Computers and software

Various developments are planned for period 28:

• Proposal parser: Starting from the current deadline for applications for observing time in period 29, a submitted proposals will be parsed automatically to check basic validity and be assigned a proposal ID for later reference. PIs will be notified immediately after submitting the proposal. The plan is to further automatize this process and integrate the system, combining the proposals, the observing schedule, the required instrument set-up, the observing logs, the weather conditions, the data archive, etc.

• Data archiving: If the problems with the CD carousel persist, we have to look for alternative ways to archive the data. We already have a fairly well developed plan to use a system with a dedicated PC and a simple mechanical disk exchanger, which we would likely use with DVD writers. The CD carousel might in that case be used for the backup system of the SLO computers

• Data flow system: Currently we are working on various aspects (proposal processing and scheduling, fits headers, data archiving, observing logs, the sequencer, data reduction software, etc.) of our general data flow system. An overall plan is being made to include all these different components in a single system. The main aim of this is to avoid any inconsistencies or incompatibilities in the system

• Network access: The Web server, ftp server and Mail server will be upgraded and moved to ORM to provide faster access. This will also guarantee that the observers can access the web pages at all times

• Network connection: Plans for improving the reliability of the connection between the sea-level offices and the observatory are being investigated in collaboration with the ING

• Web pages: A work plan for the web pages has been defined with the aim of improving the use and maintainability. Once the new web server is in use, updates to the web pages will take place gradually.

• Reduction computer: The observer's data reduction computer in the control room requires a way for people to store any online reduction they have made. A DSS3 DAT drive has been ordered, and we are considering to also offer a DVD writer