Architecture and Functionality of the Advanced Life Support On-Line Project Information System

ABSTRACT An ongoing effort is underway at NASA Ames Research Center (ARC) to develop an On-line Project Information System (OPIS) for the Advanced Life Support (ALS) Program. The objective of this three-year project is to develop, test, revise and deploy OPE to enhance the quality of decision-making metrics and attainment of Program goals through improved knowledge sharing. OPE will centrally locate detailed project information solicited from investigators on an annual basis and make it readily accessible by the ALS Community via a Web- accessible interface. The data will be stored in an object- oriented relational database (created in MySQLQ located on a secure server at NASA ARC. . OPE will simultaneously serve several functions, including being an research and technology development (R&TD) status information hub that can potentially serve as the primary annual reporting mechanism for ALS-funded projects. Using OPIS, ALS managers and element leads will be able