progeny software

Lab FAQ's

What genotype platforms does Lab support?

How is Lab configured (installed)?

Can I connect to the database with Lab and Clinical clients?

Can clinical users and lab users work off the same database without compromising patient data?

How is the software licensed?

What is the database that ships with Lab?

Does this database require a database administrator?

What is required to get up-and-running with Lab?

Can I have more than one database?

Can I connect to Progeny database servers in other buildings, institutions, or collaborators overseas?

What security features are available in Lab?

Can I connect to the backend database directly?

Can I move data from one Progeny database to another?

Can I import existing data that I have in another database or Excel spreadsheet?

What is the difference between Lab and Clinical client?

What support options are available?

Do you offer volume discounts when purchasing?

 

 

What genotype platforms does Lab support?

Progeny Lab can directly interface to Affymetrix, Illumina, ABI, DeCode, Sequenom, and others. This provides the ability to import the native files generated from these platforms, or in some cases, may require minor adjustments to the file.

 

How is Lab configured (installed)?

Lab can be configured a stand-alone installation on a single PC or as a network installation with multiple users. The network installation includes a server CD (same server CD as Clinical) which installs on a Windows, Linux, or Novell server.  This server CD only installs the database engine, which sits open on the server waiting for clients to connect to it.  Client CD's are installed on each PC that want to access the Progeny database.  You must install the client CD for every PC that needs access to the Progeny database.

 

Can I connect to the database with Lab and Clinical clients?

Yes. The Lab server installation is the same server installation as Clinical. The database that installs allows for both Lab and Clinical Clients to connect to it, as long as they are all on the same Version of the software.  Lab users would have access to modules of the software related to genotyping that Enterpise Clients would not have, but they would still be working off the same pedigrees and individuals.

 

Can clinical users and lab users work off the same database without compromising patient data?

Yes. There is built-in security allowing you to setup classes and restrict access to data based on the user class. For instance, you can create two classes (clinical and laboratory) and restrict access to personal information based on what class you belong in.

 

How is the software licensed?

Lab is sold on a per PC installed basis.  For every PC you install the client software, you are charged a license fee.  There is also a charge for the server software - depending on the number of client PC's.   The site license allows you to load the software to as many PC's as you want for a set fee.

 

What is the database that ships with Lab?

Lab ships with a Sybase SQL Anywhere database.  This database is capable of storing massive amounts of data, including large arrays such as the 500K chip.  Several hundred users can connect to this database at the same time.

 

Does this database require a database administrator?

No.  The database is embedded in Lab and requires no maintenance.  It is self-tuning.  All adminstrative functions are accessible via the user inferface.  You do not need to go into the backend database at all. 

 

What is required to get up-and-running with Lab?

After installing the software, you need to customize the database (create fields).  We do ship a sample database that you can start with as a template, however, you are not required to use this database.  You can create a brand new, blank database and set it up exactly how you want.  Next, you need to import your samples or enter them manually. You can then import genotype information based on sample ID.

 

Can I have more than one database?

Yes.  You can create as many databases as you want.  The server will launch multiple databases.  When you login to the client software, you can specify which database you want to connect to.  Each database will require a User ID and Password.

 

Can I connect to Progeny database servers in other buildings, institutions, or collaborators overseas?

Yes.  As long as you have physical access to the Progeny server, you can connect to it anywhere in the world.  The speed at which you connect determines the response time of the application.

 

What security features are available in Lab?

Every Progeny database can be configured with User ID's and Passwords that are HIPAA compliant.  You can set up User classes and restrict access to fields, folders, pedigrees, etc.  For instance, you can set up two classes, such as 'Clinical' and 'Laboratory', and restrict access to fields based on which class you are in.  The database itself can be encrypted as well as data packets passing to and from the application.

VIEW ALL SECURITY FEATURES


 

Can I connect to the backend database directly?

Yes.  We provide full access to the database via drivers we ship.  You can connect and pull data from the database, however, we recommend you do not update data via the backend.  There are ways to update the data, but you'll need to contact us to ensure nothing is compromised with the integrity of the data.

 

Can I move data from one Progeny database to another?

Yes.  There is an option that allows you to connect to two databases from the Main Screen.  You can then move pedigrees and data from one database to another using simple drag and drop features.

 

Can I import existing data that I have in another database or Excel spreadsheet?

Yes.  Our free Import Module allows you to import pedigrees or individuals with data directly into Progeny.  This includes the ability to import pedigree data directly from files produced by other programs, like Cyrillic.

 

What is the difference between Lab and Clinical client?

Lab has modules specifically related to managing genotypes (Markers, Samples, Plates, Genotype Imports, Linkage-Association Exports). Clinical Client does not have access to these modules, but can connect to the same database view data related to the individuals.

 

What support options are available?

If you purchase the Progeny Subscription Plan (PSP), you are entitled to unlimited toll-free support, including updates and new versions.  In addition, we offer on-site training, as well as web training via WebEx.

 

Do you offer volume discounts when purchasing?

Yes.  Contact a Progeny sales representative for pricing on 5 or more licenses.