About Nerac

Nerac pioneers the development of an innovative bibliographic data retrieval system “search engine” for use on the NASA data files and delivers NASA search results in response to industry queries.

Additional scientific and engineering data from academic publishers is added to the data repository and made available via the search engine to Nerac researchers, augmenting coverage of search queries and improving bibliographic data results.

In response to customer interest, weekly alerts “Tech Tracks” are developed to provide data updates on research topics of ongoing interest.

Nerac separates from UCONN, the only 1 of 10 original NASA IAC to spin out of its university host setting.

Groundbreaking for Nerac’s Tolland, CT HQ (10,000sq ft.).

Nerac finalizes contract obligations with NASA, becomes private corporation.

Nerac develops “Quick Answer” a real-time single file database search engine and continues to increase the size and scope of the scientific and engineering bibliographic data resource collection.

Nerac improves Quick Answer and develops “Run-I” an on-line system for multi-database searching.

Nerac IT staff modify a standard modem and 9 pin connector. This “hack” dubbed “Over Our Shoulder” enables remote viewing of real-time searches performed by Nerac Analysts.

Nerac installs a large optical disc storage array and utilizes it to store and search USPTO patent images.

Nerac pioneers the development of a software bridge to connect its IBM mainframe system to the Internet. The novel solution was later touted by IBM at its user conferences.

Nerac incorporates the use of video in its sales process and enables “remote access” for its sales and analyst staff. Nerac becomes global, extending its service offering outside of North America.

Nerac is featured in a June 2001 Wall Street Journal article for its adaptation and use of an early version of “Webex” a precursor to the video conferencing movement.

Nerac implements an Employee Stock Ownership Plan “ESOP” that shifts ownership of 50% of the Company to an ESOP Trust for the direct benefit of the employees.

Developed a new XML and XQuery based search system using the Marklogic content repository platform. This allows the creation of the Advanced Research Environment “ARE” which is the first strategic step in the planned migration away from the legacy IBM mainframe-based search system.

Nerac further extends the research capabilities of the ARE with the adoption and use of emerging scientific data publisher search platforms.

Nerac adapts its business model and pivots to more research-intensive services focused on responding to increasingly complex customer queries not able to be successfully resolved via a simple “Google” search.

Nerac introduces the Regulatory Practice Group focused on supporting the compliance requirements and needs within the medical device manufacturing market sector with clinical literature evaluation “CLE” reports.

Nerac enhances its Innovation and IP Group offering with premium services delivered via the Questel Orbit “Q-Pat” platform. This shift follows the earlier adoption and use of the Chemical Abstracts “STN” platform enabling “structure searching.”

Nerac transitions its data content relationship with Elsevier Science to take advantage of the “Embase” and “Scopus” platforms. These enhancements enable improvements in the Regulatory Practice Group services to include the preparation and delivery of Clinical Evaluation Reports “CER” and additional regulatory support services for medical device manufacturers.

Nerac develops a new Search and Alert system based on the “Elastic Search” platform which facilitates the final steps in the migration away from the legacy search system. Nerac utilizes the new platform to create a more robust and rich data extension of the legacy alert offering described as “Mediated Alerts.”

Nerac responds to the COVID lockdown by enabling the implementation of 100% remote access for its employees, effectively pivoting to a completely virtual work environment as a response to the COVID pandemic.

Nerac applies proprietary analytics to IP content creating “IPDex” which produces report results highlighting an “innovation ranking” of a target technology and an assessment of technology and market “risk.”

Improved productivity realized the virtual work environment supports the adoption of a reduced hour 4-day workweek, while remaining open 5 days a week. This move, in addition to supporting remote work, has proved to be advantageous in retaining and attracting a very skilled and talented workforce.