To enhance its capabilities to analyze and interpret the data produced by its sequencing systems, Illumina, San Diego, has acquired BlueBee, Rijswijk, Netherlands, a Cloud-based software company that provides genomics analysis solutions for research and clinical customers, BlueBee has developed a regulatory compliant, secure Cloud platform that simplifies access to data and tools, enabling users to easily extract insights from genomic data. This Cloud capability is expected to lower the cost of storing, sharing, and managing the enormous volumes of genomic data from Illumina’s installed base of more than 15,000 sequencing systems. The integration of BlueBee’s capabilities into Illumina’s Cloud portfolio will give users the flexibility to run their own custom analyses or access options such as the Dragen Bio-IT Platform, streamlining data processing and increasing operational efficiency. Users also will be able to aggregate, explore, and collaborate on data and methods directly in the Cloud through a user-friendly, ISO-compliant, flexible interface. BlueBee’s capabilities include intuitive analysis management, multimodal data management, and data science and AI tools, as well as integrated business analytics, and multi-Cloud or on-premise deployment modes. “We are thrilled to welcome the BlueBee team to Illumina, and excited by the promise of delivering a streamlined way for users to analyze, explore and securely manage large scale genomics data,” says Susan Tousi, senior vice president of product development at Illumina. “Combining BlueBee and Illumina software products provides the most scalable, efficient and extensible genomic analysis solutions for both clinical and translational research use cases. BlueBee truly brings unique capabilities, while ensuring secure deployment of clinical informatics across the globe, and together we hope to deliver an unprecedented learning environment in order to unlock the full potential of genomic insights.” For more information, visit Illumina. Featured image: Genetics sequence barcode. Concept illustration © Tartilastock, courtesy Dreamstime (ID 139606241).