Following the previous discussions on IoT in Cryo-EM and the resurgence of the manual plunge cooler, we now turn our attention to another pivotal aspect of democratizing Cryo-EM: cloud-based services. Specifically, we spotlight Clovertex and their dedicated Platform as a Service (PaaS) for Cryo-EM IT.
As cryoDuck obviously revolves around 'getting your cryo-EM ducks in a row', it's crucial to remember that each ' cryo-EM duck' - be it protein, grid preparation, data collection, or IT - comprises its own intricate arrangement of smaller 'ducks'. When it comes to cryo-EM IT, the requirements span across specialized hardware, software, and data management - this is precisely where Clovertex steps in, armed with their strengths in cloud-based as well as on-premises High Performance Computing (HPC) for pharmaceutical companies.
The cloud is a fundamental theme in the decentralization and democratization of cryo-EM, and Clovertex, with their specialized PaaS offering, is spearheading this area. Looking ahead, we anticipate an increasing buzz around cryo-EM in the cloud, and Clovertex will undoubtedly be at the heart of these discussions. Readers are strongly encouraged to stay attuned to this emerging trend and sign up for our upcoming webinar, "Automation of Cryo-EM Workflows", slated for July 26th. Meanwhile, this post will strive to unpack what PaaS means, specifically in the cryo-EM context.
Unlike Software as a Service (SaaS), which delivers ready-to-use software solutions, PaaS offers a tailored environment that seamlessly integrated into the customer's own network to meet their specific requirements and needs. It's worth noting that PaaS is not a "one size fits all" solution but a customized one. With a keen understanding of the specific IT policies and standards that different companies adhere to, Clovertex ensures their PaaS solution provides an optimally configured Cryo-EM IT environment that aligns with each organization's policies. This tailored approach offers flexibility, scalability, and efficient resource utilization, vital attributes for successful Cryo-EM operations. By delivering a solution that fits into the unique IT environments and workflows of each customer, PaaS is making Cryo-EM research more accessible and efficient, paving the way for the further democratization of this transformative technology.
In cryo-EM, microscopes don't inherently send the data where it is ultimately needed, creating a need for connectors to HPC infrastructure. Clovertex, with its vast experience in managing scientific computing applications, helps in bridging this gap. They enable seamless data transfer from Cryo-EM equipment to cloud storage, ensuring that the latest data is immediately available for processing.
The computation intensity of Cryo-EM workflows demands a diverse range of CPUs and GPUs, which can be challenging to manage on-premise due to cost and space limitations. By offering their services on the cloud, Clovertex provides access to the latest GPU and CPU resources required for Cryo-EM data processing, maximizing the utilization of these resources to provide value for money.
Cryo-EM and structural biology depend on a myriad of software packages such as Relion, CryoSPARC, and many more. Managing these open-source or complex-to-build software packages can be arduous. Clovertex simplifies this process by taking charge of deploying and managing these software tools, allowing researchers to focus on their core research.
Perhaps one of the most challenging aspects of Cryo-EM IT is data management. Cryo-EM datasets are very large, and fast-processing necessitates high-performance storage. On the other hand, idle files can incur unnecessary cost if left on expensive storage. Clovertex has mastered this balancing act, providing scalable storage solutions that can handle the intense I/O performance requirements while ensuring cost-efficiency through data tiering strategies.
With rapid advancements in technology, it is essential to revisit the above components periodically to maintain state-of-the-art infrastructure. Clovertex ensures that users can leverage the latest developments without worrying about the upkeep of their systems. Their platform supports automatic system updates, ensuring that users always have access to the most advanced features and resources.
A standout feature of an ideal PaaS provider is their ability to customize workflows based on the needs of their customers. With their domain expertise, Clovertex excels in this area, building and maintaining custom scripts for automating processing or integrating with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
In summary, Clovertex is easing the democratization of Cryo-EM by offering tailored cloud-based solutions. By streamlining data transfer, optimizing hardware, managing software complexities, handling data management, facilitating continuous revision, and customizing workflows, Clovertex is empowering more labs and people to engage with this powerful technology. Their service offering is an invaluable asset to drug discovery processes, ensuring faster scientific insights, and decreasing time to market for new and potentially life-saving products.
1. July 26th webinar: Automation of Cryo-EM Workflows
2. Clovertex website