Jeremy,
A very interesting bit of info you bring up Jeremy, the inability to REanalyze
data files created on 3700 (and 3100) NT platforms if they have been transferred
to a Macintosh platform.
Iím new to these capillary instruments so my neophyte take on the matter:
The 3700 platform is created by genomic pressures. It is developed on the NT
platform and everyone is happy. Development time is slashed (ABI happy) and
genomic labs have an instrument that is integrated into their workflow easily
(because they have bio-IT people who can do that in their sleep).
Then a strange thing happens, non-genomic/core labs buy some 3700ís and there
are difficulties but the high throughput type twists that are inherent to the
3700 are worked around. And besides, itís a big pipe and if you didnít want a
big pipe then tough.
Then a stranger thing happens, the 3100 is produced as a lower throughput
instrument. The software is reworked and it is a well thought out instrument for
the less than massive genomic jobs.
Here is where I picked up on the story because I bought a 3100 and plan on
purchasing another in just a few weeks. (Iím not going to go into describing
anything but the software but suffice to say I must like it if Iím running out
and getting another one).
The software: NT platform, robust, like the speed, the simplicity. But just a
couple of things I canít stand are the dangling leftovers from the 3700 that
show its true breeding as a big pipe.
Itís really a short list but:
1) The naming convention of files. (What were they smoking?)
2) The inability to get a broad view (gel image) of a run for QC or any other
tools to QC.
3) The inability to reanalyze a chromatogram on a Macintosh.
4) NTís are just lame. (Is that news to anyone?)
Those four really bug me. But just back from a meeting and the good news is the
3700 productivity packs are soon to be released to cure 1 and 2 while also
throwing in a Big Dye 3.0 that kicks ass. (3100 prod packs soon after)
So with that good news why should we be nit-picky about number 3? The Mac is
toast and itís time to move on. The decision to switch to NT was made when Apple
was spending some time on the ropes (they do this just to stay lean and mean),
and to write code for both platforms would be too expensive.
Iíve got a tiny problem with that.
The 3100 (at least) was made for core labs that are swimming in Macs. Everyone
in those labs is trained to work on Macs. (I know that is not saying much since
it is so easy to use a Mac as compared to the intensive training and IT support
needed for an NT, #4). I donít mind the mixed environment because one can easily
stick a big (multi-hard drive) server on the network that can be seen by the
NTís and the Macs at the same time. One can do everything on the Macs except the
one small task you bring up.
Once the chromatogram is off the NT you cannot reset the start and stop points
and reanalyze. (A genome lab would never do this.)
I contend that this is one last thing that Applied Biosystems must do to the
last version of Macintosh analysis software. This would ease the conversion from
Mac to NT immensely. We will submit to the running of the instrument by the NT
but we should not go quietly into the night on reanalysis. They should be able
to do it. I would contend that they would sell a few more 3100ís and maybe even
some more 3700ís to well-established labs with well-established Macintosh
expertise.
They moved the development and support out of their laps and threw it into ours,
letís draw a line in the sand and make them add one small addition to the last
Mac analysis program.
Sign a petition, march in the street. Throw us a bone ABI.
Sincerely,
Paul
___________________________________
Paul Morrison JFB216............... paul_morrison@dfci.harvard.edu
Molecular Biology Core Facilities..
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute....... http://mbcf.dfci.harvard.edu
44 Binney Street................... 617-632-3082
Boston, MA 02115................... fax 632-4814
-----------------------------------
On Wed, 14 Feb 2001 14:47:01 -0500
Jeremy Medalle <medallj@mail.rockefeller.edu> wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I just want to share this info for those people who have wishful thinking
> that PE will update MAC software analysis to adjust start and stop points
> for 3700 files.
>
> PE response: "There are no plans to make any Mac-based software for the
> 3700."
>
> At present, our lab is MAC based because of 377xl machines. We have 2 PCs,
> but the other one is always tied up because 3700 machine is constantly
> running. We analyze 3 or more batches of 3700 runs daily, the technicians
> on MACs have to take notes on start and stop points and re-analyze the files
> later on PC. Does any one have their own protocol to get around this issue?
> (...besides buying a PC for each technician.)
>
>
> Below is PE response
>
>
> >>Summary: Analysis of 3700 files on Mac
> >>SUGGESTED SOLUTION:
> >>At 02/12/2001 01:36 PM we wrote -
>
> >>Jeremy -
>
> >>Unfortunately, any and all revisions of the 3700 Sequencing Analysis
> >>software will be on the Windows NT platform. There are no plans to
> >>make any Mac-based software for the 3700.
>
> >>Best Regards -
>
> >>John Fernandez
> >>Genetic Analysis Technical Support
> >>Applied Biosystems
>
>
> --
> Jeremy Medalle
> Lab Coordinator
> The Rockefeller University
> 1240 York Ave
> Box 105
> NY, NY 10021
>
> http://www.protein13-pc.rockefeller.edu
>
*
___________________________________
Paul Morrison JFB216............... paul_morrison@dfci.harvard.edu
Molecular Biology Core Facilities..
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute....... http://mbcf.dfci.harvard.edu
44 Binney Street................... 617-632-3082
Boston, MA 02115................... fax 632-4814
-----------------------------------
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