Biological Information System (BIS): Sh@ring Data and Experiences

Abstract

The technologies underlying the BIS project (Strobl/Blaschka/Heiselmayer 2003) enable a scientific information system paying special attention to open standards and platform independence. We believe we should not strive for homogenizing the scientific database landscape using only one single data exchange path, but focus on optimizing interoperability of diverse systems. The current BIS implementation supports taxonomical, syntaxonomical and distribution data, reflecting research projects hosted at our department. The system does not cover all user requirements, but only those which are really needed, since “return of investment” topics played a central role in the design. BIS permits access with various client platforms. Replacing proprietary software with open source software to implement our XML and OOP based approach we anticipated a general trend in the public sector. BIS' technologies are freely available for low-funded research.