But such challenges haven't stopped others -- including those pushing for an international virtual observatory -- from following ESO's lead in end-to-end data-flow management.

As Steeghs says, "People have recognized that it's the way to go."

Sidebar: Conquering cultural resistance

Despite its governmental origins and academic bent, ESO faced a corporatelike problem when implementing its data-flow system six years ago: getting user buy-in.

For centuries, astronomers made their observations using their own telescopes, and even now they often travel alone to remote locations to conduct their studies. Yet the weather can ruin planned observations, leaving scientists who waited months or years for a brief turn at a shared telescope empty-handed. In addition, astronomers are unlikely to share the data they do capture on those powerful telescopes.