GenoMEDIA: a middleware platform for distributed genomic information

This work presents the problem of integrating heterogeneous software tools and databases in a generic distributed platform focused on genomic applications. A new system concept, named GenoMEDIA is presented. This platform allows users to access in a uniform and transparent manner these heterogeneous data and tools. The user submits both data and goal to a generic query point of GenoMEDIA, which delivers him the result after processing. The data are passed through several corresponding services in order to reach the users goal. The services supported by GenoMEDIA could be either developed by the user itself or imported from any remote server. This platform is partially operational and was validated with various services and functionalities. Several applications are now available throvigh GenoMEDIA; most of them are focused on 3D modeling and processing of genomes. The platform integrates also a genomic database that informs and responds many users' and applications' requests, and on which various operations could be performed. Each service, offered by GenoMEDIA, is the results of one or several agents.