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The Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS) uses a distributed architecture which permits allocation of EOSDIS elements to various locations to take best advantage of each location's different institutional capabilities and science expertise. EOSDIS includes several major components:

EOSDIS Data Centers

EOSDIS is designed as a distributed system, with major facilities at data centers located throughout the United States. These institutions are custodians of EOS mission data and ensure that data will be easily accessible to users. Acting in concert, the data centers provide reliable, robust services to users whose needs may cross the traditional boundaries of a specific discipline, while continuing to support the particular needs of users within the discipline communities.

Science Investigator-led Processing Systems (SIPS)

Most of the EOS standard products are produced at facilities under the direct control of the instrument Principal Investigators/Team Leaders (PIs/TLs) or their designees at Science Investigator-led Processing Systems (SIPSs). Products produced at the SIPSs using investigator-provided systems and software are sent to appropriate data centers for archival and distribution.

Networks

Effective access to EOSDIS depends on the end-to-end network connectivity between users and geographically distributed EOSDIS data centers. This connectivity is provided by an EOSDIS internal logical network known as the EOS Mission Support network (EMSn) and an external logical network known as the EOS Science Support network (ESSn).

EOS Clearing House (ECHO)

EOSDIS provides convenient mechanisms for locating and accessing products of interest. EOSDIS provides middleware called the EOS Clearing House (ECHO) that provides Application Programmer Interfaces (APIs) through which search and access software (clients) can be developed.

ESDIS Metrics System (EMS)

The Earth Science Data and Information System (ESDIS) Metrics System (EMS) is designed to support the ESDIS project management by collecting and organizing various metrics from the EOSDIS Data Centers and other Data Providers.