Soliciting Feedback on Solaris SPARC Usage

Use of the Solaris operating system in astronomy has decreased significantly in the last 10 years. Therefore, Gemini is considering no longer distributing Solaris binaries for public tools such as the Phase I Tool and Observing Tool (PIT and OT). This will simplify software development and focus on the more widely used systems. We are soliciting feedback from users about the potential impacts of this change. If you or your institution still use Solaris machines and require Solaris (SPARC) versions of the PIT and OT, then please inform Bryan Miller via email (bmiller@gemini.edu) by January 13, 2014. Solaris distributions will continue to be offered for 2014B proposals, and any change will be announced at least four months in advance.