BioRS is a query and retrieval system that you can use to retrieve information from multiple data sources. The BioRS wrapper uses the same APIs as the BioRS Web-based interface to run queries.
BioRS is a query and retrieval system that is developed by Biomax Informatics. You can use BioRS to retrieve information from multiple data sources, including flat files and relational databases. You usually download public data, such as SwissProt and GenBank, as flat files into your BioRS system. BioRS can integrate public data sources and proprietary data sources (for example, private databases that are maintained by your organization) into a common environment.
After a data source is integrated into the BioRS system, it is referred to as a databank. The elements that are contained in each databank entry are collectively referred to as a schema. Elements of a databank that are indexed can be used in the BIORS.CONTAINS, BIORS.CONTAINS_GE, and BIORS.CONTAINS_LE functions. The BioRS functions are specified in the WHERE clause of the SELECT statement. Elements that are not indexed can be referenced in the SELECT list and in other predicates in the WHERE clause. Elements that are not indexed are processed by the federated server.
You can establish relationships between entries in databanks, so that you can link databanks together in the BioRS system.
BioRS databanks can have a parent-child relationship (databanks can be nested). In such a relationship, the child databank contains a Reference data type element called PARENT. The PARENT element refers to the _ID_ element of the parent databank. Other than the presence of this predefined PARENT element, nested databanks contain the same data as unnested databanks.
BioRS provides a Web-based interface that enables users to run queries on the data in BioRS databanks. The BioRS wrapper uses the same application programming interfaces (APIs) as the BioRS Web-based interface to run queries.
From the client, users or applications submit a query using SQL statements. Then, the query is sent to your federated system where the BioRS wrapper is installed. Depending on how the query is constructed, both the federated server and your BioRS server might be used to process the query. The BioRS server can be on a different computer from the federated system. Authentication information must be provided by the federated system to the BioRS server for each query. This information can be either a user ID and password combination, or an unauthenticated indication (usually a guest account).
For detailed information about the BioRS product, see the Biomax Web site at: http://www.biomax.com.
