GBIF has been operating its Prototype Data Portal for biodiversity data (http://www.gbif.net/) since 2004 and is now developing a new portal incorporating lessons learned from these early experiences (to be released at the end of 2006). The aim of this portal will be to provide rapid access to distributed biodiversity data resources from all over the world. The portal should support user access through HTML web browsers, as well as machine access by other portals and analytical tools through web service programming interfaces.

GBIF wishes to receive the widest possible feedback on the existing prototype data portal and user requirements for the new portal. As part of this process, we are offering the following on-line surveys:

1. Feedback and Requirements for use of GBIF Data Portal (responses due by 30 April 2006) – end-user requirements for access to biodiversity data
2. Feedback and Requirements for providers of data to GBIF Data Portal (available soon) – requirements from individuals and organisations sharing data through the GBIF network
3. Technical Feedback on architecture for GBIF Data Portal (available soon) – review of architecture and design for GBIF data portal and its associated web services

For more information on GBIF’s plans for the data portal, please see the GBIF Data Portal Strategy or visit the GBIF Data Portal Design wiki.