CDS GLU, a tool for managing heterogeneous distributed Web services

The Web development has been a very important milestone in unifying the access to remote databases : a unique user interface, a unique network protocol, and a hypertext link mechanism (via URLs - Uniform Resource Links). But if creating URLs is easy, maintaining them is the real challenge for database managers. In this context, the CDS (Centre de Donnees astronomiques de Strasbourg) has developed the GLU system (Generateur de Liens Uniformes). This tool allows all managers participating in the system to describe and easily distribute the URL definitions required to access their databases. The GLU system ensures that all GLU members receive these definitions and will receive all future modifications. So, the GLU system is particularly adapted to design cooperative Web services, allowing one to generate links to other services which remains always up-to-date.