Collaborative Phenotype Annotation

From phenoscape
Revision as of 17:08, 19 July 2011 by Jpb15 (talk | contribs)

The MX web application is being enhanced with features for EQ annotation of character matrix data. Phenoscape may be interested in adopting this system for data curation. This page collects a list of pros and cons to help decide whether to adopt the MX web application or continue using the Phenex desktop software.

MX pros

  • web based, central database
    • easy collaboration
    • record of who changed what
    • latest application version always running
  • many other features besides EQ annotation
  • easy to create new pages displaying various reports using data
  • initial development of phenotype categories for EQ
  • unify more of Jim's effort

MX cons

  • many other features besides EQ annotation
  • missing ontology visualization tools
  • EQ interface in flux - not quite ready for primetime
  • requires internet connection
  • output format suitable for KB ingestion must be coded
  • reliance on BioPortal web services for ontology data
  • less independence for anonymous user - requires server management, project accounts

Phenex pros

  • outputs files ready for KB; workflow in place
  • integrates OBO-Edit code for ontology visualization and query
  • "simple", targeted interface
  • easy to point to customized versions of ontologies

Phenex cons

  • less flexible interface
  • requires use of version control system for collaboration
  • tightly coupled to OBO format
  • updates must be manually downloaded and installed