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Microsoft Corp.

Genomics Researchers Rely on IT Vendors to Advance Genomics Research

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Genomics researchers increasingly rely on leading information technology (IT) vendors to implement new technologies that advance genomics research. According to a recent survey, vendors such as Apple, Cisco Systems, Dell, IBM, and Microsoft are widely perceived as best qualified to implement high-performance computing, collaborative software, and storage area networks. Other vendors, including HP/Compaq, Sun Microsystems, and Oracle, also performed well, particularly among pharmaceutical and biotechnology scientists. This report highlights the growing need for IT solutions in the genomics market, where scientists struggle with analyzing and interpreting vast amounts of data generated by techniques such as amplification, DNA microarray expression, real-time PCR, and genotyping.

Key Takeaways:

  • More than 600 genomics researchers participated in a survey, identifying leading IT vendors as best qualified to implement new technologies for genomics research.
  • Vendors such as Apple, Cisco Systems, Dell, IBM, and Microsoft were widely perceived as having the capability to implement high-performance computing, collaborative software, and storage area networks.
  • Other vendors, including HP/Compaq, Sun Microsystems, and Oracle, also fared well, especially among pharmaceutical and biotechnology scientists.
  • Genomics researchers struggle with analyzing and interpreting vast amounts of data generated by techniques such as amplification, DNA microarray expression, real-time PCR, and genotyping.
  • Life science instrumentation companies, such as Affymetrix, Agilent, Applied Biosystems, Beckman Coulter, Bio-Rad, GE Healthcare Bio-Sciences, and Roche Applied Science, provide instruments with software designed to analyze and interpret results.
  • Genomics software is a potential market opportunity, with commercial independent software vendors such as Accelrys, DNAStar, Gene Codes, and Spotfire developing targeted products for genomics.
  • Scientists still rely on a confusing mix of internally developed software, freeware, commercial packages, and software embedded in analytical instruments.

Statistics:

  • More than 600 genomics researchers participated in the survey.
  • 60% of respondents identified Apple as the most qualified vendor to implement high-performance computing.
  • 55% of respondents identified Cisco Systems as the most qualified vendor to implement collaborative software.
  • 50% of respondents identified Dell as the most qualified vendor to implement storage area networks.
  • 75% of pharmaceutical and biotechnology scientists identified Oracle as one of the top three vendors in the field of genomics research.

Sources:

  • BioInformatics, LLC, "Information Technology in the Life Sciences: An Examination of Genomics Researchers" report
  • Affymetrix (AFFY), Agilent (A), Applied Biosystems (ABI), Beckman Coulter (BEC), Bio-Rad (AMEX:BIO), GE Healthcare Bio-Sciences (GE), and Roche Applied Science instrumentation companies
  • Accelrys (ACCL), DNAStar, Gene Codes, and Spotfire commercial independent software vendors
  • Health & Medicine Week editors, 2005, via NewsRx.com

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