The NOAA Ocean Service Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services (CO-OPS) manages three key components of the NOAA observational program. These are the National Water Level Observation Network (NWLON), the Physical Oceanographic Real-Time System (PORTSŪ) and the National Current Meter Observation Program (NCOP). Each of these programs will be described in terms of their present capabilities as well as the future strategy for their continued development. The capabilities for new sensors, new products and new applications will be reviewed. The various existing applications of products from these systems will be highlighted. Particular emphasis will be placed on their potential contribution to a Federal backbone system for the coastal and global components of an Integrated Sustained Ocean Observing System (ISOOS). Ongoing efforts in integration of these capabilities with NOAA partners as well as other Federal, State and local agencies and potential linkages with regional observing systems will be discussed. Finally, the integration of, and requirements for, research activities in supporting the ongoing operations of the Center will be reviewed.