MCBI evaluates bioinformatics software and negotiates statewide licenses for particularly popular programs in order to reduce costs for our bioinformatics users. When the vendors will consider it, we also try to negotiate reduced-pricing for our small-biotech users (Michigan-based only). One of MCBI’s goals is to provide training and move bioinformatics tools into the hands of our Michigan researchers. Please contact acbliton@umich.edu for information about these programs. Research scientists are welcome to contact us and join one of our user groups (Link?) if you are interested in participating in an evaluation. We are currently working with the following software offerings:

• Celera, www.celera.com : MCBI is in final negotiations to purchase licenses to Celera database offerings. The CTA is the institutional purchaser, and licenses are being purchased for MSU, Wayne State, the Van Andel Institute, and the University of Michigan. Group purchasing allows us to get reduced pricing per seat. We can not add biotechs, but could add other academic institutions to this program.
  
  
• Silicon Genetics GeneSpring/GeNet, www.sigenetics.com : MCBI is conducting a 6-month evaluation of this gene-expression analysis software with researchers across the CTA. We are installing a database architecture to allow storage and secure sharing of microarray data across the CTA. Once they are established, we will place training dates for GeneSpring and Genet on the MCBI calendar. You can also check back here as more information is available.
  
  
• GeneData, www.genedata.com : MCBI is in negotiations to start a state-wide trial of this gene-expression and proteomics analysis software.
  
  
• Omniviz, www.omniviz.com ask omniviz about problems with their link and/or add pdf download link: MCBI has negotiated a 3-month trial evaluation for this enterprise software package, which includes many analysis and visualization features from gene expression and proteomics analysis, to literature and patent searches. Once they are established, we will place training dates for Omniviz on the MCBI calendar. You can also check back here as more information is available.
  
  
• Informax, www.informax.com : MCBI has distributed evaluation CD’s of this enterprise software package to our some of our key bioinformatics researchers.