The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) of which 185 States and Territories are Members.

The WMO programs are supported in part through the World Weather Watch. The exchange of data and products is accomplished through joint member cooperation and support. The established communications network for data exchange is the Global Telecommunication System (GTS) managed by the Commission for Basic Systems (CBS). The CBS expert teams are composed of members from various UN Member States and the CBS Open Program Area Group (OPAG) on Information Systems and Services works on matters related to the exchange of data for all WMO programs. The National Weather Service, as a supporting member nation, directly supports operational activities in the exchange of data on a world wide bases. The diagram links to the left detail the global communication circuits which support the exchange of data and computer generated products are provided here to better show the interconnectivity of the various RTHs of the Main Trunk Network (MTN) of the GTS. All of these communication links are operated as either point-to-point or broadcast. With the ever expanding newer communication technologies, new functions are being introduced. A large number of International centers are implementing data exchanges using the Internet as an additional connectivity or as backup. The World Wide Web (Internet) connections, provide exchange of files and messages over TCP/IP, the basic Internet communications protocol. This is enhancing the ability to exchange data and products among the members of the WMO by using standard commercially available software such as FTP, eMail, and HTTP. The Web presentation software such as HTML and XML supporting applications to exchange data and provide documented information, such as these web pages.

RTH Washington Internet Input Services

WMO Bulletin Input Service using a Web Page Entry Form: RTH Washington has implemented a portal for the delivery of limited amounts of data directly to the RTH using standard HTTP and a web browser. The primary use is for local NMCs which may experience short GTS circuit outages. Access to this service requires prior establishment with the RTH. This portal is available through the World Wide Web.

FTP Input Service - a Guide on how to transmit WMO Bulletins Within Files: RTH Washington has implemented a portal for the delivery of WMO bulletins directly to the RTH using file transfers with standard FTP. A transfer of files which contain WMO bulletins can be delivered either through dedicated circuits or the Internet. Access to this service requires the establishment of an account with the RTH. This portal is available through the World Wide Web.

eMail Data Input Service - A portal using the standard eMail technology is recently implemented to permit isolated and low volume data providers a method for sending primarily observational data to RTH Washington. The eMail senders must register with the RTH for access to this service for controlling use and to permit affirmation of source.