AVISO user service, at the crossroads between user information, outreach and education

Abstract. Initially set up to distribute Topex/Poseidon ocean altimetry satellite data, AVISO user service has been the link between the Topex/Poseidon and Jason-1 projects, users and the general public. The service has continually broadened the scope of its activities, forging close ties with users to achieve efficient dissemination of general, technical, and scientific information. Such a synergy between user services and outreach has many advantages, both for users and for public outreach, including educational ones.