STOEHR@embl.bitnet (Peter Stoehr) (07/08/89)
EMBL SEQUENCE DATABASES ON CD-ROM
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CD-ROM is very suitable as a robust and efficient medium for the distribution of
large databases. It also enables microcomputer users to have access to these
databases without incurring the cost of large hard disks. CD-ROM readers for
many types of computer (eg IBM PC, Macintosh, VAX) are now inexpensive. EMBL, in
collaboration with Philips & Du Pont Optical and Circle Information Systems,
have explored the possibility of producing CD-ROMs both as a simple
distribution medium (substitute for magnetic tape) and also with the inclusion
of retrieval software.
We will begin to distribute data on CD-ROM during 1989. In early June, a
prototype CD-ROM will be distributed to a large sample of people on the EMBL
circulation list, free of charge. This CD-ROM will include demonstration
retrieval software to access both the EMBL and SWISS-PROT databases
(individually or together) on MS-DOS PC's. This software uses a standard
commercial user interface with a range of basic functions. For example,
database entries can be viewed, printed or copied to user disc, accessed by
entry name, accession number, citation, author name, organism name, feature key,
database cross-reference, free text, creation date etc. Assuming a favourable
response, this software will be fully customised to our users requirements for
the first release to subscribers.
Regular releases of data on CD-ROM will begin in August 1989 and will coincide
with releases of the EMBL Nucleotide Sequence Database on magnetic tape. The
cost of each CD-ROM will be twice the cost of an individual database release on
tape, because the CD-ROM contains both databases (see below for CD-ROM
contents).
The files on the CD-ROM will be structured according to the ISO standard 9660
format (not High Sierra). For example, users with Microsoft MS-DOS CD-ROM
extensions need to have Release 2.0 (or higher) of this software.
The following will be available on the prototype CD-ROM:
1. EMBL Nucleotide Sequence Database Release 18, February 1989.
Data, indices and documentation in EMBL format, as distributed on magnetic
tape, including the Eukaryotic Promoter Database.
2. SWISS-PROT Protein Sequence Database Release 10, March 1989.
Data, indices and documentation in EMBL format, as distributed on magnetic
tape.
3. Demonstration CD-ROM Retrieval Software.
Demonstration software for query and retrieval of data from both the
sequence databases from the CD-ROM. The delivery system should be a
standard MS-DOS PC with at least 640 Kbytes internal memory, 1 floppy drive
and preferably a hard disk. It is necessary to add a CD-ROM drive and
interface card with MS-DOS CD-ROM extensions. The software supports the
CGA, EGA and HERCULES graphics adaptors.
4. Sequence Databases in PIR Format.
EMBL Nucleotide and SWISS-PROT Protein Sequence Databases in PIR/NBRF
Format for use on VAX/VMS computers with software such as FASTA.
Those on our user circulation list should have received the above details
(and some the prototype CD-ROM) already. If you wish to receive a copy
(especially if you already have a CD-ROM drive on your computer that
can read an ISO 9660 CD-ROM), please inform the EMBL Data Library *immediately*.
Our supply is not unlimited. Your name and address is required.
Phone: +49 6221 387258 (answering machine when office is closed)
E-mail: datalib@embl.bitnet
Fax: +49 6221 387306
Telex: 461613 (embl d)
Post: EMBL Data Library, European Molecular Biology Laboratory,
Postfach 10.2209, Meyerhofstr. 1, D-6900 Heidelberg,
Federal Republic of Germany.
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Peter J Stoehr
EMBL Data Library