Abstract: A data collecting system is divided into first, second, and third information portions and includes at least one portable terminal for collecting data at a remote site. The terminal comprises a device for collecting data and a first memory for storing the first information portion. The terminal operates to sense the need for information for its use to generate an information call identifying the information and to respond to the information call for searching its memory for the information. If the information is available it is supplied for use by the portable terminal. The system further comprises a first mobile server which comprises a second memory for storing the second information portion, and responds to the information call for searching the second memory for the information. The system further includes a second server at a main information center. The second server comprises a third memory for storing the third information portion, and searches the third memory for the information.