The release of GDB version 6.0 heralds a significant change in the means by which data enter the database, thereby redefining the role of the Data Acquisition and Curation group. Heretofore, data acquisition and entry formed a major part of the activities of the Data group. The vast majority of GDB data, whether submitted by researchers or acquired from other sources, has been entered into the database by GDB staff. GDB 6.0 opens editorial access to anyone from the wider genome community who requests it.
Researchers can themselves enter and modify their own data, and annotate data submitted by others.
The focus of the Data group can now move from acquisition to curation. The group will monitor the incoming data to ensure data integrity and quality within the database. These tools require the use of a new data submission format. In order to ease the transition to this format, tools will be available to translate GDB 5.x style submissions. This will allow submitters time to convert their local systems to the new format.