LabLynx is elbowing in on legacy software systems with laboratory software that allows scientists to download any web app for free. Without requiring pricey IT overhead, the apps could win over labs on a budget that seek new tools to boost productivity.
The Atlanta-based company--which claims to be something of a pioneer in introducing web-based lab software in 1997--highlighted a long list of available "cloud" apps for science labs, healthcare, manufacturing and other industry on its sciCloud.net website. The website is in free public beta.
Lab software players have been following suit with tech giants such as Google ($GOOG) that offer users free software in the cloud. Individuals typically pay nothing to access the apps, while larger organizations often pay user fees for higher levels of service. In addition to LabLynx, Israel-based BioData has been gaining traction with web-based lab software called Labguru, which is free in a basic form.
These companies have bet on more scientists and other users operating without need of their own data centers--or even server closets--to host their software. This isn't new around the tech world, but it is something that is gradually catching on more and more in the realm of lab software.
- here's LabLynx's release