Computer systems for laboratory networks and high-performance NMR

Modern computer technology is significantly enhancing the associated tasks of spectroscopic data acquisition and data reduction and analysis. Distributed data processing techniques, particularly laboratory computer networking, are rapidly changing the scientist's ability to optimize results from complex experiments. Optimization of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) experimental results requires use of powerful, large-memory (virtual memory preferred) computers with integrated (and supported) high-speed links to magnetic resonance instrumentation. Laboratory architectures with larger computers, in order to extend data reduction capabilities, have facilitated the transition to NMR laboratory computer networking. Examples of a polymer microstructure analysis and in vivo 31P metabolic analysis are given. This paper also discusses laboratory data processing trends anticipated over the next 5-10 years. Full networking of NMR laboratories is just now becoming a reality.