NETWORKING MASS-SPECTROMETER DATA SYSTEMS FOR IMPROVED PRODUCTIVITY AND ELECTRONIC ARCHIVING OF DATA

Several Finnigan-MAT mass spectrometer data systems were networked tog ether to achieve the following two primary objectives: (1) to allow ac cess to mass spectrometry data and data processing functions from remo te locations without affecting simultaneous data acquisition at the in struments, and (2) to electronically archive mass spectrometry data at a central location on a high-capacity, fast-access device that allows rapid retrieval of archived data for all data processing operations a t all locations. UNIX workstations, IBM PC/AT-compatible computers, an d Data General Nova minicomputers were connected via Ethernet interfac es to allow rapid data transfer among all systems as well as X-Windows access to UNIX-based systems. Bridging techniques were used to isolat e possible high-traffic areas of the network and to enable security me asures for adequate protection of files. Additionally, serial connecti ons were made through a Northern Telecom phone system to provide remot e terminal access to the Data General Nova-based systems. Use of these connectivity techniques significantly improved productivity by allowi ng retrieval, processing, and printing of data from remote locations, such as office areas, without affecting data acquisition, processing, and printing performed simultaneously at the instruments. For archival purposes, data files are electronically stored on high-capacity magne to-optical disks for rapid retrieval. A high-capacity fixed disk is al so available for centralized temporary data file storage. A Digital Eq uipment Corporation DECstation 2100 UNIX workstation was used as the f ile server for centralized data storage while being simultaneously uti lized as the data system computer for one of the mass spectrometers. U tilization of this UNIX-based file server system in conjunction with E thernet connectivity techniques provides a centralized, rapid-access, high-capacity, cost- and space-efficient method for electronic archiva l of mass spectrometry raw data recorded at all of the instruments.