The European Data Resource (EDR) will provide on-line access to the most important databases in the field of genome mapping, sequencing and analysis, to network services and general information retrieval tools, up-to-date software for the scientific evaluation of genomic data, sequence analysis, mapping, etc. It will upgrade the high-speed network and establish an ATM protocol connection between the EDR nodes. We will make available the services of the EDR for a large user community. At the moment, the EDR serves as a data resource for more than 5000 users. By the end of the proposed time phase the EDR shall serve as a data resource for 10 to 12,000 users.

EDR will support the Integrated Genomic Database (IGD) as a comprehensive software system for the human genome community, help the integration of further data into the IGD, the maintenance of the central IGD server, in co-operation with and support of further IGD server nodes in Europe. Furthermore, it will provide and support telephone hot-lines, electronic-mail, a regular newsletter, database and software documentation, training workshops, technical courses and scientific meetings.