Database
A database is not just an alternative to the file system, but is a much more powerful replacement. AppFive engineers have recognized the importance of databases for microscopy for many years, and have incorporated them into a number of their products.
In high-volume laboratory environments, efficient management of data requires more than saving files on the local disk drive, or copying files around the network. Additionally, users increasingly require controlled access to their data, and it needs to be accessible from anywhere in the world.
Databases satisfy all of those requirements, and more. Following is some of the database-centric functionality AppFive engineers have implemented for microscopy applications:
- Data storage: database-bound storage of experimental data, including acquired data, experimental conditions and specimen (session) info
- Data archiving: storage of locally acquired experimental data on remote/archival servers
- Data search: query for data by multiple keys
- Data display: thumbnail viewing/browsing of multiple data, detailed view of individual data
- Reports: customizable, printable reports of experiment results