What are the advantages of cloud-based drug discovery software?
We recently published a case study with Amazon Web Services, detailing how we were able to scale our StarDrop platform…
Desktop StarDrop
Desktop StarDrop runs directly on your local Windows or Mac systems, operating within your existing IT infrastructure. For organisations that prefer to maintain control over their software environment, desktop deployment allows your IT team to manage updates, security policies, and system configurations according to your specific requirements.
Desktop deployment facilitates easier connections between StarDrop and other applications or databases in your system. You can access local files and integrate with existing workflows without additional configuration.
StarDrop in the cloud
Our cloud deployment offers StarDrop as a fully hosted solution, accessible through any web browser. We handle all the infrastructure, maintenance, and updates, so you can focus entirely on your research without worrying about IT overhead.
It’s typically preferred for teams wanting to start quickly without internal IT resources. There is no installation or server setup required, you can simply log in and begin working. Additionally, cloud users receive the latest StarDrop features and improvements automatically as they’re released, ensuring everyone has access to the most current capabilities.
Frequently asked questions
Q. How is my data protected in the cloud?
We understand the importance of data security. Our cloud infrastructure is hosted through AWS, which is the gold standard for cloud-based computing, with security measures that are continuously updated.
Additionally, we can provide:
- Company whitelist access controls managed through AWS Cognito
- Private linking options for AWS users
- VPN connections for secure data transmission
- Single sign-on (SSO) authentication options
Q. Do I have access to the same functionality across desktop and cloud-based StarDrop?
Yes, you’ll have access to the same comprehensive StarDrop experience regardless of deployment method. All StarDrop modules are available in both versions, and you’ll use the same visual interface designed for medicinal chemists of all programming backgrounds.
Q. Do licensing options differ across desktop and cloud-based StarDrop?
Whichever option you choose, you have the same flexibility to build a licence package that works for you:
- Choose from single user to company-wide access, with cost-effective floating licences that let multiple team members share access.
- Extend StarDrop’s core predictive modelling and data visualisation capabilities with specialised modules as you need, including ADME prediction, generative chemistry and 3D design.
Q. How does the cost differ between desktop and cloud-based StarDrop?
Cloud deployment has a slightly higher licensing cost but lower operational costs, as we manage the infrastructure. Desktop deployment has standard licensing costs but requires internal IT resources for maintenance.
Summary
| Criteria | Desktop StarDrop | StarDrop in the cloud |
| Deployment | Local installation on Windows/Mac | Browser-based access |
| Updates | Manual or IT-managed | Automatic upon release |
| Licensing options | Full flexibility: Choose from individual/site/floating licences | Full flexibility: Choose from individual/site/floating licences |
| Functionality | Choose from the full list of StarDrop modules | Choose from the full list of StarDrop modules |
| Security | Your infrastructure responsibility | AWS enterprise-grade security |
| Licensing costs | Standard StarDrop licensing costs | Additional hosting fee |
| Operational overheads | In-house IT resources required | No IT resources required |
Both deployment options provide the same comprehensive functionality for molecular design, optimisation, and data analysis. Your choice depends on your organisation’s infrastructure preferences, IT capacity, and operational priorities.
Cloud-based StarDrop often suits teams that want to focus resources on research rather than software management, while organisations with extensive integration needs or specific security policies may prefer the control offered by desktop deployment.
Think StarDrop could be right for you?
We would love to show you how StarDrop can help your drug discovery projects. Complete the form and a member of the team will get in touch to arrange a personalised demo for you.
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About the author
Chris Leeding, PhD
Chris earned a BSc and PhD in Chemistry from King’s College London, specialising in organic reaction mechanisms. After working at the Royal Society of Chemistry, he joined Inpharmatica in 2006, contributing to early StarDrop features like the Auto-Modeller. At Optibrium, he has driven key developments for StarDrop and, since 2018, has led custom projects integrating Optibrium software with clients’ in-house tools.
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