Platforms

Note that the version numbers below will change over time, they correct in August, 1999.

1. NT4.0sp5 with
   Cygwin b20.1 - The Cygwin toolkit is a set of programs that provide Unix like functionality under Windows. The Cygwin toolkit includes many GNU tools, such as make, bash and a compiler
   JDK1.2.2 - The Java compiler
   gcc-2.95 - The GNU C++ compiler which is available for Cygwin as a separate download. Note that as of this writing, gcc-2.95.1 was not yet available for Cygwin.
   
   Rationale: Most industry users have PC desktop environments, we should work towards supporting these users.
2. Solaris 2.7 with JDK1.2.2 and gcc-2.95.1
   Rationale: Solaris 7 is a stable, well designed multi-user multi-tasking environment used extensively in Academia.
3. Red Hat Linux 6.0 with Blackdown JDK1.2 with gcc-2.95.1
   Rationale: Linux has large market share and an active community.
4. Solaris 2.7 with Sun CC 5.0 (list $1895 for a node locked license) Academic pricing may be lower
   Rationale: C++ programs are more robust when compiled on multiple compilers.
5. NT4.0sp5 with JDK1.2.2 and MSVC++ 6.0 Microsoft Visual Studio 6.0 lists for $1079, Academic price, $259
   Ideally, this target platform should not require Cygwin to build or run.
   Rationale: Industry prefers to use Non-GNU software.
   Being able to ship binaries that do not require other software is a good feature.
   C++ programs are more robust when compiled on multiple compilers.