The latest on OCLC’s Connexion Client support fro x64 platforms. (emphasis added)
From: AUTOCAT [mailto:AUTOCAT@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU] On Behalf Of Whitehair,David
Sent: Monday, March 15, 2010 5:25 PM
To: AUTOCAT@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU
Subject: [ACAT] Connexion client, new release, 64 bit supportHi everyone. Sorry for the duplication, but since this topic has come up a few times, I thought I’d send this to a few lists. OCLC is pleased to let you know that we will be releasing a new version of the Windows-based Connexion client sometime over the next year. We don’t have the schedule worked out yet, but since several of you have asked about, we did want to go ahead and let you know that one has been scheduled.
We do expect the next release to be compatible with 64 bit versions of Windows. We know that this is important to many of you.
We will supply more details in the coming months. We haven’t yet worked out all of the changes, the schedule, etc., but we will keep you informed.
Thanks,
David
FYI: OCLC’s current “solution” for running Connexion Client on a x64 system is to install a x32 system in a virtual machine. (This is something I’ve actually done; blog post forthcoming.)
What percentage of Connexion users are running XP/Vista/7 64-bit? I’m not saying that compatibility isn’t important; it’s absolutely essential for the sake of cataloging work flows all around the world, The decision to buy/upgrade to 64-bit Windows, or purchase new computers with 64-bit is still debatable. Be ready for future applications that can take full advantage of, or even require, what 64-bit can provide (not many I can think of in this field at the desktop level); or ensure that current essential applications will continue to run without hardly a hitch (staying 32-bit)?
One plausible need for 64-bit compatibility with essential client-based library applications is with remote desktop environments where the server is running a 64-bit operating system. The current version of Windows Server is 64-bit only. Do any libraries use Connexion in this fashion (perhaps on thin clients)?
Julian,
I completely disagree with the basis of your comment. x64 systems are hardly rare these days, especially when it comes to new Windows 7 computers. Just this past week I received a call from a library in which the librarian said “everything new seems to be 64-bit. Is this ok for me to buy for the library?” My general answer is that it is ok as long as there’s no mission-critical software or hardware that won’t run on it. In most cases, hardware doesn’t end up being the issue, it’s software like Connexion Client. I’d hate to have to tell a library that’s investing in new equipment to buy something old because of just one piece of software, but unless the library’s got the staff knowledgeable enough to start running virtual machines, that’s exactly what I’m forced to do some times.
Michael