>I know this subject was discussed some time ago but I need to know some more information. >We are interested in purchasing a data archive system that will serve our entire lab. In the lab >we have a FACS Vantage, FACScan, FACS Caliber, FACS Trak and a Discovery Image >analyzer. We want a single archive system that will be compatible with both the Macintosh >platforms attached to the flow cytometers as well as the IBM Dos system attached to the Image >analyzer. Considering the size of the files to be saved we are currently leaning toward either a >writable CD or an Optical drive. Price is a consideration but we want something flexible and >useful for all the systems. >Has anyone tried to do such a thing in their lab? What is the available advice based on >personal experience? >Your patience and consideration of my question is much appreciated. >Haywood Pyle >King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center >Flow Cytometry Core Facility >pyle@kfshrc.edu.sa My two cents worth on data archiving are as follows: We have are in a similar position in that we have a Windows NT network and a Macintosh attached to our BD cytometer. The Cytometer has a Jaz drive for storing data during acquisition and this data is later archived to CD-R. To get around the *two platforms* problems I have connected the Mac to the network and installed an FTP daemon on it. This allows us to simply FTP files onto the PC with our analysis software and CD-R burner, you can then easily do either off-line analysis or archiving on that machine. If considering CD-R carefully consider the mastering software that comes with it. I have seen colleagues have a number of disasters buring multi-session CD's with CD-R mastering software that did not provide safe multi-session/volume recording. We are using software called *Gear* and have been happy with it - the documentation (in PDF format) is fair-good. It would be interesting to hear what other members of the list use :) Peter Chapple Melbourne AUSTRALIA
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Wed Apr 03 2002 - 11:49:48 EST