This project is based on the "Open SkyQuery" initiative originating at Johns Hopkins University , an initiative to open up the SkyQuery architecture from its .NET and SqlServer specific heritage. A SkyQuery system built from Edinburgh's data access and integration services will form the starting point for this effort. This system will be called "EdSkyQuery-G".

From the SkyQuery website:

SkyQuery is a prototype of a Federated database application, implemented using a set of interoperating Web Services. This is a good demo of how typical applications in the Virtual Observatory will look like. [The original] application was developed using Microsoft Visual Studio.NET.

The purpose of this project is to set up two SkyNodes based on two different Grid data service architectures - OGSA-DAI from EPCC and Eldas from Edikt. These nodes will be federated by a common service called the "Service Manager" which will be designed and built to work with either and both Grid data service platforms.

Initially this will be a "closed" system in the sense that we do not intend to provide a public service based on the results of this project. However, depending upon the successful completion of this work, a subsequent public demonstrator could be deployed via NeSC, for instance.

More information is available from the project's NeSCForge development site .