[Pipet Devel] genentech

[Kenneth A. Marx]

J.W. Bizzaro wrote:

> Justin Bradford wrote:
> >
> > I pretty sure I'm going to be accepted for an internship at Genentech this
> > summer, working in the biocomputing division.
>
> Congratulations!  I know you'll be a great asset to them, as you are to us.
>
> > In the interview, the
> > director of this division was asking a lot of questions about Loci, and
> > seems very interested.
>
> That's good, I think.
>
> >
> > Basically, they develop bioinformatic tools and client/middleware
> > interface software so the researchers can easily access these
> > bioinformatic tools and databases from easy-to-use interfaces over the
> > network.
> >
> > Sound familiar?
>
> A little ;-)
>
> >
> > So far they've basically been doing Perl/CGI access just using netscape.
> > They are wanting to start making use of Java applets to make better
> > interfaces, too.
> >
> > I was having some trouble explaining the Loci design to him, but we're
> > basically doing the same thing. Well, except that the Loci design is
> > substantially more powerful, flexible, easier to use, and provides better
> > client views. After we're done writing it, of course ;)
>
> We're trying.  I'm beginning to think that our time spent thinking and
> rethinking the design of Loci has been very beneficial, even though nothing has
> been written.  Had we just jumped in and started coding, there were be less of a
> difference between Loci and other concoctions.
>
> But of course, vaporware is vaporware ;-)
>
> >
> > I have a friend who used to work out there, and he tells me they have some
> > absolutely brilliant people in the biocomputing/bioinformatics division
> > (although they're probably doing development on the bioinformatic
> > tools rather than the interface/network stuff). Given the overlap and
> > general interest they showed towards the Loci concept, it might not be too
> > big of a stretch to get genentech interested in the project. Or, at least,
> > maybe I can attract a few developers there.
>
> I have no problems with the prospect that a business might get involved.  Harry
> Mangalam also mentioned that NCGR might be interested in extending Loci (see Feb
> 27 e-mail from Harry).  We are licensing Loci as LGPL rather than GPL so that it
> can be extended with proprietary programs.  (This does bring up the issue of
> using _some_ GPL code in Loci...as with Dia...I'm concerned that we can't have
> any GPL code, that it has to be all LGPL.)
>
> Red Hat, for example, was responsible for most of the GNOME development, and it
> didn't matter that it was a business.  It is up to a company to use the GNU
> license, and by doing so they are disclaiming their "rights" to make the
> software closed and proprietary at some point in the future (the GPL and LGPL
> are indelible).
>
> >
> > They have a cross-platform concern, too, with Windows and MacOS, and
> > probably some unix, desktops. Has anyone heard about a GTK port to MacOS?
> >
>
> I agree with Rahul that a MacOS 10 port would be simpler than the Windows port,
> which already exists.  Of course because OS 10 is UNIX-based (it uses the Mach
> kernel).
>
> > P.S. I'll actually get around to setting up CVS, SSH, etc. on the new
> > server this weekend. I promise. Any thing else we need on it?
>
> I have the RPM's for SSH2 already there.  This is the directory where I like to
> archive RPM's:
>
>     /usr/opt/arc/RPMS/
>
> You'll find them there.  As for myself, I will be installing BigBrother (Web
> stats) and Mailman (list server).
>
> >
> > P.S.S. Thanks J.W. for starting this project. It played a big part in this
> > getting (probably) this internship.
>
> You're very welcome!  This news has made my day, really.  Let me know how it
> turns out.
>
> Jeff
> --
> J.W. Bizzaro                  mailto:bizzaro at bc.edu
> Boston College Chemistry      http://www.uml.edu/Dept/Chem/Bizzaro/
>
> I have always appreciated your ability to ________, whenever
> there has been a blank to fill.
> --

To all:

I'm glad to see this enterprise succeeding and Justin getting a job............Ken
Marx