ACADEMIA

Sequence Manipulation Suite Now Available on Massively’s BioTech Virtual Power Center -- Massively Parallel Technologies, Inc. (Massively), a provider of on-demand high-performance computing, announced a new service available on the BioTech Virtual Power Center (VPC). The Sequence Manipulation Suite (SMS) is a collection of JavaScript programs supporting short DNA and protein sequence generation, format conversion and analysis. Comprised of over 50 programs, the tools complement Massively’s Powered by HOWARD, high-performance BLAST service. “We recognize biologists’ and researchers’ need for a more integrated workflow,” stated Massively’s CTO, Kevin Howard. “Availability of SMS on the BioTech VPC means that users will have an easier time bringing data in from one part of their analysis, manipulating the information in one location and preparing the data for direct import into other applications.” The Sequence Manipulation Suite was written by Paul Stothard, University of Alberta, and is now available by going directly to the BioTech VPC website – www.mptbiotech.com. Massively’s BioTech VPC delivers the benefits of high-performance supercomputing without the costs and complexities associated with users owning and managing their own compute clusters. Using a standard web browser with Internet access, users can take advantage of Massively’s BioTech VPC without investing in any additional hardware or software. During the introductory period, Massively’s Powered by HOWARD high-performance BLAST, SMS, and associated storage space will be provided free of charge.