Case Study: Institute for Genomic Sciences (IGS) achieves reliable, high-speed global genomic data delivery with Aspera Connect Server

Reliable Data Delivery at the Institute for Genome Sciences of the University of Maryland

The Institute for Genome Sciences (IGS) at the University of Maryland School of Medicine collects, stores and distributes terabytes of genomic sequencing data to researchers worldwide. As file sizes grew (from ~5GB to ~20GB), FTP transfers became unreliable and underutilized bandwidth, and physically shipping drives became time‑consuming and labor‑intensive—delaying research and consuming staff resources.

IGS deployed the Aspera Connect Server (FASP-based), a software-only, web‑plug‑in solution that maximizes bandwidth, secures transfers and resumes failures automatically. Results included consistent use of the full 300 Mbps allocation (up from 40–50 Mbps), elimination of drive shipping, a reduction in data‑prep time from hours to minutes, lower operational and capital costs, and much faster, more predictable delivery for researchers.

Institute for Genomic Sciences (IGS)

Victor Felix

Senior Software Engineer, IGS