Minows
WynnIT is currently developing an alternative way of handling laboratory data based on a workflow scheme rather than the traditional Client\Server approach.
This is an Open Source project for the following reasons:-
- Ensuring that the framework source code remains freely available
- Increasing resources
Overview
Minows is a job processing system. It works by passing objects called tickets across a network of computers. The ticket is an object that contains data and the code required to carry out the ticket's goal. A Minows network can comprise one PC or thousands. Each PC in the Minows network is installed with the Minows core software. A user interacts with the Minows core using OpenOffice extension programs. Each PC can be configured for a specialist role within the Minows network or support all roles. Minows is not a client/server system, each PC is configured identically with the Minows framework software. The ticket carries all the job information and instructions. Tickets can be split to handle subtasks and then recombine with the parent ticket when a subtask is complete. The Minows network contains information resources, these include instrumentation, user input (i.e. sample booking) or channels to other software (i.e. stats software).
Advantages of Minows against Client/Server
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- Eliminates resource bottlenecks
- Maximises the processing power of each PC in the Minows network
- Each job is self contained within the ticket so can easily evolve.
- Minimises network traffic by keeping intensive processing on the local PC.
- Supports many different job goals i.e. QC + R&D
- Supports inbuilt quality assurance as an upfront activity by requiring resources to prove their capability.
- Integrates remote sites without requiring complicated server synchronisation.
Progress
Minows is split into the following components:-
- Minows core - loaded onto all Minows PC (uses JBoss+MySQL). Advanced
- Minows Interface - provides admin services (OpenOffice extension). Advanced
- Minows Booking - sample submission (OpenOffice extension) Design stage
- Minows Sample - analyte selection (OpenOffice extension) Intermediate
- Minows Instrument - analytical chemistry instrument interface for GC,GCMS,LC,LCMS (C# program). Advanced
- Minows Report (OpenOffice extension) Design stage
Minows is being developed under the LGPL as Open Source software and if you have an interest in this software then please contact us at
minows@wynnit.co.uk