The pace of genomics research has greatly accelerated in the last few years, most notably through the completion of the Human Genome Project. In this post-genomic era, researchers are generating massive amounts of data on a daily basis. Scientists worldwide are acquiring genomics data through the use of techniques such as amplification, DNA microarray expression, genotyping, real-time PCR, RNA interference and sequencing. Instrumentation, hardware and software are some of the tools required to analyze, integrate and transmit this vast amount of data-resulting in significant challenges for associated IT markets and technologies. Previously, data acquisition was a major bottleneck in labs; however, advances in instrumentation and throughput have increased the speed of data acquisition. Currently, the bottleneck in many labs is data integration and analysis, and poor data integration often leads to reduced productivity. Because scientists are increasingly compiling data from multiple sources and instrument platforms that were never intended to be compatible, instrumentation suppliers and IT vendors are challenged to provide solutions that integrate this data. These companies are also faced with the challenges of disseminating this data to other institutions as well as improving user interfaces to accommodate scientists with little IT background. These IT challenges provide many market opportunities. Instrument companies are developing new applications, and independent software vendors are creating software that keeps up with increased demands for better throughput and compatibility. Finally, IT vendors are venturing into new markets. All of these companies must keep up with the demands and needs of life scientists in order to remain competitive. Based on a 29-question survey of more than 600 life scientists in North America, Information Technology in the Life Sciences: An Examination of Genomics Researchers will help instrumentation suppliers and IT vendors understand how academic and industrial scientists use IT tools from start to finish in their genomics experiments. It explores both researchers' use of, and satisfaction with, various types of software and hardware. Additionally, the report will assist companies in identifying future opportunities as well as provide them with information that can be used to expand their internal capacity by forming strategic alliances and partnerships. Report Highlights Information Technology in the Life Sciences: An Examination of Genomics Researchers contains over 50 charts and/or tables and more than 10 cross-tabulations for the 29 survey questions. Based on question 1, approximately 560 respondents who currently conduct genomics research were directed to answer questions 2 to 29, while roughly 40 respondents who plan to begin in the next 12 to 24 months only answered questions 20 to 28. Below is a glimpse of the key findings derived from just a few of the survey questions: • Applied Biosystems is the most frequently cited supplier of fragment analysis/genotyping systems and real-time PCR instruments used to generate genomics data. (Question 6)
• Regardless of the instrument used to generate genomics data, more than two-thirds of respondents analyze their data using software embedded on it. (Question 7)
• More than half of the scientists surveyed (59%) obtain software used to analyze/integrate their data through a commercial third party. (Question 9)
• According to respondents, Dell and Apple are the leading suppliers of desktop computer/workstation hardware used to study genomics data. (Question 16)
• Roughly one-third of respondents believe high performance (distributed/grid/clusters) computing will be highly useful (a score of 6 or 7 on a 7-point scale where 7=very useful) in their research within the next 12 to 24 months. (Question 20)
• Most respondents perceive IBM to be the best qualified provider of collaborative software at their institutions. (Question 25) (Electronic copy includes 1 print copy) | 
