OOI User Accounts Coming for Data Access

The U.S. National Science Foundation Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI) plans to introduce user accounts for access to OOI data. OOI data will remain free and available to anyone who creates an account. No subscription, institutional affiliation or payment will be required. The change is intended to improve service to users, support reliable data access, and give OOI a better understanding of how the observatory is being used.

OOI will announce the implementation date and provide instructions before login is required. No action is needed now.

Why OOI is introducing user accounts

OOI serves a broad community of researchers, educators, students, government agencies, private organizations, and other users. Most data access today is anonymous, which means OOI has limited information about who is using the data, which services are most useful, and where improvements would have the greatest value.

User accounts will provide clearer information about how OOI data and services are used. This will help OOI make better decisions about data tools, documentation, training, and user support. It will also improve our ability to describe the use and impact of this research facility, funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation.

Authentication will also help OOI manage automated traffic and protect system performance. Many users rely on scripts, APIs, and other automated workflows, and those uses will continue to be supported.

What users can expect

• Better support and documentation. A better understanding of the user community will help OOI focus tutorials, examples, training, and support where they are most needed.
• More reliable data access. Authentication will help OOI distinguish normal research activity from unusually intensive automated traffic that can affect system performance.
• Continued support for automated workflows. OOI will provide guidance for users who access data through APIs, scripts, and other automated systems.
• Better information for future improvements. Usage information will help OOI identify which data products and services are most important to the community.
• A clearer picture of OOI impact. Better information about research, education, government, operational, and commercial use will help OOI and the U.S. National Science Foundation understand how the observatory is serving the community.

What will not change

OOI data will remain free and available to all users who create an account. The account requirement will not introduce a subscription or fee, nor will users need to be affiliated with a particular institution or organization to access OOI data.

OOI will provide advance notice before login is required, including instructions for creating an account and for updating automated data-access workflows. Additional information will also clarify which OOI data services require authentication and what information users will need to provide when creating an account.

Information collected through accounts and data access will be used to understand and improve use of the observatory and support reporting on OOI use and impact. Before login is required, OOI will provide information explaining what account and usage information will be collected, how it will be used, and how it will be protected.

What users need to do

Nothing yet. OOI will provide the implementation date, account-creation instructions, and technical guidance before the new requirement takes effect. Users who access OOI data through scripts, APIs, or other automated workflows will also receive guidance on any changes needed to maintain access.

User accounts will help OOI understand the community it serves and improve the reliability and usefulness of its data services.

Users with questions can contact the OOI HelpDesk.