Bioinformatics tools for the study of microbial diversity

Although computers are capable of storing a huge amount of data, there is a need for more sophisticated software to assemble and organize raw data into useful information for dissemination. Therefore we developed tools that assist in gathering and categorizing data for the study of microbial diversity and systematics. The first tool is for data retrieval from heterogeneous data sources on the INTERNET. The second tool provides researchers with a polyphasic view of microbes based on phenotypic characteristics and molecular sequence data.