A programmable web platform for distributed access, analysis, and visualization of data

Abstract

Daily work of Fusion Data Research (FDR) scientists faces three practical challenges: (i) getting access to vast amounts of validated, curated, and (ideally) annotated discharge data, (ii) applying a wide variety of standard, domain-specific, and home-made analysis and visualization software libraries and routines, and (iii) using fast, specialized, and not easy to obtain hardware and software installations. This paper introduces a novel web platform that addresses these three challenges in a federated way. Based on a client–server architecture, the new platform allows for easy use and exchange of curated data, validated analysis and visualization routines, and even networked hardware and software installations among the FDR community. This exchange goes beyond the mere use of a code repository, but facilitates the creation of an actual ready-to-use network of computers which can be used remotely to configure and perform data analysis. The network functions in a federated way, in which each member of the community contributes, using the same web platform, with its data, programming experience, and hardware and software availability. The platform is open source.