NADA is as open source application, and is complemented by policy guidelines and other supporting materials, many of which can be found on the www.ihsn.org website. It make use of the XML-based international standards designed for microdata and metadata exchange known as the Data Documentation Initiative (DDI). The NADA is designed to facilitate the process of releasing microdata to the user community, and support the analysis of this data by the provision of standardized information about the data (metadata). Proper microdata management utilizing the NADA software can have the following advantages for data producers:
- Increased quality and diversity of research
- Improved reliability and relevance of data
- Reduced duplication of data collection activities
- Improved visibility of survey institutions as their data becomes more frequently used and is more readily accessible
- Increased donor and public confidence in the survey data producers
- Improved publishing and dissemination efficiency of for data producers
- More efficient access to survey information such as reports, tables, and microdata