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Why OrgaCount? 
The web-based application OrgaCount can be employed for almost any kind of counting.
Especially for assessing statistics in phytoplankton monitoring procedures, the software offers special algorithms for
two major counting strategies: Counting with 'Predefined Size Classes' and 'Ad-hoc Counting' including biovolume analysis.
In addition, two further general analytical modes are available: 'Taxon & Size Class' and 'Taxon Only' mode. They can be well employed for counting other taxonomic groups or events. In contrast to other applications, OrgaCount runs in a safe server environment connected to the Internet. Alternatively, the application may be installed on a customer's server system or be used locally or for the fied work on a mobile device. However, web-based installations hosted by AquaEcology have several benefits with regard to the notions of compatibility and accessibility, as indicated below. Currently, OrgaCount may be used for counting organisms as well as all other types of items (for instance, cell types; events; behavioral stages). In the case of organisms, the programme can be used for counting any taxon generally, but it also has special functions for inferring statistics on phyto- and zooplankton, and macrozoobenthos in particular. 
Server version of OrgaCount OrgaCount can be installed locally on a pre-configured mobile device or on a local server system. Mainly, the application is hosted on AquaEcology secure server systems, which can be accessed from all over the world. All kinds of installations are easy-to-use systems; you will just need a simple web browser to access your counting application. A server installation generally has got the advantage that it will be possible to have more than one user working on the same database. This is important especially for working groups of bigger institutions and research facilities, being responsible for monitoring activities as well as for carrying out extensive project work. In addition to that, a server installation hosted by AquaEcology has got even more advantages, such as:
Taking into account these features, comprehensive networking activities can be set up: Different scientific groups working in the same region or monitoring a certain ecosystem will be able to harmonise their efforts by using the same database and standardised taxon lists. With OrgaCount, it will then be possible for all groups to disseminate the information and to compile reports according to pre-defined standards. The system enables the users not only to make use of existing data, but also to feed the database with new and modified information on taxa or images that can be immediately shared among all participants of a project.
Overview of OrgaCount OrgaCount is following the philosophy of the web-based software system biodivDP (biodiversity data provider), which is also the basis for biological assessment and database applications. Thus, the system is strictly modular and operates within a multi-windows environment enabling the user to work in more than one application at a time: 
The OrgaCount environment is well organised in various modules related to each other in a tree-like structure. This allows you to easily understand the relationship between items, and provides an easy navigation flow to the various functions available at each level of organisation. Information is stored by three main levels of organization, from general to specific: projects, samples, and sessions. All tree modules can be expanded and collapsed as needed: 
Projects, samples and sessions work in very similar ways, and by this creating an easy workflow once you are familiar with the principles of working with OrgaCount.
Projects Within the Projects branch, you have several possiblities of getting and modifying project-related information:
Samples As with projects, the Samples branch provides you with various options:
When choosing 'Add new sample' or 'Modify sample details', a data entry form will pop up, where detailed information on the sample can be entered:
Sessions At the Sessions level, counting-related details can be entered. This includes information on the used miscroscope, on the counting procedure, as well as the counting layout, which is stored separately for every session. The options are as follows:
By opening the 'Counter' branch, the respective counting layout used for that session will be displayed. More detailed information on the counting layout will be given below.
Training OrgaCount is a complex and comprehensive application. It offers a wide range of functions and possibilities for the user. The user guide as well as the online help functions will assist you in accessing the features of the programme. In order to make the user familiar with OrgaCount in the most efficient way, AquaEcology also provides you with training courses for single participants as well as for groups. We offer various individual training models:
In case you are interested in our training programmes, please, write a short e-mail to training@orgacount.com.   
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