Migrating From X-Window Workstations to Windows NT PCs

David E. Eisert
Synchrotron Radiation Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison


The operator interface for the sychrotron storage ring Aladdin has evolved many times over the years to keep pace with new technology. Recently we have started a migration from VaxStation 3100s running VAX/VMS to PC clones running Windows NT. Although we could upgrade the existing workstations with the latest model, there are other reasons to change operating systems. The most important reason is the ability to integrate commercial PC applications such as National Instrument's LabView into the existing control system. In addition, the software development packages available under Windows NT are integrated more closely with the windowing environment then their VAX/VMS counterparts. Some of the advantages and disadvantages we have uncovered in porting existing code and in integrating commercial PC applications are discussed.