Frequently asked questions
Why is it called GGCE?
GGCE is a community effort to provide a modern genebanking system based on GRIN-Global. GRIN-Global is commonly abbreviated as GG, and the CE part stands for Community Edition.
GGCE or GG-CE?
Please use GGCE. This reduces the number of keys you have to press, therefore reducing the strain on your joints, and extending the life of your keyboard, particularly of the - key.
What are the best features?
For genebank staff
- GGCE provides tailor made user interfaces for specific genebank activities (e.g. seed viability testing, distribution, etc.).
- You can access and use GGCE on your mobile, tablet, laptop or desktop.
- All you need to work with GGCE is a browser (Firefox, Edge, Chrome, Opera).
For genebank managers
- GGCE enables all genebank staff to easily record and use data as part of their routine activities.
- GGCE automatically tracks all changes to data in its audit logs.
- GGCE records various metrics every day and makes them available for reporting and trend analysis.
- Different users have different roles and permissions in GGCE.
For IT people
- GGCE is packaged as a Docker image and it runs as a Docker container on Linux, Windows or macOS servers.
- GGCE supports single sign-on with Azure AD, Google and other OIDC providers.
- Upgrading GGCE is as easy as pulling the new image and restarting the container.
- Yes, you can run GGCE on Windows.
For software developers
- GGCE provides rich APIs.
- Source code is openly avalable and your merge requests are welcome!
Genesys and GRIN-Global
Genesys is a cloud-based global database of accession-level information. Genebanks worldwide use Genesys to make information about their collections available to researchers.
But I thought GRIN-Global was a global database?
GRIN-Global is a software suite that is installed by the genebank to manage their own data. It does not contain data from other genebanks, they maintain their own databases. GRIN-Global is global only by name, not function.
How is GGCE different from GG?
Both GGCE and GG are free and open source software.
For users
| Feature | GGCE | GRIN-Global |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Any | Windows |
| Software required on the user's computer | A browser, Label printer app | Windows, MSSQL Express, Crystal reports |
| Login | Username/password, single sign-on | Username/password, LDAP |
| Browsing data | GGCE Web | Search Tool → Curator Tool |
| Searching and filtering | Search forms provided | Search tool |
| Adding and editing data | Tailored forms provided | Excel-like with CT, Wizard when available |
| Printing labels and barcoding | Embedded, ZPL | Crystal reports |
| Barcode scanning | Camera or barcode scanner | Barcode scanner |
| Reading electronic balances | Supported | ? |
| Bulk data import or editing | Curator Tool | Curator Tool |
| In-line documentation | Embedded | Embedded |
| User manuals | This website | PDF, Word files |
For IT folks
| Feature | GGCE | GRIN-Global |
|---|---|---|
| Server environment | Docker containers on Linux, macOS, Windows | Windows |
| Software packaging | Docker images | Windows Installers |
| Build system | Automated CI/CD | Manual |
| Database engine | MSSQL and others | MSSQL |
| User authentication | Username/password, single sign-on | Username/password, LDAP |
| Two-factor authentication | If supported by SSO provider | No |
| Upgrading software to the next version | Pull and run the new docker image | Windows Installer |
| Permission system | User role and activity based | Row-level with expressions |
For software developers
| Feature | GGCE | GRIN-Global |
|---|---|---|
| API | JSON API, SOAP XML | SOAP XML |
| API granularity | Business logic endpoints | getData and saveData |
| Programming languages | Java, Typescript | .Net |
| Source code repository | https://gitlab.croptrust.org/grin-global | https://gitlab.com/GRIN-Global |
| Source code access | Immediate | Post-release |
Is GGCE compatible with GG?
GGCE replaces the business logic layer of GG, but it maintains the database structure.
You can continue using the Curator Tool and the Search Tool with GGCE.
Can I run both GG and GGCE on the same database?
No. GGCE is not forward compatible with GG. Once the database is switched over to GGCE, the GG middle tier can no longer use the same database because of the changes we developed in GGCE.
How do I switch from GG to GGCE?
- Make a full backup of your GG database and restore it under a new name.
- Install GGCE and configure it to use the restored database.
- Start using GGCE.
What about the Public Website?
GGCE is intended to run on the internal network to keep data safe and secure. It does not provide a Public Website. Most genebanks opt to put public data in Genesys and make use of Embedded Genesys on their existing institutional websites.
If the Curator Tool works with GGCE, why not the Public Website?
The GG Public Website is part of the middle-tier that is replaced by GGCE. GGCE provides the SOAP APIs used by the Curator and Search Tools. The GG Public Website unfortunately uses direct SQL queries to the database and that makes it incompatible with GGCE.