Even the Host version is changing by porting a version from Unix to the Windows NT platform. Although still probably too expensive for PC users to adopt, the cost of transferring from Water Supply's Sun Unix system was nominal. The PC-based version of GIS operated by the Agency is widely compatible with a number of software products already established as formal or de facto standards. It is expected that these future versions will have many of the same capabilities as the Host Version. GIS uses a large amount of specialized peripheral equipment .
Additional plotters are also available in individual divisions.
An eight color pen plotter has been the mainstay of the program since its inception. They are very fast and are capable of unattended overnight and multiple copy plotting. These units have fallen drastically in price in recent years but still suffer from a lack of standard operation in some aspects. They must be used with caution to meet their full potential. A large format color scanner is planned for fiscal year 1999 purchase.