Q:
Where can I obtain a copy of DevInfo?
A: You can obtain a copy by contacting the DevInfo Global Administrator. See Contacts for details.
Q:
How was DevInfo selected as a tool for MDG monitoring?
A: In the context of the MDG working group a small sub-group had been looking into the issue of a standard software package for monitoring MDGs. In November 2002, the UNICEF Executive Director offered to the Secretary General to provide a software package to support the organization and display of data for monitoring goals for use by UN Country Teams and National governments. This package would be a modified and enhanced version of the ChildInfo package then being used by UNICEF. The new system would be called DevInfo. The MDG Working Group recommended that this offer be accepted, and the UNDG Programme Group subsequently endorsed this.
Q:
What is the vision for DevInfo?
A: DevInfo will contribute to setting universal standards for data storage, access and dissemination of human development indicators, specifically the MDGs. The long-term vision for DevInfo is for the system to make a major contribution to strengthening the processes at country level for use of data for monitoring, planning and advocacy.
Q:
Is DevInfo customizable to country specific situations?
A: Yes. DevInfo provides a module that allows, within certain limits, the customization of the system to country-specific requirements, including the name of the system, images, graphics, logos and colour scheme. A second module allows for all language elements of the system to be customized. This module also provides support for local languages.
Q:
Can DevInfo be used to produce MDG Reports?
A: DevInfo has a feature which allows the user to generate data reports, including those needed for MDG reports. DevInfo provides simple facilities for querying the database and producing tables, graphs and maps for inclusion in MDG reports and exporting these to Word/Excel/PowerPoint.
Q:
Who should use DevInfo?
A: DevInfo does not attempt to supplant or replace existing efforts: well-established UN and non-UN initiatives at the global, regional and country level, including specific thematic (sectoral) initiatives for monitoring individual goals or topics. DevInfo's specific purpose and added-value is to collect existing data, identify gaps in the MDG indicators if they exist and provide a consolidated source of data on the MDG indicators. It is also designed to make it easy for national entities to use the integrated database for advocacy with key decision-makers.
Typically, users would include:
• UN country teams
• National Statistical Offices
• Government departments
• Planning Ministries
• District planners
• Media (to report and track human development
data)
• Educational institutions (for data analysis
and to help children have access to the data)
• DevInfo administrators (would use the more
advanced database administration modules to
customize the system, add data etc.)
Q:
Who owns DevInfo?
A: The DevInfo source code is the property of UNICEF.
DevInfo can be used by anyone who has the software. UNICEF has absolutely no restrictions on the database and its use; in fact, drawing upon its Mission statement, UNICEF has obligations to advocate, mobilize resources and work with all UN agencies, governments and partners to ensure the realization of child rights. Information sharing/dissemination and encouraging partners to use the information is one of the best ways to carry out this mission. At the country level, UNICEF office(s) and its UN partners will have the right to freely distribute DevInfo.
Q:
What are the basic steps to successfully establish DevInfo in a country?
A:
• Assess data and monitoring needs
• Identify UNCT focal points
• Identify government focal points
• Work planning
• Data inventory for sources of data
• Review and analysis of data quality from available sources
• Selection of indicators in addition to the global MDG indicators
• Data collection
• Data entry and verification
• Database launch with advocacy materials
• Database user training
Q:
What modules make up the DevInfo software package?
:
A: DevInfo 5.0 comes in two separate applications
1. DevInfo User application
2. DevInfo Database Administration application
DevInfo Database Administration application has 11 modules primarily for data management:
- DevInfo Template (database administrators have the option to add their own sets of local indicators to their databases; a Database Template contains all of the following elements: indicators, indicator definitions, indicator sectors, indicator classes, area IDs, area names, units, subgroups.)
- DevInfo Data Entry
- DevInfo Customize (local administrators can change the "look" of the software and adapt it to national specifications)
- DevInfo Language (local administrators can translate the strings of the software into local languages)
- Tools
- Reports
- Metadata
- Mapping
- Users
- Gallery
- Data Exchange
Q:
What technology does DevInfo use?
A: DevInfo is developed using Microsoft .NET technology.
Q:
What are the software prerequisites for DevInfo to work on my computer?
A: Microsoft Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP or Vista. Microsoft Office.
Q:
How many geographic levels can be supported by DevInfo?
A: DevInfo supports an un-limited number of levels of geographical coverage: from global level to regional, sub-regional, national and sub-national down to sub-district and village levels (including schools, health centers, water points).
Q:
Can data be exported from DevInfo?
A: Yes. DevInfo data can be exported to XLS, HTML, PDF, CSV and XML files.
Q:
Can data be imported into DevInfo?
A: Yes. Data can be imported from spreadsheets in a standardized format. DevInfo has a data exchange module for importing data from industry-standard statistics software packages.
Q:
Will support be provided for DevInfo?
A: Yes, the UN system is committed to support DevInfo through UN Country Teams and the DevInfo Support Group.
Q:
How will training on DevInfo be provided?
A: The UN system will support the organization of global and regional training. This will include Training of Trainers for further capacity building. It will also include e-learning courses.
