Argos , a replicable genome information system for FlyBase , euGenes and other databases

Motivation: Genome data access is a growing need in many sectors of biosciences research and development. This includes issues of common standards, data federation, distribution and automated access to large and changing volumes of complex data. Monolithic database systems can impede use of new data and methods, especially for small informatics groups. Results: Argos is a new genome information system structure for organizing a common tool set with Internet access, automatic replication, installation and updates of genome databases. It is component-based and loosely structured to allow adoption of new techniques readily. Example systems include FlyBase and euGenes genome databases. Availability: Argos common components and implemented databases are available from