University of Chicago Selecting Cleversafe

Cleversafe, Inc. announced that the Center for Data Intensive Science (CDIS) at the University of Chicago (UChicago) has selected its web-scale storage platform to house data as part of its infrastructure to support data commons and data clouds.

With Cleversafe’s technology, CDIS is able to store and access large datasets in one central location for research purposes, streamlining the process and increasing the ability for researchers to collaborate.

This is particularly important for applications such as genomics that create very large datasets. The use of genomic sequencing has improved researchers’ ability to better understand disease and chronic health conditions, but access to the data is challenging due to its size.

In recent years, scientists around the globe have begun to generate an enormous amount of data to help with diagnostics of cancer and determining treatment. However, this wealth of data comes with considerable limitations as the data is gathered by different research groups using varying technologies and protocols. In addition, mapping a human genome generates a significant amount of data. Layering analysis on top of this information creates an explosive amount of information that traditional storage systems are not equipped to handle.

“The challenges of genomic data research up until now stem from the vast amount of data stored in different locations, using different software and management systems,” said Piers Nash, MBA, PhD, director of business development, CDIS. “Cleversafe’s web-scale storage platform allows us to house this data in one common location, decreasing time and money spent to analyze genomic data. Bringing data at scale together for the scientific community will help researchers collaborate and really transform the study of cancer at all scales.“

While the program is currently focused on providing a platform and ideal environment for accelerating research analysis around efforts to uncover a cure for cancer, UChicago is also working to develop data commons for others diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and diabetes.

“Our work with the University of Chicago enables us to help make a difference in research for more effective medical treatments,” said John Morris, president and CEO, Cleversafe. “Cleversafe is able to accelerate the process for researchers to analyze data by providing a highly scalable, secure and cost-efficient storage platform.“