The International Species Information System (ISIS), in cooperation with other representatives of the zoological community, is designing the next generation of software for the data management needs of zoos and aquariums worldwide. The Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS) will replace the current ISIS software to provide a more accurate and comprehensive database of animal inventories. More than 500 animal-care experts from zoos, aquariums and related organizations worldwide will participate in the project. ISIS works closely with the International Animal Data Information Systems Committee (IADISC).
ZIMS will allow users to see collections of animal data in real time, and will enhance local care and international conservation efforts by providing faster and better accesss to species information. When complete, ZIMS will be available in three models; each institution can chose the model that is best suited to their needs. The models include:
ZIMS ASP model
Functioning like an online bank or airline reservation system, this application allows users to conduct transactions through a dedicated website. This version is suitable for small to medium zoos and aquaria with few users and fast internet connections.
ZIMS locally-hosted model
This model works like a ticketing or finance system, in that ZIMS will “talk” to other applications. This model assumes that the institution is medium to large in size with in-house IT expertise available. You should use this model if your institution has legal requirements to keep a copy of your own data on your own servers.
ZIMS stand-alone model
This is a single-computer version for the institution that has limited internet connectivity, only one or two people using the system and no IT expertise available. Training members on ZIMS is expected to take place in 2006.
The ZIMS Project is one of the largest, international web-based projects of its kind. ZIMS will serve as the central repository for accurate and comprehensive information on two million animals in more than 70 countries. For more information on ZIMS visit the ISIS website at < http://www.isis.org> or the ZIMS project site at < http://www.zims.org>.
