Pii: S1464-1917(01)00054-x

Observations of space weather are based on the availability of various data collected by satellite or ground based instruments. In general, after reception these data have to be transferred into useful contexts and formats. Often there is a need to install processing chains to produce high level products by using information from different sources. Additionally, operational processing has to meet certain requirements, such as availability of data products within definite time limits, reliability and accuracy which can be realized only by automatic work. Consequently, there is a need for powerful software systems, which are often large, very complex, and need a lot of time and work to be developed. On the other hand, these processors can be considered as a combination of modules for scientific computations with controlling components initiating processing steps dependent on the arrival of input data, the state of the modules and outputs of processing. Because the behavior of such systems is based on similar principles, it is useful to separate controlling functions from the true computations. Ba$ed on this approach we present the design and implementation of the controlling part for such processing systems. Consisting of some basic components which can be almost freely combined and configured, this system can be used for a various number of ta$ks. Simple interfaces allow the integration of arbitrary scientific modules. Received input data and temporary results are stored in an internal data pool. Processing steps will be started, when all required input data have been arrived. The upload of products can be configured for several destinations.