Rating: 

I want to preface this with this disclaimer: I don't have access to the book or its pre-release drafts. However, I'm ready to buy it. After reading many books on the genome and the many false trails and glimpses of promise in genome research -- I want to evaluate this book and determine if it meets my needs (see below). Unlike the ORA legacy of certain books just being a compilation of other ORA books -- I am very happy to see this fresh expansion into an exciting field.

My requirements

I need a transition tool to help create a whole new area of genome related applications. I need a train the trainer vehicle. I don't want to quote theories and research -- I want to be able to provide reference into the extraordinary accomplishments of the toolsmiths and datasmiths (that used Larry Wall's Perl) in the context of bio- and genome-related projects.

Having been around long before the first nutshell guides and books came from O'Reilly & Associates, I have had many opportunities as a specialist in deploying emerging software technology (AKA corporate solutions architect) to work with many individuals and authors associated with O'Reilly. Countless customers involved with applied business solutions on Arpanet and Internet since 1979 would have loved to have the wealth of books today. In the same breath (or series of keystrokes) there is a lot printed that just confused the issue rather than helping. If people had problems placing Internet technology, look out for the new wave of bio- and genome- related developments coming our way. At this moment, I can't tell from the description whether this book will be a boon or a bust. Hope its worth the wait.

Well after investigating many applied aspects of genome research and following the many organizations involved that use Perl to deal with the enormous data analysis requirements, I was looking for a good book to set the stage for the next generation of genome progress: applied usage and applications.

How to get started? Where can I find a resource for a train the trainer type session?

Imagine researching the latest Perl happenings and .NET support on ORA's website to find a title called "Developing Bioinformatics Computer Skills" that opens up the background and tools and starting points for understanding this next market for information technology skills.

Well, I promise to update this review once I read through it and see how close to the real problem domain this book hits.

Regards, LJT ltimmins@optonline.net (Larry Timmins)