05/05/2004 (Agence Europe) - The JHA Council has decided to locate - at least provisionally - the seat of the future second-generation Schengen Information System (SIS II) in Strasbourg. The Austrian town of Salzburg is to host the Business Continuity System, on condition that necessary arrangements are taken to make the site operational. The SIS is a computerised database that ensure data can be exchanged on the identity of persons and objects sought within the Schengen area without borders. The first generation SIS is already located in Strasbourg. The second generation of this system should be ready between end 2006 and mid 2007 (EUROPE of 11 December 2003). The choice of seat for SIS II is still only provisional. The JHA Council also decided on Thursday to strengthen the scope of the SIS first generation (Official Journal L162 of 30 April, p.29).