Real-time, self-managing data flows -- Unidata will foster and support the existence of real-time data flows that encompass a broad range of Earth-system phenomena, can be accessed with ease by all constituents, and are self managing in respect to changing contents and user needs.
--A goal of Unidata 2008: Shaping the Future of Data Use in the Geosciences
In order to correctly guage real-time status of the IDD, it is important for all sites participating to accurately maintain their clocks (easily done through Network Time Protocol software and servers).