INDUSTRY

Versant Corporation, an industry leader in specialized data management and data persistence software, today announced that Genomatica, a leading computational systems biology company, has deployed Versant Open Access JDO as a key component of SimPheny, their software platform for systems biology. Genomatica also endorses the proposed Eclipse JSR220-ORM project, which will be led by Versant. Versant Open Access JDO forms the initial code base of the proposed Eclipse JSR220-ORM project, resulting in a standards-based, open source, object-relational mapping (ORM) technology. Versant Open Access JDO was Genomatica's top choice for object-relational mapping, beating out several other standards-based solutions, and replacing an existing non-standard, object-relational mapping product. Genomatica also selected Versant to provide professional services to help convert their application. Genomatica believes that the Eclipse JSR220-ORM project is the best strategy for further developing this technology and expanding its use. Object-relational mapping is a software infrastructure that translates the data formats used in the object-oriented languages preferred by programmers to the relational structure of common databases. SimPheny is a software platform that enables the development of predictive computer models of organisms, from bacteria to humans. With cellular metabolism at its core, SimPheny can build virtual cells from their basic molecular components, and can simulate the activity of the cell's complete reaction network. SimPheny delivers a new range of efficiency to commercial biotechnology. "Versant Open Access JDO gives us the ability to transparently support complex mapping patterns and existing relational schema," explained Evelyn Travnik, chief software designer at Genomatica. "After our dissatisfaction with our previous object-relational mapping solution, the prospect that the technology will be part of a standards-based, open source solution in the Eclipse family is a big positive for us. The Eclipse community is one of the leading open source communities in Java, and brings a record of quality and success. Versant's professional services where also very helpful in getting our application converted to JSR220-ORM." "Genomatica is a true leader in the emerging field of computational systems biology, and we are pleased to support the vital functionality of Genomatica's industry-leading solutions," said Robert Greene, vice president of product strategy at Versant. "Genomatica's experience with a non-standard ORM solution illustrates the benefits of standards-based, open source technology like Eclipse JSR220-ORM." "This business relationship with Genomatica is further validation of our open source strategy, and an example of leveraging the broader base of customer contact we expect as a result of this strategy for business growth," said Nick Ordon, president and chief executive officer of Versant. "Without the open source offering, it would be very difficult to gain access to companies such as Genomatica."