Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 August 2006
The International Virtual Observatory Alliance is briefly introduced as a concensus-based group to construct International Virtual Observatory – a new, planet-wide research infrastructure for the 21st century astronomy. Standardized protocols by the IVOA were used to interconnect more than 10 astronomical obsrvatories and data centers to provide astronomers with multiwavelength astronomical data. The priority areas for technical development and planned developments are described.