The data from each observation is put through a pipeline processing system which produces a set of standard data products per AOT. These products plus the appropriate calibration and auxiliary files are distributed via CD-ROM on a nominal timescale of a few weeks after the observation has been carried out. The CD-ROMs are usually sent to the Principal Investigator of the proposal; note that for US Observers, they are sent to IPAC, which is responsible for onward distribution. All products sent out are also be kept in the ISO archive for public access after expiry of the proprietary period (see section 10). Starting with the standard products from the pipeline, Observers are responsible for the further data processing necessary as well as for the scientific analysis and interpretation of their observations.
The fullest description of the standard products from the pipeline and their current status may be found in a set of five ``ISO Data Users Manuals'' (IDUMs), one for the satellite and each of its four scientific instruments. The latest version of each IDUM is put onto each CD-ROM containing ISO data; they may also be obtained via ftp from the ESA/ESTEC ftp server (see section 4.1) in directory : pub/iso/doc/iso/idum/. Descriptions in general terms of the pipeline products may also be found in the ISO Observer's Manual and in the four Instrument Observer's Manuals.