NCore: FAQ

What is NCore?

NCore is a collection of open source services for building collaborative infrastructure for digital libraries and repositories.

What does NCore provide for NSDL?

NCore provides a digital library that contains references to STEM resources, metadata that describe those resources, and ways to organize, interrelate, and annotate resources. NCore provides back-end tools and services to support the creation, organization, and indexing of resource references and metadata in the library. Additionally, NCore has developed end-user tools that allow discovering, creating, and organizing library resources and metadata, as well as, creating context, relationships, and annotations for the materials in the library.

What are some key benefits to using NCore?

NCore components are open source which means that they are available for use at no cost. If you chose NCore you will benefit from the fact that NCore is constantly being used, improved and tested in NSDL's large production system. NCore also enables semantic effects by allowing for embedded links to the managed repository in web 2.0 systems, reuse, and scheduled web broadcasting in networked systems. In addition, a number of NCore platform components are available as individual, downloadable, open-source software applications for use in your own solutions.

How will NCore technologies and standards be supported in the future?

Technical Network Services (TNS), funded by the National Science Foundation, supports the NCore platform. TNS is a distributed organization led by Cornell University (PI Carl Lagoze) in partnership with the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (Co-PI Michael Wright) and the University of Colorado at Boulder (Co-PI Tamara Sumner).

Is there an easy way to try NCore?

With the release of EduPak 1.0 NSDL now provides an education digital repository solution bundle that is a general platform for building digital libraries comprised of the Digital Repository, NSDL Collection System, and Digital Discovery System. This all-in-one, open-source digital library bundle provides educational digital library designers and builders with a lightweight version of NCore that is easy-to-use.

Do I need to hire a programmer to use a full suite of NCore services?

Yes. Technical staff will be needed to implement NCore components.

Where can I see examples of NCore in action?

In many services that can be found at NSDL.org. For example, each time you perform a search at NSDL.org, or "view all related information" on a search results page you are using NCore technologies. You might also take a look at Beyond Penguins and Polar Bears, a monthly science and literacy online magazine for K5 teachers focused on polar issues, and NSDL Whiteboard Report, a monthly organizational newsletter presenting news, events and accomplishments about and for NSDL communities. These are examples of serial publications that are created and distributed using On Ramp and Expert Voices. This web site has also been created using On Ramp.

Can I test NCore?

NCore is a suite of open source tools and services. Take a look at the tools and services submenu's for specific information about software you can download and use. You may register at NSDL.org and experiment with Expert Voices and the NSDL Wiki. If you would like permission to blog, contribute wiki articles, or use On Ramp please contact Carol Minton Morris at 607-255-2702.

What systems does NCore run on?

The NSDL architecture is powered by 14 Dell Power Edge servers, Rack Mounted and guarded by a dedicated Firewall. The system takes advantage of Networking Switches by Hewlett Packard, and within the production environment we are utilizing Jumbo frames to ensure a fast network response with plenty of Bandwidth to spare. Our servers are available 24/7, are backed up at the enterprise level nightly by a robust Tiviloi based infrastructure supported by the Cornell Information Systems organization. We are on redundant power switches, part of a professionally manned and secured raised floor.