Wallingford Software has unveiled its web server strategy for FloodWorks, the real-time flood forecasting and warning system, which enables remote users to access flood risk data via their web browser.

Wallingford Software has unveiled its web server strategy for FloodWorks, the company's real-time flood forecasting and warning system. The strategy builds on the functionality introduced in version 4.5 of FloodWorks in August this year to enable remote users to access flood risk data via their web browser. Future development phases will extend remote functionality to include the ability to commission flood forecasts and edit flood data remotely.

FloodWorks provides real-time simulation and forecasting of hydrological and hydraulic conditions within river basins, drainage systems and the coastal zone.

Designed for operational use in the control room, FloodWorks is particularly effective for real time flood management, because it both provides forecasts of water level, flood depth and sea state for the hours or days ahead, and automatically disseminates detailed flood warnings as required by local conditions.

Recognizing the need for authorized remote users to access flood risk data, FloodWorks v4.5 adopted thin client architecture so that flood forecast results could be viewed on a password protected web site remotely using a standard web browser.

Hitherto forecast results have been accessible only by users with client computers running the powerful FloodWorks Event Manager software.

Phase two of the web server strategy will extend the remote functionality of FloodWorks to enable authorized users to commission flood forecasts; phase three will build on this further to enable remote users to edit data within FloodWorks.

Tyrone Parkinson, Product Manager for FloodWorks believes this strategy will be widely welcomed by users: 'Flood forecasting is rarely the responsibility of a single individual.

This means that users need flexibility in terms of access to flood risk data, particularly at times of heightened flood risk.

Our strategy for FloodWorks web server directly reflects the user feedback we've been receiving and is further evidence of the Wallingford Software on-going commitment to an ambitious and user-centric approach to product development'.

The phasing of the strategy reflects the different levels of security required in each phase.

Phase one, which was completed with the release of v4.5, involves the external publication of flood risk data to authorised users but involves no other level of user interaction with FloodWorks Web Server.

Using pre-configured XML style sheets for creating flood forecasts, phase two will involve the user inputting data directly into FloodWorks Web Server.

Phase three will build on this further, giving authorized users a similar level of access to data edit functions that is available within the FloodWorks Event Manager software.

'It is essential that we adopt a phased development to ensure that an appropriate level of security is applied to each level of access,' says Tyrone Parkinson.

FloodWorks Web Server is easy to set up with installation available direct from a CD.

Output can also be consolidated from multiple FloodWorks web servers onto a single web site for ease of access.