GEOSS stands for the "Global Earth Observation System of Systems." (2IJA)
See http://www.earthobservations.org/geoss.shtml and http://www.earthobservations.org/ (2IJB)
As discussed on these sites: GEOSS provides decision-support tools to a wide variety of users. As with the Internet, GEOSS will be a global and flexible network of content providers allowing decision makers to access an extraordinary range of information at their desk. (2IJC)
This system of systems will proactively link together existing and planned observing systems around the world and support the development of new systems where gaps currently exist. It will promote common technical standards so that data from the thousands of different instruments can be combined into coherent data sets. The GEOPortal offers a single Internet access point for users seeking data, imagery and analytical software packages relevant to all parts of the globe. It connects users to existing data bases and portals and provides reliable, up-to-date and user friendly information vital for the work of decision makers, planners and emergency managers. For users with limited or no access to the Internet, similar information is available via the GEONETCast network of telecommunication satellites (2IJD)