The advent of digital imaging in microscopy has inspired many changes to the conventional generation and presentation of photographic image data. The demise of the photographic darkroom is a direct result of the prolific electronic image format. Digital images offer extensive flexibility with respect to image manipulation and analysis, duplication, technical presentations, and data transfer to remote locations. With this advance to digital technology come new obstacles for the "traditional" microscopy laboratory to hurdle once this technology is implemented. A few of these obstacles include data storage and retrieval systems, networking of analytical instruments, and adequate software for image manipulation.

The intent of this presentation is to introduce the analytical community to a successful implementation of a laboratory-wide image management system, specifically, the strategies behind the concept and completion of the system and successes gained therefrom.