diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 8ba8f48b..1c1da813 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -5,13 +5,52 @@
 
 The goal of this project is to provide a high quality product that can be deployed by educational and academic institutions, private and public companies and anyone who needs to have a mindmapping application. WiseMapping is based on the same code source supporting WiseMapping.com. More info: www.wisemapping.org
 
+# Compiling and Running
 
-## Author
+## Prerequisites
+
+The following products must be installed:
+
+    * Java Development Kit 7 or higher ([http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/index.html])
+    * Maven 3.x or higher ([http://maven.apache.org/])
+
+## Compiling
+
+WiseMapping uses Maven as packaging and project management. It's composed of 5 maven sub-modules:
+
+    * core-js: Utilities JavaScript classes
+    * web2d: JavaScript 2D SVG abstraction library used by the mind map editor
+    * mindplot: JavaScript mindmap designer core
+    * wise-editor: Mindmap Editor standalone distribution
+    * wise-webapp: J2EE web application 
+
+The full compilation of the project can be performed executing within <project-dir>:
+
+`mvn package`
+
+Once this command is execute, the file <project-dir>/wise-webapp/target/wisemapping*.war will be generated.
+
+## Testing
+The previously generated war can be deployed locally executing within the directory <project-dir>/wise-webapp the following command:
+
+`cd wise-webapp;mvn jetty:run-war`
+
+This will start the application on the URL: [http://localhost:8080/wise-webapp/]. Additionally, a file based database is automatically populated with a test user.
+
+User: test@wisemapping.org
+Password: test
+
+## Authors
 
    * Pablo Luna
    * Paulo Veiga
 
+## Past Collaborators   
+   
+   * Ignacio Manzano
+   * Nicolas Damonte
+   
 ## License
 
 The source code is Licensed under the WiseMapping Open License, Version 1.0 (the “License”);
-You may obtain a copy of the License at: http://www.wisemapping.org/license
+You may obtain a copy of the License at: [https://wisemapping.atlassian.net/wiki/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=524357]