DevInfo is a database system that harnesses the power of advanced information technology to compile and disseminate data on human development.  In particular, the system has been endorsed by the UN Development Group to assist countries in monitoring achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).  DevInfo provides methods to organize, store and display data in a uniform way to facilitate data sharing at the country level across government departments, UN agencies and development partners.  DevInfo contains simple and user-friendly features that produce tables, graphs and maps for inclusion in reports, presentations and advocacy materials.  The software supports both standard MDG indicators as well as user-defined indicators. DevInfo is compliant with international statistical standards to support open access and widespread data exchange.  DevInfo is distributed royalty-free to all Member States and UN agencies for deployment on both desktops and the web.  The user interface of the system and the contents of the databases supported by the system include country-specific branding and packaging options which have been designed for broad ownership by national authorities. DevInfo has adopted international standards in the areas of indicators (SDMX ISO/TS 17369:2005), data sources (DDI/Dublin Core) and digital maps (ISO 19115:2003).

DevInfo 6.0 - New Version

DevInfo has evolved from a decade of innovations in database systems that support informed decision making and that promote the use of data to advocate for human development. Its utility is being explored and exploited to the benefit of development initiatives around the world. One of the major accomplishments of DevInfo 2008 work plan has produced a newer version of DevInfo 6.0. The new version of the database system, DevInfo 6.0, with significant advancements in usability and a reduced learning curve is planned for an early 2009 release. The community of DevInfo users can look forward to this cutting-edge database technology deployed as a hybrid application for desktop, intranet and internet usage with greater simplicity in usage and intuitive interaction. It offers many new powerful features and easier access to its vast spectrum of data presentation capabilities with lesser clicks.

This new version is built on the experience and insights of thousands of DevInfo users around the world. It contains significant advancements in usability with a reduced learning curve for first-time users. The technology has been optimized to improve performance for large data sets. It includes powerful animated data presentation methods, enhanced web collaboration and extended mapping features. The new version leverages social networking innovations using Web 2.0 technology to enhance inter-user communication and feedback capacities. DevInfo 6.0 includes a Software Development Toolkit to support the development of individually customized applications using this technology. It supports MS Access, MS SQL Server, MySQL and Oracle. The 'all new' features include the launch of a customizable desktop side bar with widgets for gallery objects, RSS feeds with DevInfo news, facts and figures. A parallel minimal install of 'DevInfo Lite' would enable users to run the database tool directly from the CD ROM without installing it on their hard drives.

Objective

These guidelines outline the suggested time frame over five days for each session included in the Database Administration Training. However, adjustments to the agenda may need to be done to meet the needs and expectations of the participants. The agenda for the Database Administration is integrated with the Orientation Seminar and User Interface. In many cases, the Orientation Seminar will be attended by a larger group, including senior officials, to learn about the system. This option gives these officers a chance to see the system and understand what kinds of presentations of data can be generated from the system.

After the orientation, these officials may then designate their professional and support staff to be given hands-on training in the actual use of the database. Each DevInfo training workshop is organized by sessions. Each session begins with a presentation of the key topics included in the session. The presentation is followed by a Step-by-Step exercise to reinforce the concepts learned during the session. Next, participants are given time for hands-on workbook exercises.

This training workshop covers the basic concepts and features of the DevInfo User Interface and Database Administration application. It provides hands-on, step-by-step instructions on how to use the database administration modules to create a database template and then enter data to produce a database. The course also covers the steps required for multiple-language support and customization of the database system to user-specified requirements. On successful completion of this training course, the participants will be able to use the DevInfo Database Administration modules to make new databases and to update/modify existing databases.