Frequently Asked Questions: geWorkbench
What is geWorkbench?
geWorkbench (genomics Workbench) is a desktop bioinformatics platform that enables integrated analysis of genomic data. This application is based on open-source component architecture, designed to integrate programs from a variety of research organizations.
How does geWorkbench make research more efficient?
geWorkbench allows users to pull together internal and external analysis and visualization tools to create a single/unified customized analytics platform—saving time and resources often spent researching and combining data from multiple biomedical databases. This application facilitates the sophisticated analysis of genomic data (gene expression, sequence, pathway, structure) through a unified graphical interface that provides seamless access to databases, computational services, and biological annotation sources.
Who are the target users for geWorkbench?
geWorkbench is a resource for biomedical research practitioners, including biologists, oncologists, pathologists, and other scientists looking for a customizable genomics analytics tool. The platform allows users to assemble a complex genomic data analysis pipeline with a limited computational biology background.
Who are the key contributors?
Columbia University Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics is the main developer of geWorkbench. Current adopters include Jackson Labs, Northwestern University, University of Pennsylvania, and Washington University.
Which other caBIG™–supported applications are related to geWorkbench?
geWorkbench will be part of the Life Sciences Distribution, a group of applications designed to enable researchers to more easily integrate, analyze, and share data from different sources. geWorkbench integrates with GenePattern, uses caGrid to provide access to additional tools and data, and will serve as a front end to caArray. At present, more than 40 distinct analysis and visualization modules are part of the platform. To learn about additional geWorkbench plug-ins, visit http://wiki.c2b2.columbia.edu/workbench/index.php/Plugins.
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