Abstract
Laboratories using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies and/ or high-throughput molecular cloning experiments can spend a significant amount of their research budget on data analysis and data management. The decision to develop in-house software, to rely on combinations of free software packages, or to purchase commercial software can significantly affect productivity and ROI. In this talk, we will describe a practical software evaluation process that was developed to assist core facility managers and principal investigators in determining the best tools for DNA/RNA/protein sequence analysis and molecular cloning. Eleven software packages were evaluated using six criteria: interface design, data management, data analysis, feature availability, extensibility, and support. This evaluation recommends software packages that excel within each of the individual criteria and the overall best software package for sequence analysis & molecular cloning.