The following is a wrap-up of news of interest
during the months of March and April 2000.
International LIMS 2000 Conference Call for Papers
Strategic Directions, Inc. Highlights Top Pittcon
Introductions in IBO
Phoenix Software Exits Commercial Applications
Software Business
Accelerated Technology Laboratories (ATL) Introduces
ScreenIT LIMS
PE SCIEX BioAnalyst Mass Spectrometry Software
for Windows NT Introduced at Pittcon
ChemIndustry.com Signs Agreement with China
Chemical Network
Mantra Software Unveils NuGenesis VISION 4.0
at Pittcon
Mantra Software and Micromass Announce Development
Alliance
@LIMS.Corp Spun Off By LabVantage Solutions
LabSystems To Highlight Products at Pittcon 2000
Labtronics Highlights Free Collectlite Software
at Pittcon
Labtronics Unveils LimsLink 3.0
Thermo LabSystems Announces Growth in '99 Results
Glickman Announces New Proposal for National
Organic Standards
Biowire.com Launched by Stanford and Berkeley
University Grads
New Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Terminology
Spellchecker
Beckman Coulter Announces New Interactive CD-ROM
Tutorial for Pinnacle CDS
Mantra Software Announces Formation of Mantra
Data Management and Compliance Solutions (DMCS)
International LIMS 2000 Conference Call for
Papers
A Call For Papers has been issued for the International LIMS 2000 Conference
to be held May 16-18, 2000, in Atlantic City, NJ. The theme of the conference
is "Running Into the New Millennium". According to Steve O'Connor,
LIMS2000 Program Chair, "Many of us have just worked our way clear
of the Millennium roll-over issues. We now find ourselves looking forward
and wondering what's next for the LIMS industry. As a result, the conference
will highlight questions such as: Will LIMS applications become a "throw
away" piece of laboratory equipment with a life span of only 5 years
or less? How will the new technologies such as MES, ERP, Object Oriented
Systems, three tier client server approaches, electronic signature and record
issues, etc effect the industry's future? Where and how does laboratory
data and information fit into the corporations data warehousing efforts,
or does it? Papers addressing any of the issues listed above are sought
for presentation at the LIMS2000 Conference and Exposition. Abstracts should
be E-mailed to Steve O'Connor, Oconnosg@ahp.com.
Authors are advised that all presentations will be required in PowerPoint
format and that a copy of the presentation will be required for inclusion
in the conference CD-ROM. Abstracts must be received no later than April
1, 2000. For details about the LIMS 2000 Conference, visit http://www.lims2000.org
or contact The LIMS Institute, 1416 Severn Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15217.
E-mail: lims@juno.com.
Strategic Directions, Inc. Highlights Top
Pittcon Introductions in IBO
The latest issue of Strategic Directions' Instrument Business Outlook (IBO)
newsletter highlights its picks for the top products introduced at Pittcon
2000. From the many new products introduced at Pittcon 2000, IBO selected
three top product stand-outs based on technology, innovation, and the potential
impact they may have in the marketplace. The products chosen include Agilent
Technologies' 2100 Bioanalyzer chip based on lab-on-a-chip technology, Cyrano
Science's Cyranose 320 portable hand-held electronic nose, and Textron Systems'
Near Infrared Grain Analyzer, an integrated thermally stabilitzed solid-state
spectrometer. For a copy of the report or for more information, contact
Strategic Directions at http://www.strategic-directions.com
Phoenix Software Exits Commercial Applications
Software Business
Phoenix Software, which spun off their LIMS product entitled Integraware
into a separate division, has formally exited the commercial applications
software business. This action has resulted in a recduction of about 25
people in the company's Information technology workforce. A project rteam
of softwre specialists are being retained by Phoenix to service commercial
clients and internal systems. While Integraware still maintains a web page,
and the company ordered a booth for the recent Pittsburgh Conference in
New Orleans, it was a no show at the event. For details visit the Phoenix
web site at http://www.pils.com
Accelerated Technology Laboratories (ATL)
Introduces ScreenIT LIMS
ATL has introduced a new ScreenIT LIMS as part of their line of LIMS offeriengs.
ScreenIT is a true client/server LIMS that utilizes either Microsoft SQL
Server or Oracle with web integration. A full-featured LIMS, ScreenIT provides
a user-customizable express login screen with built-in barcode support,
integrated statistical analyses, and auto-faxing, auto-printing, or auto-emailing
of results to hundreds of clients. ATL has also provided database management
tools specifically designed to enable manufacturing businesses to grow by
improving productivity and sample throughput. For additional information
visit ATL at http://www.atlab.com
PE SCIEX BioAnalyst Mass Spectrometry Software
for Windows NT Introduced at Pittcon
PE Biosystems, through their PE SCIEX joint venture, introduced PE SCIEX
BioAnalyst software for proteomics chemists during the Pittsburgh 2000 Conference.
PE SCIEX BioAnalyst software is a comprehensive, integrated set of bioanalytical
utilities that processes mass spectrometry data for protein identification
and characterization. The software runs on the Windows NT platform. Because
it employs advanced tools for high throughput protein identification, characterization
of post-translational modifications, and de novo sequencing, PE Biosystems
expects BioAnalyst software to be a premier tool for its expanding proteomics
market.For additional information, visit http:http://www.pecorporation.com
ChemIndustry.com Signs Agreement with China
Chemical Network
One of the largest PRC chemical portals, ChemIndustry.com has signed an agreement with the China Chemical Network (CCN), a leading provider of chemical information in the People's Republic of China. In the first phase of the agreement, the Web sites of 1500 Chinese chemical companies will be entered in the ChemIndustry.Com database. CCN will place ChemIndustry.Com's search tool on
Founded in April 1999, ChemIndustry.com currently has more than 23,000
separate entries representing 15,000 distinct Web sites in its database.
The company licenses its search box to leading Web sites in the industries
it serves, which include the chemical, petrochemical, agrochemical, pharmaceutical,
biochemical, coatings, and dyes marketplaces. For additional information,
visit http://www.chemindustry.com
Mantra Software Unveils NuGenesis VISION
4.0 at Pittcon
Mantra Software Corporation unveiled NuGenesis VISION 4.0, the latest
version of its Scientific Data Management System (SDMS) technology, at the
recent Pittsburgh Conference. NuGenesis VISION 4.0 has many new features
that provide a complete electronic records solution by integrating customized
templates, electronic signatures and ease-of-use features. Mantra's NuGenesis
SDMS is designed to provide scientists with new capabilities in handling
electronic records and signatures as required by the FDA under the Electronic
Records and Signature Rule known as 21 CFR, Part 11. These regulations are
designed to advance the FDA's goal of receiving all regulatory submissions
in electronic format by 2002. For additional information, contact Mantra
at http://www.mantrasoft.com
Mantra Software and Micromass Announce Development
Alliance
Mantra Software Corporation and Micromass have announced an agreement to
develop an interface between the NuGenesis Scientific Data Management System
(SDMS) ARCHIVE product tool and Micromass' suite of leading mass spectroscopy
instrumentation and software. The added interoperability resulting from
the agreement will allow customers of both companies additional capability
in accessing and organizing different types of raw data using a single information
architecture. For additional information, contact Mantra at http://www.mantrasoft.com
@LIMS.Corp Spun Off By LabVantage Solutions
LabVantage Solutions has spun off their @LIMS web-based solution into a separate entity now known as @LIMS.corp. The new organization will focus on its core offering, @LIMS, which provides a unique approach to web-based LIMS. Based on LabVantage's Sapphire architecture, the web-based solution is custom-configureable to not only any type of laboratory but also to any size laboratory. For additional information, visit http://www.atlims.com
LabSystems To Highlight Products at Pittcon
2000
LabSystems have announced that it will make a splash at the upciming
PittCon 2000 conference and exposition in New Orleans with a booth focusing
on new products for the analytical chemist. Their booth, number 7237, will
highlight the LabSystems 2000 rang eof rproducts for the first time in a
public forum. The LabSystems 2000 range of automation solutions offers new
improvements both in laboratory productivity and in connectivity. For additional
details, contact LabSystems at 800-719-1853 or visit their web site at http://www.labsystems.com
Labtronics Highlights Free Collectlite
Software at Pittcon
Labtronics Inc., a world leader in instrument interfacing, is celebrating
Pittcon 2000 by giving away Collect/lite to a selected group of companies.
This Windows 95,98 and NT data collection program allows users to interface
most simple RS232 instruments in just seconds. Collect/lite was designed
so that users can begin collecting data right away, eliminating the most
common data entry errors and increasing productivity from the minute the
program is started. The interfaces on Collect/Lite include: All Balances
with an RS232 output; PH meters; Ion Meters; Density Meters; Moisture Analyzers;
Polarimeters; Refractometers; Spectrophotometers; Flame AA; and Fluorometers,
with more being added to the Labtronics web site regularly. For a free demo
copy, visit http://www.labtronics.com
Labtronics Unveils LimsLink 3.0
LimsLink 3.0, the latest 32-bit version for Windows 98 and NT, is now available
from Labtronics. LimsLink links instruments and LIMS into a seamless, automated
solution, that eliminates manual data processing. Results from any instrument
can be automatically captured and processed to meet LIMS/database upload
requirements. LimsLink 3.0 features increased speed, an enhanced password
system, and more user-friendly internal spreadsheet functions. For additional
information, visit http://www.labtronics.com
Thermo LabSystems Announces Growth in '99
Results
Thermo LabSystems has announced the results of the company's financial performance
for 1999. LabSystems' revenue has increased by 23.9% from US$32.2M in 1998
to US$39.9M in 1999. Over the same period, the company's income before taxes
has increased by 46.9% from US$6.4M to US$9.4M. The number of employees
thas more than doubled in a four year period from 114 in 1996 to 250 at
the end of 1999.
LabSystems develops Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)
and Chromatography Data Systems for laboratories in both manufacturing and
R&D environments. To date the company has installed over 890 LIMS and
25,000 channels of chromatography data systems world-wide. These systems
facilitate the monitoring and analysis of laboratory samples, as well as
the organization and storage of data, to meet stringent regulatory standards.
LabSystems is the only LIMS supplier to publish such financial information.
LabSystems provides solutions for a significant number of companies within
the Fortune 500. Industries served include Pharmaceutical, Oil and Gas,
Chemical, Food and Beverage, Environmental and Forensic. Before being acquired
by Thermo, LabSystems was owned by the Fisons Instruments division of Fisons
PLC, and prior to that formed part of the VG Instruments Group. The company
was originally founded as VG Laboratory Systems in 1982. Today LabSys is
the Information Management Systems segment of Thermo BioAnalysis Corporation.
Glickman Announces New Proposal for National
Organic Standards
The proposal details the methods, practices, and substances that can
be used in producing and handling organic crops and livestock, as well as
processed products. It establishes clear labeling criteria and rules so
that consumers know exactly what they are buying when they purchase organic
f
Secretary Glickman today also announced several other steps the Administration
is taking to promote organic agriculture. President Clinton's fiscal 2001
budget proposes $5 million for research to develop improved organic production
and processing methods, evaluate economic benefits to farmers, and develop
new organic markets. Glickman said USDA will establish a pilot organic crop
insurance program to help organic farmers better manage risk. He also announced
that USDA and the University of California at Davis will conduct research
on organic production and ways to enhance farmers' ability to market organic
fruits and vegetables.
The proposed national standard and additional steps Secretary Glickman announced
today will help stimulate one of the fastest growing sectors of American
agriculture. USDA estimates that the value of retail sales of organic foods
in 1999 was approximately $6 billion. The number of organic farmers is increasing
about 12 percent per year and now stands at about 12,200 nationwide, most
of them small-scale producers.
Biowire.com Launched by Stanford and Berkeley
University Grads
Biowire.com, a startup company founded by Stanford and Berkeley biology
grads, has been launched on the Internet. A web site where scientists can
read and write reviews on scientific products they use, Biowire.com offers
hands-on experience in the form of these peer reviews. Participants are
paid $25 for the first review contributed, and $10 for each of up to six
additional reviews. Scientists are encouraged to review any product -- such
as antibodies, competent cells, enzymes or kits -- that have fewer than
five reviews. For details, visit http://www.biowire.com
New Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Terminology
Spellchecker
Two new products, Spellex Biotech and Spellex Pharmaceutical, now enable
scientists to spellcheck documents with biotechnology and pharmaceutical
terms. The product is simple to use and install, and works with either a
PC or a Macintosh. The cost is $79.95 for single user licenses, or $385.95
apiece for 10-user licenses. For details, visit http://www.spellex.com
Beckman Coulter Announces New Interactive
CD-ROM Tutorial for Pinnacle CDS
Beckman Coulter has announced the availability of a multimedia multi-lingual
tutorial for their Pinnacle Chromatography Data System (CDS). Pinnacle CDS
is a client/server CDS designed for medium to large-scale laboratories.
The program, recorded in English, French, and German, includes detailed
information on the system's user interface, customization capabilities,
and data management tools. The CD-ROM may be requested online at http://www.pinnaclecd.com
Mantra Software Announces Formation of Mantra
Data Management and Compliance Solutions (DMCS)
Mantra Software has announced the formation of Mantra Data Management
and Compliance Solutions (DMCS), which will serve as the company's regulatory
compliance consulting business unit targeted at providing compliant and
cost-effective business process solutoins to regulated industry. Mantra
DMCS' mission is to integrate process and organizational strategies with
new compliance requirements brought on by the FDA's enforcement of 21 CFR
Part 11, otherwise known as the Electronic Records, Electronic Signatures
Rule. For more information, visit Mantra at http://www.mantrasoft.com