IMS budget request

Projects described in the IMS budget request for 2009-2012

Possible future IMS development is described in the IMS budget request 2009-2012. This document describes 10 individual projects in detail, and gives summaries of other possible projects for which more information is needed before a detailed project description can be provided. The majority of the individual project descriptions are based on feedback and request from users of the IMS as well as advisory and working groups in the Cochrane Collaboration.

Summary

The IMS contributes directly to the core business objectives of The Cochrane Collaboration, and gives the Collaboration a unique advantage over other publishers. With adequate investment, it will continue to increase the Collaboration’s market value.

The projects contained in the proposal will provide advances in three main areas:

  • Performance, stability and sustainability – by improving the core system and consolidating knowledge retention.

  • Information utilisation  - by adding and expanding functionality for information storage, handling and sharing. 

  • User efficiency and satisfaction – by improving flexibility and ease of use.

Project descriptions

Project
 Summary Status
1.a & 1.b - Improve Archie performance by updating hardware and database The outdated Archie servers should be replaced by state of the art hardware, to substantially improve performance.

Archie’s database should be brought up to date by replacing Microsoft SQL Server 2000 with the 2008 version.		 Funding approved.
In progress.
1.c & 1.d - Review and improve Archie’s technical platform The application server should be updated to the latest version, in order to create a strong platform for future development of Archie.

A pilot project should be undertaken to identify new technologies to improve the performance of Archie
 Funding approved.
In progress.
2 - Workflow and tracking system Resources should be allocated to allow completion of the workflow and tracking system, the third and final phase of the ‘new’ IMS (following the establishment of the contacts database and the implementation of RevMan 5). Funding approved.
In progress.
3 - Technical documentation The essential technical documentation that would minimise the high risk of severe disruption of IMS development and maintenance should be prepared. Funding approved.
In progress.
4 - Replacement for Parent Database Replace the Parent Database with an integrated Archie module.   Funding approved.
In progress.
5 - Improve searching functionality Develop Archie’s search functionality to ensure it meets the needs of current users and is better placed to respond to future needs. Not funded.
6 - RevMan 5.1 To plan for the development of a major (but non-mandatory) update to RevMan (RevMan 5.1) that includes the features recommended by the RAG and would improve the use of the software. Funding approved.
Pending specifications.
     
A - Review monitoring system A pilot project that will deliver a core system for monitoring changes to Cochrane Reviews and a business plan for further development and marketing of the proposed service.
  Not funded.
B – Online text editor Identify a more advanced online text editor that will cover the needs of editors of the text of the module document as well as of authors (to allow them to edit the text of their reviews online, if this is approved by the Collaboration) Funding approved.
C – Cross-referencing between reviews To provide cross-referencing facilities for Cochrane reviews in Archie. Funding approved.
D - Evaluation of Archie interface  
Determine Collaboration priorities;, analyse how well the current interface meets the requirements associated with these priorities; and develop a proposal for addressing identified shortcomings.		 Not funded.

 

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