Case Study: GigaScience speeds life sciences data transfers with IBM Aspera

Fast transfers improve research data accessibility for life sciences community

GigaScience, an online open-access life sciences journal, faced the challenge of uploading and downloading the massive multi-terabyte data sets associated with its published manuscripts. Their previous method, FTP, was too slow and unreliable, often forcing them to physically transport hard drives to move data, which delayed their goal of a two-week review process. They turned to vendor IBM for a high-speed data transfer solution.

IBM implemented its Aspera software suite, including the Aspera Connect Server and Connect browser plug-in. This solution provided a fast, reliable, and easy-to-use mechanism for authors, reviewers, and readers to transfer large files. The results were significant, with upload times reduced from days to just hours. This measurable improvement in speed allowed GigaScience to meet its rapid publishing targets and provide the life sciences community with greatly improved access to research data.

GigaScience

Laurie Goodman

PhD Editor-in-Chief