Q. What is Signet?
A. Signet is the most scalable and robust expression data management
solution available, meeting the demands of both high-throughput
sample volumes and increasing numbers of users. Signet streamlines
microarray data management at large and multi-campus organizations,
providing server-side data analysis and secure archiving.
Q. My colleagues and I all use GeneSpring. Why do I need Signet?
A. The very nature of microarray data lends itself to collaborative data management. By storing expression data centrally, researchers can study how gene X behaves, not just in their own studies, but in all of the conditions studied by their colleagues. Not only can such researchers benefit from studying one another's raw expression data, but also from the secondary data that are generated by using GeneSpring's analysis tools. This database of raw expression data, annotations, analysis reports, gene lists, pictures, and associated files is searchable and is made available to each GeneSpring user whenever an update occurs.
Q. On what types of servers does Signet run?
A. Signet will run on Windows NT/2000/XP or any Unix platform for which there exists a Java virtual machine.
Q. I already have a library of expression data. Can Signet interface with my existing database structure?
A. Yes. The Signet SampleLoader automatically updates the Signet database with data in existing LIMS and legacy databases, ensuring that data is synchronized and accessible across diverse parts of an
enterprise. In addition, sample data can be loaded in batch from multiple, specified network directories, each with unique instructions for handling access permissions and identifying technology types. The result is a tool that can keep pace
with truly high-throughput facilities, as well as the needs of multiple research groups generating data independently.
Q. How many users can use Signet at once, and how is this reflected in my licensing agreement?
A. There is no limit to the number of users who may access your database. The license is based on the number of users the institution wants to grant access to. So, you can allow 10 users or 5000 users to access the database, it is entirely flexible based on your institution.
Q. What types of client-side software do researchers in my enterprise need to access Signet?
A. Researchers can access Signet using any web browser or GeneSpring.
Q. What types of data can Signet store and retrieve?
A. Genomes, Gene Lists, Trees, Classifications, Array Layouts, Pictures, Annotations, associated files, etc. Anything that can be performed from within GeneSpring can be stored, shared and displayed from within Signet.
Q. What is the policy for purchasing Signet upgrades?
A. A Signet subscription entitles users to unlimited upgrades until their subscription expires.
Q. Can I keep my lab's data and analysis reports separate from other data on Signet, so that other groups can't see our data?
A. Absolutely. Read and/or write permissions are assigned to each Signet user, and users may be assigned access to differing levels of data. The administration of user-privileges is left entirely to discretion of your institution.
Q. What is the RemoteServer and why would I want to use it?
A. The RemoteServer is a program that runs scripts using data from GeneSpring. Analysis results are sent back to GeneSpring through Signet. The remote execution feature is useful when you:
need to perform large numbers of similar analyses with different inputs
have memory consuming tasks
have time-consuming analysis tasks
want to continue to use your workstation without any slowdown
need to quit GeneSpring and log off your workstation, but still need analysis results
Q. How does remote execution work?
A. The RemoteServer is nearly invisible to GeneSpring user. Scripts are routed to a RemoteServer through Signet and the results can be downloaded to GeneSpring. In this three-tier scenario, GeneSpring sends a script to Signet, Signet sends it to the first available RemoteServer, the RemoteServer processes it and sends the results back to Signet. The user is then notified of the results and can download them into GeneSpring.
Q. How do I install more than one RemoteServer?
A. You download the appropriate RemoteServer software for each
operating system you intend to use. You can install the
software on more than one machine. The number of RemoteServers your Signet can use is defined by the Signet license.
So, if you want to run more RemoteServers than currently specified on your license, you will need
to obtain a new Signet license from Silicon Genetics.
Q. How many users can use one RemoteServer at once, and how is this
reflected in my licensing agreement?
A. There is no limit to the number of users who may access your
RemoteServer. The Signet license specifies the number of RemoteServers
that Signet can use. Keep in mind that you can only execute
one job at a time on each RemoteServer. If your RemoteServer is busy most of the
time doing jobs for different users, you might consider increasing the number of RemoteServers
specified on your Signet license.
Q. Can I close GeneSpring before a remote job is finished?
A. Yes. If you close GeneSpring and your job finishes later, you will be notified the next time you open GeneSpring. You can also choose to disable notifications.
Q. Can I use the RemoteServers to execute scripts that use external programs?
A. Yes, but there are certain requirements. See our for details.
Q. How do I access the Signet User Manual?
A. Log into Signet and select "Help". For a PDF version, select "PDF/Print".
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