Ithaca, NY. Data Description has been tapped by the National Cancer Institute to participate in the NCI's technology commercialization program, March 3 and 4. Under the program, companies that have used NCI grants to develop technology for the government compete for the opportunity to meet with prospective business partners interested in furthering large-scale commercialization of the winning technologies. These prospective partners are pre-screened by the NCI and include venture capital organizations, individual investors, and companies interested in strategic partnerships.

Data Description was one of thirty-three companies selected for the commercialization program. Its winning technology was data visualization software that allows scientists to explore and understand microarray data, which have recently come into wide use in the study of genetic issues and disease processes. "There is a big need for this tool in biotechnology and pharmaceutical enterprises," said Data Description president John Sammis, "and being selected for the NIH program will help us to market the software to a very broad customer base."

Sammis and representatives of the other technology developers will meet with prospective partners in commercialization in the forum.

Data Description, Inc., Ithaca, New York, is a software and development company dedicated to twin enterprises: data analysis and exploration and multimedia technology for training and education. As an award-winning pioneer in both its areas of expertise, the company extend the reach of its technologies through active partnerships with major corporations and government agencies. Founded in 1985, Data Description's continuing growth and the employment opportunities it provides continue to make a positive contribution to the Finger Lakes regional economy.