NCGR Releases Open Source Version of ISYS
The National Center for Genome Resources (NCGR) today announced the release of an open source version of the ISYS (Integrated SYStem) software platform. ISYS integrates independent bioinformatic software tools and databases, analysis programs and visualization tools, harnessing their collective power without introducing interdependencies between components.
ISYS uses DynamicDiscovery(TM) service brokering technology to allow scientists to find paths from one software component to another, according to their particular data sets and components. Java(TM)-based DynamicDiscovery integrates programs on the user’s desktop and allows the integration of Web pages with those programs. Graphical client tools provide alternative perspectives on data through event-based synchronization. The ISYS Web integration feature works with any Web page. In addition, ISYS has a published Application Programming Interface to allow users to adapt their own programs and databases for integration with ISYS.
Data and tool integration is critical for continued progress in large-scale biology and bioinformatics. A flexible system that can rapidly integrate existing software tools with newly developed ones represents an innovative approach to integration.
ISYS was developed in collaboration with the CGIAR (Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research) centers to assist in their mission to improve crop yields worldwide.
“CGIAR and the Generation Challenge Program developers see great synergy between the NCGR ISYS and crop information platforms that they are building,” said Richard Bruskiewich, senior scientist, International Rice Research Institute (a CGIAR center). “Opening up the source and licensing of the NCGR ISYS is a significant step forward in collaboration that will accelerate further enhancement and deployment of ISYS in the global crop research community.”
ISYS has been available as a downloadable executable since 2001. The release of an open source version allows unprecedented access for those wishing to use ISYS as the basis of their own work or to contribute to its further development.
NCGR recognizes the widespread move toward open source development and is eager to participate through its ISYS contribution. The open source version of ISYS is available at www.sourceforge.net . Downloadable executables are available at www.ncgr.org .
About NCGR
NCGR is a nonprofit research institute dedicated to improving human health and nutrition through collaborative research at the intersection of bioscience, computing and mathematics. NCGR has established a reputation for developing software that addresses the growing need to access, integrate and analyze research results generated at different locations, times, and with disparate biotechnologies. www.ncgr.org
About CGIAR
The Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) is an association of public and private donor agencies funding agricultural and natural resources research and training for developing countries, at 15 international research centers worldwide. www.cgiar.org
About Generation Challenge Program
The Generation Challenge Program is a global consortium of crop research centers that applies advances in molecular biology to harness the rich global heritage of plant genetic resources and create a new generation of crops that meet the needs of resource-poor people. www.generationcp.org
