Acquifer HIVE
Data Management
Designed for the pragmatic, biology-focused scientist, the HIVE platform boosts productivity in microscopy facilities and screening labs. HIVE is a high speed centralized data repository that removes the need to constantly move or duplicate data sets in processing and analysis workflows. Its modular design integrates high speed processing, visualization, remote access, project management, flexibility, data security, scalability and ease of use in one unit. It saves time, space, costs and administrator workload.
HIVE Modules for Scalability
The Acquifer HIVE is a modular system with each module optimized for computation, storage, or networking. The four available standard modules include:
- DATA for fast and secure storage
- CORE for processing
- NET for communication, 10 Gbit/s connection to all your microscopes
- GPU for visualization, GPU processing and machine learning
Two add-on modules include:
- SAT for computation
- BACKUP for safety
HIVE Core
Acquifer HIVE combines processing computing power and storage, eliminating the need for data transfers and copying. This streamlined approach is supported by a dedicated high-bandwidth network with up to 200 Gbit speed, ensuring uninterrupted network traffic.
The HIVE works with virtually all supplier's microscopy instruments and processing software solutions, including Windows, Fiji, Knime, OMERO, Arivis Vision4D, Imaris, ZEN, LAS X, Nikon Elements, Huygens, Python, and CellProfiler.
This compatibility with systems and solutions guarantees wide usability across laboratory setups and research environments.
HIVE Data
Acquifer HIVE Data offers a range of highly scalable storage solutions designed for both speed and data safety. With storage units available from 52 to 234 TB, users can choose the configuration that best suits their data needs. The data transfer rate of 3 GB/s for internal input/output to the Acquifer HIVE Core ensures swift access and efficient data handling.
Acquifer HIVE Data prioritizes data security. The system is easily expandable through a plug-and-play extension and leveraging RAID technology. With 24/7 technology, HIVE Data provides reliable data access.
HIVE Net
HIVE ensures the utmost security of your data with several robust measures. RAID systems establish data protection by being distributed across multiple drives, reducing the risk of data loss in case of drive failures. A security firewall prevents unauthorized access by controlling network traffic. The Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) provides a continuous and stable power source that safeguards against power outages and potential data corruption.
HIVE can be accessed from wherever you are with a secure connection using remote desktops. The implementation of multi-user login allows for simultaneous collaborative work, which promotes efficiency and flexibility in data management and analysis.
HIVE GPU
The HIVE GPU proivdes unparalleled processing power for demanding applications. It uses NVIDIA's professional CUDA-capable boards for GPU-processing capabilities. Each HIVE GPU unit can accommodate up to 4 dual-slot GPUs, including the high-performance Quadro RTX A5000 and Quadro RTX A6000.
For those requiring extensive parallel computing capabilities, the Multi-Node Acquifer HIVE configuration is available.
HIVE Core stands out as a computing powerhouse, offering both flexibility and high-performance capabilities. It is an ideal solution for a wide range of applications in research, data analysis, and other compute-intensive tasks.
Published Application Research
| Year | Journal | Title | Author(s) | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Wiley - Light Sheet Fluorescence Microscopy | Light Sheet Fluorescence Microscopy | Emmanuel G. Reynaud, Pavel Tomančák | light-sheet book |
| 2024 | Toxicological Sciences | Corticosteroids alter kidney development and increase glomerular filtration rate in larval zebrafish (Danio rerio) | Jana Heigwer, Petrus J Steenbergen, Jochen Gehrig, Jens H Westhoff | zebrafish, corticosteroid, kidney, development, toxicology |
| 2024 | PhD Thesis Åbo Akademi University | Bioimage Analysis for Life Scientists: Tools for Live Cell Imaging | Joanna Pylvänäinen | image analysis, live cell imaging, experimental design, image processing, deep learning |
| 2023 | Journal of the American Society of Nephrology | A Novel High-Content Screening Assay Identified Belinostat as Protective in a FSGS—Like Zebrafish Model | Schindler Maximilian, Siegerist Florian, Lange Tim, Simm Stefan, Bach Sophia-Marie, Klawitter Marianne, Gehrig Jochen, Gul Sheraz, Endlich Nicole | zebrafish, screening, kidney, development, toxicology |
| 2023 | American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology | Local, Quantitative Morphometry of Fibroproliferative Lung Injury Using Laminin | Brendan P. Cox , Riley T. Hannan, Noora Batrash, Pearl Raichura, Anne I. Sperling, Yun Michael Shim, and Jeffrey M. Sturek | Fibrosis, histology, histopathology, imaging |
| 2020 | Cells | A multiparametric assay platform for simultaneous in vivo assessment of pronephric morphology, renal function and heart rate in larval zebrafish | Petrus J. Steenbergen, Jana Heigwer, Gunjan Pandey, Burkhard Tönshoff, Jochen Gehrig, and Jens H. Westhoff | screening pipeline, drug screening, experimental design , zebrafish |
| 2020 | Front. Cell Dev. Biol. | In vivo High-Content Screening in Zebrafish for Developmental Nephrotoxicity of Approved Drugs | Jens H. Westhoff, Jens H. Westhoff, Petrus J. Steenbergen, Laurent S. V. Thomas, Jana Heigwer, Bruckner Ledean Cooper, Burkhard Tönshoff, Georg F. Hoffmann, Jochen Gehrig | zebrafish, screening, kidney, pronephros, development, toxicology |
| 2020 | PhD Thesis Medizinischen Fakultät Heidelberg | Computer vision and data-analysis solutions for phenotypic screening of small model organisms | Laurent Thomas | phenotypic screening, software development, image analysis, object-detection |
| 2019 | IJMS | A smart imaging workflow for organ-specific screening in a cystic kidney zebrafish disease model | Gunjan Pandey, Jens H. Westhoff, Franz Schaefer, and Jochen Gehrig | kidney disease, intraflagellar transport, zebrafish, phenotypic screening |
Specifications
| Data Processing |
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| Scalable High-Speed Storage |
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| GPU Processing |
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| Secure Project Managment |
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| System Compatibility |
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| * Acquifer HIVE is made to order based on your requirements. Later extensions and upgrades are easily implemented. | |
HIVE Dashboard
HIVE setup and maintenance is designed with end users in mind, meaning that users need no special expertise in software or hardware. This ease-of-use is maintained all while retaining secure project management.
HIVE Configurations
High Speed Microscope Example
- Lightsheet microscope
- Large format sCMOS
- Laser scanning
- confocal, Spinning disk, Screening microscope
- 3 HIVE modules recommended
Small Core Facility Example
- 1 to 2 rooms
- up to 5 microscopes
- replaces 3 image analysis workstations
- 3 HIVE modules recommended
Medium Core Facility Example
- 3 to 4 rooms
- 5 to 10 microscopes
- replaces 5 image analysis workstations
- 4-5 HIVE modules recommended (depending on microscopes)
Large Core Facility Example
- 4 to n rooms
- 15 microscopes
- replaces > 5 image analysis workstations
- 5-6 HIVE modules recommended (depending on microscopes)
Frequently Asked Questions
Operating System, Network, and Data Processing
The Acquifer HIVE seamlessly integrates with existing image-processing computers. You can connect your workstations to the Acquifer HIVE’s NET module, using up to 100 Gbit/s per workstation, depending on your configuration.
In most cases, you can work with the data on the Acquifer HIVE without copying them to the workstation. Sometimes, transferring the data to your workstation is preferrable.
The DATA module has 15 HDDs; 13 are used for net storage whereas two are used for data safety on RAID6 level. We use data center-grade SATA HDDs of 4 to 18 TB capacity, so the storage range is from 13 x 4 TB = 52 TB to 13 x 18 TB = 234 TB.
Further DATA modules can be easily added if you require more storage.
If your Acquifer HIVE has an old operating system (OS), such as Server 2012R2 and Server 2016, updating to Server 2022 will ensure you get security updates or bug fixes. Also, the newest Server 2022 is based on Windows 10 OS, so the application support is better.
If you decide to update, please contact us at support.acquifer@bruker.com, and you will receive the needed instructions, license guidance, and hardware from our team.
Yes, you can place the NAS on the same network as the Acquifer HIVE. The NAS can also be used for additional data storage, such as temporary storage or long-term backup. To connect the NAS to the Acquifer HIVE’s NET module with an ethernet cable, you need to ensure that both devices are on the same subnet and have compatible network settings. This will allow you to achieve at least 10 Gbit/s network speed.
Although some compatibility issues were observed between Windows Server 2019 (the operating system of the Acquifer HIVE) and OpenCL-based Fiji plugins (CLIJ, 3D script…, etc.) with the default configuration of Fiji, it is still possible to run CLIJ on an Acquifer HIVE. The solution consists of replacing the default Java Runtime Environment (JRE) shipped with Fiji with a custom version (see the detailed instructions here).
We can provide various declinations of the Acquifer HIVE; below is some reference information, but feel free to contact us for a custom configuration.
The CORE module typically has one dual-slot GPU (such as an RTX 5000 or 6000 Ada). Exceptionally, the CORE can also be equipped with two double-slot GPUs.
The GPU module, available as an additional stackable unit for the HIVE, similar to the DATA module, is equipped with up to 8 single-slot or 4 double-slot GPUs. More than one GPU module can be added to the Acquifer HIVE.
You can also “mix and match” with a double-slot GPU in the CORE and single-slot GPUs in the GPU module or vice versa.
Sharing a single GPU between host system and a virtual machine (VM) is not possible but you can pass through a whole PCIe device to a VM. Therefore, if you aim to run VMs on the Acquifer HIVE, you should have at least two GPUs. The HIVE GPU module is the ideal solution for a multi-VM scenario. To pass through the GPUs to a VM, Nvidia requires professional GPUs from the Quadro series or higher.
Yes, on Linux, you can use Remmina, and on Mac, you can download the Windows app from the App Store for a remote desktop connection. There are also various non-freeware tools available.
Physical Acquifer Hive Attributes
Each Acquifer HIVE module has the following dimensions: 63 cm depth, 61 cm width and 26 cm height. The individual modules can be stacked on top of each other.
Yes, the Acquifer HIVE is exceptionally quiet and produces minimal excess heat, so that you can install it directly in an office environment.
The Acquifer HIVE can be plugged into a standard power socket. To secure uninterruptible power, we provide a battery-based uninterruptible power supply (UPS) as part of the NET module.
By default, the Acquifer HIVE is mounted in its own housing. Alternatively, the Acquifer HIVE can be provided without this housing to mount in a standard 19” server rack.
Your Acquifer HIVE comes with one year warranty and one year technical support. For longer-term technical support, you can also purchase a range of service packages for your Acquifer HIVE. Feel free to reach out to our sales team (sales.heidelberg@bruker.com).
It is straightforward to upgrade the Acquifer HIVE thanks to its modular design. Adding more storage, such as a second DATA module, or more GPUs, with an additional GPU module, is especially easy and frequently done. Other upgrades, such as adding more RAM, are possible, too.
Project Management and User Control
Yes, you can use the Windows Quota tool to achieve this. Future updates will allow you to manage this via our Acquifer HIVE Dashboard.
This can be done as a global group policy setting configured for all users connecting via remote desktop. We offer help configuring it.
As the Acquifer HIVE administrator, you can log users off through the Windows Task Manager. Through the Task Manager, you can also terminate processes of other users (e.g. image processing in Imaris).
General Acquifer Hive FAQ
RAID systems, such as the ones in the HIVE CORE and HIVE DATA modules of the Acquifer HIVE, have two main advantages:
- Data safety: RAID systems introduce HDD redundancy. If a disk starts malfunctioning or stops working, your data is safe also during replacement of the faulty disk.
- Faster data access: The multiple hard drives in the RAID system share the load for the read and write operations. This parallelization allows faster data access compared to a single disk drive.
OMERO server run on Linux OS only. It can be hosted on the Acquifer HIVE in a virtual machine with a Linux OS. Alternatively, a HIVE can be connected to a separate OMERO server by means of a fast network connection, i.e., at 100 Gbit/s.
For more information, please contact us at sales.heidelberg@bruker.com.
A software firewall is part of the Windows Server operating system (Windows Defender). Additionally, when you purchase the NET module, the Draytek router provides a hardware firewall, which, by default, blocks all incoming data unless specified otherwise.
Please contact us at sales.acquifer@bruker.com.
A backup is an independent copy of your data on a safe separate device.
As a centralised storage and computing solution, the Acquifer HIVE is not a backup device per se. However, we also provide a backup solution that is optimized to work with the HIVE. Please contact us at sales.acquifer@bruker.com for a customized solution.