Numerous outside organizations contributed to the discussion leading to the design of WINSS you see today. Contributors included educators and educational associations, parent/community advisory and advocacy groups, and private organizations.

Two private contractors played a major role in the design, programming, and implementation of WINSS: Sligo Computer Services, Inc. (Slgo) and UAQA (Understanding, Articulation, Quality Assurance). These are the same contractors that created the "School Improvement in Maryland" Website. The Department benefited greatly from their past experiences and understanding of educational issues and data. Sligo was and continues to be responsible for the programming and operation of the hardware and software necessary to generate the graphs and tables you see in Data Analysis Section. UAQA was responsible for the overall design of the site including the design of the main pages of all four sections of WINSS, conceptualization and programming of navigation within WINSS and to/from other sites, most of the HTML programming, and resolution of technical Web presentation issues. UAQA continues to consult with the department on WINSS enhancements.