DevInfo is a database system that provides a method to organize, store and display data in a uniform format to facilitate data sharing at the country level across government departments and UN agencies using the same system. DevInfo has been adapted from UNICEF ChildInfo database technology. DevInfo is an integrated desktop and web-enabled tool to assist countries in their reporting on the MDGs. It has simple and user-friendly features that can be used to produce tables, graphs and maps for inclusion in MDG reports, presentations and advocacy materials. The software supports both standard and user-defined indicators. The standard set of indicators (the 48 MDG indicators) are at the core of the package and cannot be modified. However, at the regional and country levels, database administrators still have the option to add their own sets of local indicators to their databases.

In the context of the MDG working group, a small sub-group had been looking into the issue of a standard software package for monitoring MDGs. In November 2002, the UNICEF Executive Director offered to the Secretary General to provide a software package to support the organization and display of data for monitoring goals for use by UN Country Teams and National governments. This package would be a modified and enhanced version of the ChildInfo package then being used by UNICEF. The new system would be called DevInfo. The MDG Working Group recommended that this offer be accepted, and the UNDG Programme Group subsequently endorsed this.

DevInfo will contribute to setting universal standards for data storage, access and dissemination of human development indicators, specifically the MDGs. The long-term vision for DevInfo is for the system to make a major contribution to strengthening the processes at country level for the use of data for monitoring, planning and advocacy.

DevInfo does not attempt to supplant or replace existing efforts: well-established UN and non-UN initiatives at the global, regional and country level, including specific thematic (sectoral) initiatives for monitoring individual goals or topics. DevInfo's specific purpose and added value is to collect existing data, identify gaps in the MDG indicators if they exist and provide a consolidated source of data on the MDG indicators. It is also designed to make it easy for national entities to use the integrated database for advocacy with key decision-makers.
Typically, users would include:

• UN country teams
• National statistical offices
• Government departments
• Planning ministries
• District planners
• Media (to report and track human development data)
• Educational institutions (for data analysis and to help children have access to the data)
• DevInfo administrators (would use the more advanced database administration modules to customize the system, add data, etc.)