Transforming Global Science Learning
for GLOBE NASA

GLOBE’s original data and information system, built on a patchwork of technologies over 15 years, faced significant issues with scalability and maintainability. As the program expanded to encompass thousands of schools and organizations worldwide, the need for a modernized platform that could handle increasing complexities without losing decades of valuable legacy data became critical. The system was struggling to support the influx of new users and the integration of new educational tools and resources.

To address these challenges, NASA selected Science Systems and Applications, Inc. (SSAI) to spearhead the redevelopment of GLOBE’s digital services. The team chose Liferay Portal for its comprehensive capabilities in user management, content management, and scalable collaboration within an enterprise-quality architecture. The decision was supported by detailed analyses which highlighted Liferay’s strengths in integration, user experience design, and multi-language support, making it ideal for GLOBE’s diverse, global audience.

The implementation strategy was crafted to ensure a smooth transition from the old systems to the new Liferay platform. It began with a series of workshops and pilot tests involving key GLOBE stakeholders to refine requirements and tailor the platform to their specific needs. Custom migration tools were developed to transfer extensive legacy data—ensuring integrity and minimal disruption. The roll-out was phased, with continuous user feedback loops to fine-tune functionalities and interfaces. This careful, iterative approach helped maintain continuity for users worldwide and ensured the system’s long-term adaptability.