Fully automated genome analysis that reflects user needs and preferences. A detailed introduction to the MAGPIE system architecture

A system called MAGPIE (Multipurpose Automated Genome Project Investigation Environment) has been designed and implemented to meet the challenges of automated whole genome analysis. The system initiates large numbers of remote and local transactions, each depending on evolving criteria and on changing remote and local conditions. Transactions are requested from different types of remote and local resources. The remote request load is fairly balanced with other community demands on server resources. Local decision modules monitor and obey user preferences and combine evidence from multiple sources to formulate credible hypotheses about sequence function. Consistency checks from multiple types of data are integrated into the ongoing local analysis. The system performs reliably on local UNIX workstations and communicates with remote resources through standard networking protocols.