Datacube

The Datacube is a middleware solution that has the goal to connect all existing applications of the ViennaBioCenter Core Facilities (VBCF). It is build upon a flexible microservice architecture, which is deployed in a Kubernetes cloud and therefore highly scaleable.

Its primarily goal is to collect, store and manage data from different core facility LIMS solutions by using an extract, transform, load (ETL) approach. The transformed data is stored in a centralized data warehouse that serves as a single source of truth for reporting and billing systems. This approach enables better data management, analysis, and decision-making for the VBCF.

Our solution provides a centralized customer and service directory, serving as a single source of truth. By consolidating information in one place, it ensures smooth integration and connectivity with other software solutions, enhancing consistency, efficiency, and scalability across your digital ecosystem.

​​A cube suspended in the cloud, composed of smaller units, each with their specialized purpose.​​

Operational Key Facts

Login Screen

Dashboard 

File Import 

History of the Datacube

Over the past decade, significant advances in digitization have led to the development of numerous new LIMS solutions for life science institutions and companies. These software systems cover a wide range of applications needed to run scientific core facilities - from instrument booking systems to sample tracking solutions and electronic lab notebooks. The diversity of software applications is also reflected in the application landscape of the Vienna BioCenter Core Facilities.

Ten years ago, we started looking for the "last unicorn" among laboratory information systems - a solution that could be used by all core facilities in our organization, a so-called "all-in-one solution". After several unsuccessful requirements and market analyses, we decided to change our LIMS master plan. For each core facility, we maintain or implement the best software solution in the field, the one that best meets the needs of the scientific unit and the expectations of its teams and users. We then began the process of connecting these applications with a newly developed middleware layer and called this service-oriented architecture "DataCube".

​​Meet the Datacube Microservice Family

Discover our microservice family boasting 21 active and specialized microservices, each meticulously designed to fulfill a unique function.

Meet our top five services:

• Herold: Streamline your enterprise relationship management with our comprehensive service, handling organization and person data effortlessly.
• Franzl: Simplify your data synchronization process with our interface service for Keycloak, ensuring seamless communication between your services and Keycloak.
• Zelda: Enhance your user experience with our intuitive graphical interface, allowing administrators to interact seamlessly with Datacube.
• Smith: Connect seamlessly with your invoicing software Zoho with our interface service, ensuring smooth data exchange and management.
• Bob: Ensure top-notch authorization with our reliable service, responsible for authentication at the request URL level.

Experience the power of Datacube and revolutionize the way you manage your organization landscape.

Technical Key Facts

Features

​​ActiveDirectory connection
Seamlessly connect to your existing domain, No need for disruption, no major pain. Integrate smoothly, without a hitch, Enhancing your systems without a glitch. 

​​People management of your organization
Manage affiliations, both near and far, Personal data, and contact info on par. Internal or external, keep all in sight, With our tool, your management's just right. 

​​Billing integration
With usage data flowing straight to bills, Invoicing is easy, reducing the frills. Errors are fewer, efficiency’s a plus, Leaving more time for science, with less fuss. 

​​Customer management
Manage customers with precision and care, The Datacube holds your truth to share. Push to LIMS and billing with seamless ease, A single source of truth, built to please.

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​​SSO provider
In diverse IT lands, it's quite a feat, Our framework unites with ease so neat. Bringing users together, large or small, One authentication service to cover all. 

​​Data upload
Upload usage data with a click or two, Our Excel import tool makes it easy for you. Facility data is now at your command, Organize and manage with a steady hand. 

​​Reporting integration
Data feeds directly to the reporting line, Enabling decisions that are swift and fine. With insights at hand, make choices so clear, Empowering your organization year after year. 

​​Scheduling
Automate workflows, let schedules guide, Processes run smoothly, with time on your side. Efficiency reigns, productivity grows, With automation, the future glows. 

​​Scalability
Our architecture scales, horizontal and true, Adding new modules with minimal ado. Tasks expand and evolve with ease, Disruption is minimal, services please.

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​​Granular permission management
Grant permissions with precision, clear and bright, Organization, group, or user, just right. Control your access with a granular touch, Manage resources without hassle, not much. 

​Data collection from LIMS
Automagically collect from LIMS with grace, Usage data finds its rightful place. Integration so seamless, it feels like a dream, Making your data work like a well-oiled machine. 

​​Data visualization
With PowerBI, dashboards come alive, Facility data helps you to thrive. Visuals so modern, design your own way, See up-to-date insights, day by day. 

​​High availability
Microservices keep us always online, Ready and waiting at any time. If you need us, we're here without fail, High availability, a ship that will sail.

Interesting? Get in contact with us!

Contact Us!

FAQs

How do I register?
If you're part of the VBC campus, you do not have to register. Your VBC account works automatically with the Datacube. If you're an external person, click "External users" and proceed to the registration. Please not that external persons need to be verified.

How do I authorize myself via the Datacube?
When redirected to the Datacube authorization page, select your institute logo and proceed with your account data. If you're an external users, click "External users".