C++ API backwards compatibility

[johill@lanl.gov (Jeff Hill)]

All,

In the portable CA server's API we are currently passing data 
using a C++ class library called GDD. Currently there is a consensus 
among the APS and LANL developers to use a different approach 
for interfacing with proprietary data in the future. 

There is also now a strong push originating at APS to change or 
completely rewrite nearly all of my existing C++ based utility libraries. 
Bob has requested that I not assume that backwards compatibility is 
needed, and instead query all of you to see how much interest there 
is in maintaining backwards compatibility with these original C++ 
based APIs.

So here is the question for sites that use any of the existing 
C++ based APIs: will it impact your site if backwards compatibility 
is not maintained for any of the following codes.

o GDD (there is consensus that this needs to be eventually replaced)
o portable server (its API currently uses GDD)
o osiTimer (APS intends to replace the API)
o tsDLList (APS intends to install their complete rewrite)
o tsSLList (APS intends to install their complete rewrite)
o resourceLib (APS intends to install their complete rewrite)

Thanks in advance.

Jeff
______________________________________________
Jeffrey O. Hill         E-mail johill@lanl.gov
LANL MS H820            Voice  505 665 1831
Los Alamos NM 87545 USA FAX    505 665 5107