The Discovery VP Automated system is entirely the result of user-required features and control options. The program was created by a customer based on what he and his group wanted from an HPLC system: queue based sample submission, basic gradient profiles, automatic report printing, and a simple interface that anyone could walk up to and understand how to use, but was structured behind the scenes by a designated Administrator. As more systems were sold, other customers contributed to both the system functionality and design of its user interface to give Discovery VP more flexibility and make it even easier to use. All suggestions from customers are evaluated for possible inclusion in future software versions, and dedicated programmers constantly work to improve its functionality. Several system protect features are built into the program to minimize downtime and protect samples. E-mail notification or a text message to a cell phone or pager can alert users when runs are complete, and numerous system and sample logs are available to the System Administrator as monthly reports.