Z39.50
Z39.50 is the name of the client/server protocol used to transfer WAIS requests and responses across the Internet (or any other TCP/IP-based network that hosts a WAIS server).
Information users, consumers, and providers, need tools to help them keep up with the explosive growth of networked information, especially on the Internet. ANSI/NISO Z39.50, the American National Standard for information retrieval, can be invaluable in bringing these communities together with the information they seek.
Z39.50 is a computer-to-computer communications protocol designed to support searching and retrieval of information, including full-text documents, bibliographic data, images, multimedia, spreadsheets, and more, in a distributed network environment. Based on client/server architecture and operating over the TCP/IP network and transport protocols, Z39.50 supports an increasing number of applications, chief among which is WAIS (Wide Area Information Servers). Like the ever-changing environment in Z39.50 is used, the standard is evolving along with the needs of information creators, providers, and users.
Z39.50 makes it easier to use large information databases by standardizing the procedures and characteristics used to search for and retrieve information. This protocol supports information retrieval in a distributed, client and server environment where a computer operating as a client submits a search request (i.e., a query) to another computer acting as an information server. Software on the server performs a search on one or more databases and creates a set of records that meet the criteria of the search request. The server returns these records to the client for processing. Z39.50 separates the user interface on the clientÌs side from the information servers, search engines, and databases on the server side. This lets Z39.50 provide a consistent view of information from a wide variety of sources, and lets it integrate information from a range of databases and servers.
ANSI/NISO Z39.50 can be implemented on any computer. Z39.50 enables different computer systems, with different operating systems, hardware, search engines, and database management systems to interoperate. A Z39.50 client implementation enables one interface to access multiple systems providing end users with nearly transparent access to other systems, using the familiar commands and displays from their own local systems. All search results are presented on the local system in formats and styles native to the client environment.
ANSI/NISO Z39.50 has been widely accepted and deployed because it is an American National Standard. NISO developed and maintains Z39.50 using the consensus procedures approved by ANSI, the principal coordinator of voluntary standardization in the United States. Z39.50 is open, not proprietary and remains responsive to the needs of the implementers who use it, and those consumers who benefit from its use.