meeting the computation demands for data driven biology at vectorbase

VectorBase is a full featured web site that provides the latest genomic data for invertebrate vectors of human pathogens. Complex computer systems are involved in keeping the site operational. This paper describes how all of these systems were migrated from one set of computers to another. Along with providing genomic data to users, the site also makes available several sequence analysis tools. VectorBase uses distributed computing systems to process all the data submitted for use by these tools. The site's distributed computing system has gone through several changes over the years and those modifications are documented in this paper. Finally, the BLAST genomic tool is the most popular feature of the site. Great detail was put into improving the way users interact with this tool to provide a more efficient, intuitive, and beneficial experience for its users. All the modifications, reasons for them, and technologies used for the new interface are described herein.