Mascot Search Service

Mascot is a mass spectrographic search algorithim and implementation.

Service Description

Mascot provides the ability to search protein and nucleic acid sequence databases with data produced by mass spectrometers. It consists of the search service and the Mascot daemon, a local program that submits data to the search service.

On request, LSC will install new sequence databases onto the Mascot system, assist in the installation of the Mascot daemon, maintain the systems required to run the service, and modify settings where appropriate.

Before use, sequence databases have to be formatted in a particular style for local use by Mascot. Local copies of databases can be automatically updated to the latest releases.

External access to the service is not available.

User Responsibilities

• Users must have an LSD account.
• Users must use the service with consideration to others.
• Users requesting new databases must specify their exact requirements.

Service Targets

• Installation of a new databases will take a maximum of 10 working days after the exact data source has been specified.
• Updates to installed databases will only be automated where the remote databases have a consistant format between releases and a consistant location.
• Requests for modification to service parameters will be reviewed by LSC (who will consult with interested parties), requests will be approved or denied within 5 working days. Changes may be revoked if they cause degredation in service.
• Inconsiderate users will be denied access to the service.