Systems Support for Remote Visualization of Genomics Applications over Wide Area Networks

Microarray experiments can provide molecular-level insight into a variety of biological processes, from yeast cell cycle to tumorogenesis. However, analysis of both genomic and protein microarray data requires interactive collaborative investigation by biology and bioinformatics researchers. To assist collaborative analysis, remote collaboration tools for integrative analysis and visualization of microarray data are necessary. Such tools should: (i) provide fast response times when used with visualization-intensive genomics applications over a low-bandwidth wide area network, (ii) eliminate transfer of large and often sensitive datasets, (iii) work with any analysis software, and (iv) be platform-independent. Existing visualization systems do not satisfy all requirements. We have developed a remote visualization system called Varg that extends the platform-independent remote desktop system VNC with a novel global compression method. Our evaluations show that the Varg system can support interactive visualization-intensive genomic applications in a remote environment by reducing bandwidth requirements from 30:1 to 289:1.

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