NDSNET is the consequence of the current situation where - for example - many dialysis and transplantation centres are already equipped with local information systemes (NDS: Nephrology Data Systems) based on heterogeneous hardware and software components that don’t allow direct interconnection of different NDS sites. To achieve interoperability between the different systems it is necessary on one hand to harmonize the data exchange between the partners connected to the network and on the other hand to develop an interface that provides the interconnection of different systems.

NDSNET provides the European Community with an interface between heterogeneous Nephrology Data Systems and the information highways. The NDSNET-Interface is based on international communication standards and is scalable to the needs of the participating NDSNET partners. It consists of a Server and a Client Component. The NDSNET-Server includes a generic part providing high telecommunication and data base functionality to all partners and an NDS (local) site specific component which provides the necessary data conversions from the local data system to the harmonized data base hosted at the NDSNET-Server.

The benefits of NDSNET to the partners and patients are manyfold:

• Mobility of patients is assisted, protected and guaranteed
• Exchange of data on different levels is made possible
• Data security is provided on server, data base and record levels
• Gateways to external systems (EDTA, TECH-networks, WWW) are offered.