First, it is not the RCR's databases that are valuable, it is the analysis software that we provide. The main software package that the RCR provides is the Wisconsin Package (known as GCG). This is a comprehensive set of over 100 programs that includes everything from sequence similarity searching, pattern finding, multiple alignment, restriction mapping, PCR primer design, phylogenetics, sequence assembly, protein domain and functional analysis, etc.
If you don't do anything more than an occasional BLAST search, then you may not need GCG; but it is also possible that you are missing out on important implications of your data by failing to use more sophisticated bioinformatics tools. Most people agree that biology is becoming more information dependent, so I don't see how cutting off computational support to NYU faculty is a good idea.
While some of the functions provided by GCG are available over the web, GCG offers a much larger array of options, a consistant interface and ease of analysis for using multiple tools on a project. There is also something to be said for the reliability of having our own computing resources rather than relying on the kindness of strangers who may lose funding or move on to other projects. The NCBI probably isn't going away any time soon, but I happen to think that there is more to bioinformatics than just BLAST. There are also occasions where internet resources are not available due to various kinds of technical problems.
On a more practical level, the RCR is more than a computer with a bunch of software. The RCR is a complete bioinformatics resource that offers training, consulting, and custom software development for researchers. The RCR membership fees include my personal bioinformatics consuting services - which is only possible when everyone is using a common software package - I can't troubleshoot some website that you may have found that does just one function, but I can keep all of the GCG programs working smoothly for everyone.
By the way, the RCR's databases are updated daily, so you won't find more up-to-date information on the web.
Stuart M. Brown Ph.D., Research Assistant Professor