What is our primary use case?
My main use case for DNAnexus Platform is to access UK Biobank data sets.
I usually run genome-wide association studies on the UK Biobank genetic data by curating phenotypes that are available only on DNAnexus Platform. These will be run based on the available compute nodes on DNAnexus Platform. The pipelines are crafted using WDL workflow language and they're remotely orchestrated from a local desktop.
I also analyze gene burden testing and run fine mapping. I collaborate with other colleagues analyzing imaging data sets. However, all of these analyses are in relation to the UK Biobank.
What is most valuable?
The best features that DNAnexus Platform offers are easy access to cloud resources at a subsidized cost, a good platform to build tools, convenience, and being a Trusted Research Environment, which is another advantage.
The Trusted Research Environment is important for my work because it is a requirement to ensure that the protected data of 500,000 individuals made available to researchers from UK Biobank does not leave the environment. These are people's genetic data, and a Trusted Research Environment is very important so that the data stays secure. Since all the data is within DNAnexus Platform, moving data in and out of the TRE becomes a big challenge, which makes the data secure. The data is confined to the environment, and that is how it remains secure.
What needs improvement?
Generally, the system at DNAnexus Platform is quite usable. There is a lot of documentation, but the learning curve to get started with DNAnexus Platform is huge for someone who is used to working on on-premises resources like HPC. This is something that DNAnexus Platform needs to proactively address. Additionally, there should be more ready-to-use tools for genetic analysis made available. Swiss-army knife is one such tool, but it would be better if more tools are offered for downstream, post-GWAS analysis, analyzing imaging data, and other applications.
To improve DNAnexus Platform, if they are able to cut down the learning curve for someone to adapt to DNAnexus Platform, that would be beneficial. Second, more tools that could be accessed off-the-shelf from DNAnexus Platform would also be valuable. Tools specifically crafted for UK Biobank data sets, which is the largest use case for DNAnexus Platform currently, would enable people to be more favorable towards DNAnexus Platform.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using DNAnexus Platform for almost six and a half years.
What other advice do I have?
DNAnexus Platform is deployed in my organization in a hybrid cloud.
I use AWS as the cloud provider.
I did not purchase DNAnexus Platform through the AWS Marketplace.
There are no improvements needed for DNAnexus Platform that I have not mentioned already. My overall review rating for DNAnexus Platform is six out of ten.
