This release of EPI2ME Desktop introduces the new 2ME architecture, an update that simplifies workflow distribution and enhances accessibility for all EPI2ME users. The 2ME distribution mechanism consolidates workflow dependencies into a single file, streamlining deployment and enabling offline installation.

Alongside this update, the EPI2ME CDN is launching to provide a standardised and controlled channel for workflow delivery, simplifying IT networking requirements.

These improvements reinforce EPI2ME’s mission to empower users in all environments to make sense of their sequencing.

What’s New

All workflows will be available as a 2ME package, bundling all dependencies into a single file.
EPI2ME Desktop supports 2ME packages as its default workflow installation mechanism.
2ME packages for all our workflows are available from the new EPI2ME CDN. This is in response to customer feedback over requiring multiple firewall exceptions, improving security and simplifying distribution.
The application dashboard now displays information on active downloads.
- The new downloads page can be used to view the status for workflow downloads.
Badges have been added to indicate if a workflow update is available.

Improvements

The majority of workflows no longer need to be run once online after download. Notably wf-metagenomics still requires an internet connection on first use.
- Workflows install docker images as part of a 2ME package (rather than when run).
Deleting a workflow will now remove all associated resources (including docker images).
EPI2ME Cloud upload is more resilient to networking instability.
Cloud upload now supports larger files and can spend longer uploading individual files.
The robustness of checking if users are online or offline as been improved.
New user interface for majority of dialogs in the application to present a more consistent experience.

Changes

The EPI2ME Desktop application will no longer allow users to install workflows which are not supported by their system processor architecture. Most notably this affects MacOS Apple silicon users where only a subset of our workflows support the ARM architecture used. Our most popular workflows are all supported.

Bug Fixes

“Run in cloud” shortcut now takes you to launch for cloud, not local
Demo data modal no longer blocks app
Fixed “Operation not permitted” errors when running some workflows on Windows drives other than C:\

Known Issues

The wf-metagenomics workflow requires an internet connection in order to download metagenomic databases on first use. Subsequent uses (of the same database) do not require an internet connection as the database is cached locally on your computer. This behaviour will be amended in a future version through 2ME package management.
The application remains incompatible with installations of Ubuntu 24.04 where the default Java Runtime Environment is incompatible with the version of Nextflow bundled within the application.