Changes

To determine the initial configuration of the IMSMA^NG system, it is important to understand the two ways in which IMSMA^NG can be set up and the basic architecture of the system. IMSMA^NG is a client-server software application designed to run in stand-alone or networked mode.

[[Image:Understanding Configuration Options - Standalone Vs Networked Config Comparison.png|center|500px|''Comparison'']]

''Comparison of Standalone and Networked Configuration Options''

</div>

===Standalone===

In a stand-alone system, both the IMSMA^NG client and server are installed on the same computer. The stand-alone configuration is the simpler type of installation: it requires no additional network equipment or infrastructure and is easy to maintain.

<div align="center">

''Standalone Configuration''

</div>

===Networked Configuration===

In a networked client-server configuration, one computer acts as a server and many other computers can connect to it simultaneously over a network, enabling multiple people to access the same data at the same time. A networked installation requires at least two computers and a network infrastructure connecting the computers together. Using a networked installation, a mine action programme can have multiple data entry clerks entering data at the same time.

<div align="center">

''Networked Configuration''

</div>

==Decentralized Information Exchange==

The centralized pattern is characterized by one or more non-overlapping regional sites or authorities that conduct data entry and data quality control for their region. Regional sites also typically perform some regional data analysis designed to support regional operations management and planning. By contrast, the central authority manages the overall data set for the entire country, collecting all regional information in order to perform national planning and produce national statistics.

<div align="center">

''Decentralized Info Exchange''

</div>

Establishing IMSMA^NG with the correct configuration in this complicated context of multiple users and asynchronous data exchange is important to trouble-free operations and high-quality information management. The first step in ensuring the correct configuration is to document the information management flows.

In the following example, mine action field reports are entered at each regional site for the ongoing operations in that region. Field reports are reconciled, linked and approved according to the regional operations needs. Using the export functionality, the regional sites export data on a regular basis (for example, monthly) and send it to the central authority. (Regional information managers can use the search functionality to export the field reports entered since the last data exchange.) The central authority then imports the maXML files from each site and resolves any issues with the imports as well as performs quality control. When the import is complete, the central authority compiles a set of national statistics and then distributes a complete dataset (in the form of a database backup) to each of the regional sites. The regional sites restore the dataset and then import any data entered since the last export was sent to the central authority. When the backup is restored, regular data entry and exchange can continue, based on a common dataset.

<div align="center">

''Decentralized Info Management Flow

</div>

This straightforward approach to decentralized data exchange ensures that all sites regularly receive a complete and authoritative dataset. Other variations on this pattern are possible with varying degrees of increased complexity to meet specific data exchange needs. Regardless of the information exchange pattern selected, there are several key aspects of maintaining decentralized data exchange within IMSMA^NG that must be considered. These aspects are discussed in the following sections.