Project Title: Automatic Synchronization and Distribution of Biological Databases over Low-Bandwidth Networks among Developing Countries
Geographic coverage
Thailand, Asia-Pacific
Objectives
The objectives of this project are to research, implement and test a next generation automatic biological software, courseware, database distribution, and synchronization network based on Peer-to-Peer (P2P) technology for countries in the Asia-Pacific region with low-bandwidth Internet links.
Research context
Many countries in the Asia-Pacific region are moving into the field of bioinformatics, involving the collection, organization and analysis of large amounts of biological data through computer networks. For many, however, progress is impeded by the computational infrastructure and network bandwidths. This project addresses the problem of low bandwidth and reliability through the introduction of third generation P2P protocols that use the computing power of the entire network and allows file transfers to continue in the case of a disconnection. P2P promises to help facilitate the distribution and synchronization of biological databases across the Asia-Pacific region.
Target beneficiaries
The major beneficiaries are research and educational institutes in countries such as China, India, Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand that are just moving into bioinformatics but do not have the necessary Internet bandwidth.
Outputs
Free and open source client software based on third generation P2P technology, for automatic downloading and synchronization of biological software, to be made available free of charge through the Asia-Pacific BioInformatics Network (APBioNET); and reports on performance of the test-bed will be published in relevant journals and conferences and be made available through the APBioNet website (http://www.apbionet.org).
Duration
Start Date: February 2006
End Date: June 2007
Total Duration: 17 Months
Contact information
Christine Apikul
APDIP Programme Specialist for Content Development and Knowledge Management
[email protected]
or
Amornrat Phongdara,
Director
Centre for Genomics and Bioinformatics Research
Faculty of Science,
Prince of Songkhla University
Kanchanawanish Road,
Hat Yai, Songkhla 90112,
Thailand
Telephone: +66 74 288 384
Fax: +66 74 288 384
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.apbionet.org
