GOOD PRACTICES FOR DATA DISSEMINATION Juraj Riecan Director, UN-ESCWA Statistics Division

Overview of dissemination practices Traditional databases Front-ending Process-oriented architecture From recordsets to data cubes

Current dissemination practices Static file formats Spreadsheets National databases

√ X > Static files Fully controlled presentation Combine data, text, charts Quick, easy, cheap √ Only a snapshot Data not downloadable Manual updates X Key indicators Highlights >

√ X > Spreadsheets Easy format for data analysis Downloadable, Customizable √ Users have to download all Manual updates X Data files for further analysis >

√ X > National databases Customized queries Flexible downloads Easy updates √ Important implementation costs IT infrastructure System maintenance X General data dissemination >

Traditional databases

Front-ending Database 3 Database 2 Database 1

Process oriented architecture Production Database Database 3 Dissemination Database Database 2 Database 1

Statbank SuperWEB DevInfo New Chronos Beyond 20/20 PC-Axis OECD.Stat Dissemination Database DevInfo New Chronos Beyond 20/20 PC-Axis OECD.Stat

From recordsets to hypercubes Relational databases Hypercubes

Evolution from paper records Record = data item & metadata Recordsets Evolution from paper records Sequential reading Record = data item & metadata

Standard Query Language (SQL) Generic database tools Relational Databases Reporting country Trade Volume Importing country Flexibility Exporting country Standard Query Language (SQL) Generic database tools

Data Cube (Hypercube) Age Country 2001 2002 2003 2004 Year 65+ 16-64 0-15 Country C Country Country B Country A 2001 2002 2003 2004 Year

Combining multiple classification Easy cross-tabulation Data Cube (Hypercube) √ Most common approach √ Flexible √ Expandable √ Combining multiple classification √ Easy cross-tabulation

Conclusion – Summary Process oriented Architecture Dissemination databases Hypercube data model

THANK YOU riecan@un.org