ABSTRACT
Databases can be classifi ed as LIMS systems, repositories, warehouses, or knowledgebases depending on their capabilities. A LIMS system is used to track samples, reagents, protocols, and data, generally within a single lab. A data repository is essentially a storage facility; the term “data warehouse” refers to a data repository with analytical and query functionality. A data warehouse can provide analytical tools for the user to apply to selected data or a web-based query interface to permit the user to retrieve precomputed data. A knowledgebase is a system containing facts and rules that can be applied to solve problems and generate new knowledge.
