It is expected that bioinformatics patent application filings will dramatically increase both in number and in complexity in the next several years. The raw, unannotated data from the HGP may be available for free, however, the Celera Genomics and Incyte Genomics of the sector have profited by providing value added data using bioinformatics tools, including mathematical algorithms and relational databases, to annotate the data. In September, IBM infused its computing power into Incyte Genomics to form a strategic alliance for producing bioinformatics software. IBM, Compaq, and Motorola have all undertaken steps toward leading the fusion of their industry's informatics technology platforms with the biotechnology industry in the hopes of accelerating the promise of moving structural genomics into functional genomics and ultimately into drug targets resulting in breakthrough clinical strategies and drugs in the future. Many private and public companies will continue to focus on development of their own products and platform technologies in the coming years, and likely, they will also form important strategic alliances to take advantage of complementary biological and informatics technologies in an effort to keep investors and industry forecasters alike, on their toes in the new millenium.
Early forecasts call for bright and sunny days ahead for biotech.