Web-Based Interfaces for the GCG Sequence Analysis Programs

The Genetics Computer Group (GCG) programs, also called the Wisconsin Package, comprise a powerful suite of tools for manipulating, analyzing, and comparing nucleotide and protein sequences. More than 130 programs are included in the Wisconsin Package, each of which functions as a tool for performing a specific task, such as translating a nucleotide-coding sequence or determining restriction enzyme cutting sites. The Wisconsin Package is commonly installed on a shared computer on a network. Traditionally, users login to the GCG server with a terminal program to operate the GCG programs. Recent efforts have resulted in development of Web-based interfaces for the Wisconsin Package, which allow the GCG programs to be run from Web browsers such as Netscape Communicator (see Note 6 ) or Internet Explorer (see Note 7 ). Because Web browsers are now ubiquitous and relatively easy to use, they offer a way to operate the GCG programs that will be familiar and comfortable to most people. GCG has recently introduced its version of a Webbased GCG interface called SeqWeb. SeqWeb is distributed separately from the Wisconsin Package as an add-on for an existing GCG installation (Note 3 ). Another Web-based interface for GCG is called BioPortal (Note 4 ), developed at the National University of Singapore. BioPortal is also an add-on for an existing GCG installation. Other Web-based interfaces for GCG are also in development, but are not addressed here.