Features
Web enabled
DHIS 2 is a web application based on standard Java technology. This means that the application runs on any web server which supports Java Servlets and can be accessed via a web browser over the internet.
Platform independent
DHIS 2 is written in Java. Java applications runs on any platform for which there exist a Java Runtime Environment, in practice all popular platforms including Windows, Linux, Mac OS X and Solaris.
Runs on all major web browsers
DHIS 2 is written according to the W3C standard for HTML and CSS and runs on any standard compliant web browser like Firefox, Chrome, Opera, Safari 4 and Internet Explorer 8. The DHIS 2 team recommends Firefox as it is open source software and runs on Windows, Linux and Mac OS X.
Runs on most relational databases
DHIS 2 currently runs on PostgreSQL, MySQL, H2 and HSQL. DHIS 2 is built with Hibernate and only minor development efforts are needed to make it run on any major relational database.
Licensed as open source software
DHIS 2 is released as free and open software under the BSD license. This means that it is not only available for download free of charge, but you have access to the source code and may modify and redistribute our software.
Modular
DHIS 2 has a modular architecture. From an implementers perspective this means that it's possible to include the modules and the functionality that is required in your context and exclude what you don't need. From a developers perspective this means that it's easier to create functionality and plug it into the application without touching the existing source code.
Interoperable
DHIS 2 (soon) supports the official format for data exchange developed by WHO called SDMX-HD. This makes the system interoperable with other software applications in the domain.
Flexible
The DHIS 2 meta data model is completely flexible. This implies that no development effort is needed to cater for special requirements for data entry or analysis. For instance, the system allows you to define any data element for which to capture data and features a flexible hierarchy of organizational units.
Internationalized
DHIS 2 is internationalized both in terms of user interface and database meta-data content. This means that the user is free to select which locale to display. DHIS 2 is currently available in English, French, Spanish, Hindi, Vietnamese and Norwegian.
