How good is UCSB in Distributed Systems, Databases for MS/Ph

[murboy]

Hi,

I am planning to apply for MS/PhD in CS among the top schools (Q800, V680, 6+ yrs exp). I have a special interest in Distributed Systems, Databases and some interest in Bioinformatics.

I didn't research much on UCSB before, neither did I hear my friends suggest it (except it is a great place to live). In the last couple of days, as I researched more, I find UCSB doing a lot of research and a number of groups in my areas of interests, including a good marriage with Bioinformatics. I could find more than one research project close to my background. Its Usnews ranking (for all Engg inclusive though) is 24. Does anyone know more about this school?

- Murboy