A pilot project aiming to address the integration of data analysis environments and the Virtual Observatory

• The Virtual Observatory (VO) has mostly concentrated on standards, grid development and specific VO tools
• An area which hasn't been explored so fully, although it has been recognised as important, is the integration of desktop tools and analysis systems with distributed remote VO data
• The Sampo VODA sub-project tried to implement a pilot version of some of the elements required - the VO-Directory concept and the VOClient interface in conjunction with VO groups at ESO.
• This is an area of work where little other resources are deployed and it was hoped that it would be possible to make a significant, and distinct Sampo contribution
• The work proved more challenging than expected and was deemed of lower priority than the work on ESO Reflex.
• Work on VODA was concluded in Summer 2006. A detailed report is available as well as an poster at the 2006 ADASS conference..