliability requirements.
4.5.9 Recovery Arrangements of a GISC
Each GISC shall implement and operate proper procedures and arrangements to provide swift recovery or backup of its essential services in the event of an outage. Each GISC shall maintain arrangements for its essential services to be taken up by another GISC in case of an incapacitating system failure. Each GISC should maintain arrangements for system back up in case of total site failure (for example, an offsite Disaster Recovery Centre) and for partial back up in cases otherwise affecting WIS functions within the GISC.
4.5.10 Performance Monitoring of a GISC
4.5.10.1 Each GISC shall participate in monitoring the performance of WIS, including monitoring the collection and distribution of data and products intended for global exchanges. Each GISC shall report routinely to other GISCs and to WMO Secretariat information concerning the status and performance of connectivity to WIS Centres in its area, including capacity as well as technology used (for example, Internet, satellite-based data distribution, dedicated data network). CBS shall review and report on the status and performance of GISCs with the assistance of the WMO Secretariat.
4.5.10.2 Monitoring of the collection and dissemination of WIS information (data and products) should include, as appropriate, Integrated World Weather Watch Monitoring and other programme-related monitoring.
4.5.10.3 See also sections 5.16, WIS-TechSpec-15 (Reporting of Quality of Service).
4.6 Functional Requirements of a DCPC
4.6.1 GeneralNote: The term information is used in a general sense and includes data and products.
The specific performance and functional requirements of a particular DCPC shall be determined by the programme it supports. DCPCs that support programmes with mission-critical responsibilities, and especially programmes with safety-of-life missions, shall maintain a high level of operational reliability, including required telecommunications. Each DCPC shall provide metadata describing the information it makes available through the WIS comprehensive catalogue, shall provide access to that information, and shall participate in monitoring the overall performance of WIS.
4.6.2 Collect Information from DCPC Area
4.6.2.1 As appropriate to its programme role, a DCPC shall collect information intended for dissemination to NCs within its area of responsibility (that is, regional collections).
4.6.2.2 See also sections 5.2, WIS-TechSpec-1 (Uploading of Metadata for Data and Products), and 5.3, WIS-TechSpec-2 (Uploading of Data and Products).
4.6.3 Collect Programme-Related Information
4.6.3.1 As appropriate to its programme role, a DCPC shall collect the specific programme-related data and products.
4.6.3.2 See also sections 5.2, WIS-TechSpec-1 (Uploading of Metadata for Data and Products), and 5.3, WIS-TechSpec-2 (Uploading of Data and Products).
4.6.4 Production Support of Programme-Related Information
4.6.4.1 As appropriate to its programme role, a DCPC shall provide data management and data communications adequate to support the production of regional or specialized data and products.
4.6.4.2 See also sections 5.2, WIS-TechSpec-1 (Uploading of Metadata for Data and Products), and 5.3, WIS-TechSpec-2 (Uploading of Data and Products).
4.6.5 Provide Information Intended for Global Exchange
4.6.5.1 As appropriate to its programme role, each DCPC shall provide information intended for global exchange to its responsible GISC.
4.6.5.2 See also sections 5.2, WIS-TechSpec-1 (Uploading of Metadata for Data and Products), and 5.3, WIS-TechSpec-2 (Uploading of Data and Products).
4.6.6 Disseminate Information
4.6.7.1 Each DCPC shall support access to its products via WMO request/reply (”Pull”) mechanisms in an appropriate manner.
4.6.7.2 See also sections: 5.5, WIS-TechSpec-4 (Maintenance of User Identification and Role Information); 5.7, WIS-TechSpec-6 (Authentication of a User); 5.8, WIS-TechSpec-7 (Authorization of a User Role).
4.6.8 Describe Information with Metadata
4.6.8.1 Each DCPC shall describe its data and products according to an agreed WMO metadata standard, provide access to this catalogue of data and products, and provide this metadata as appropriate to other centres, in particular a GISC.
4.6.8.2 See also sections: 5.9, WIS-TechSpec-8 (DAR Catalogue Search and Retrieval); 5.10, WIS-TechSpec-9 (Consolidated View of Distributed DAR Metadata Catalogues).
4.6.9 Recovery Arrangements of a DCPC
As appropriate to its programme role, each DCPC shall implement and operate proper procedures and arrangements to provide swift recovery or backup of their essential services in the event of an outage.
4.6.10 Performance Monitoring of a DCPC
4.6.10.1 Each DCPC shall participate in monitoring the performance of WIS.
4.6.10.2 See also sections 5.16, WIS-TechSpec-15 (Reporting of Quality of Service).
4.7 Functional Requirements of an NC
4.7.1 Provide Data, Products and Metadata4.7.1.1 As required per WMO No. 49, Vol. I, A.3, each NC shall use WIS to provide data and products, in accord with its programme responsibilities. These shall be provided with associated metadata, in accordance with WIS practices, procedures and specifications.
4.7.1.2 See also sections 5.2, WIS-TechSpec-1 (Uploading of Metadata for Data and Products), and 5.3, WIS-TechSpec-2 (Uploading of Data and Products).
4.7.2 Collect Programme-Related Information
4.7.2.1 As appropriate to its programme role, each NC shall collect programme-related data and products.
4.7.2.2 See also sections 5.2, WIS-TechSpec-1 (Uploading of Metadata for Data and Products), and 5.3, WIS-TechSpec-2 (Uploading of Data and Products).
4.7.3 Production Support of Programme-Related Information
4.7.3.1 As appropriate to its programme role, each NC shall provide data management and data communications adequate to support the production of data and products.
4.7.3.2 See also sections 5.2, WIS-TechSpec-1 (Uploading of Metadata for Data and Products), and 5.3, WIS-TechSpec-2 (Uploading of Data and Products).
4.7.4 Describe Information with Metadata
4.7.4.1 Each NC shall describe its data and products according to an agreed WMO standard and provide this information as appropriate to other centres.
4.7.4.2 See also sections: 5.9, WIS-TechSpec-8 (DAR Catalogue Search and Retrieval).
4.7.5 Performance Monitoring of an NC
4.7.5.1 As required per WMO No. 49, Vol. I, A.3, each NC shall participate in monitoring the performance of WIS.
4.7.5.2 See also sections 5.16, WIS-TechSpec-15 (Reporting of Quality of Service).