Other issues include more network security, getting support form SCS network group. Ran a security scan recently on the control systems. Found several problems which are being addressed. They also have been doing code development since the commercial packages are so expensive and don't meet SLAC's needs. They have a DOE Grand Challenge Project grant to design future machine using HPC resources.
Big question is how to disseminate the tools.
This is not an expertise SLAC has. They want to see if they can use the network with a central server where people can come in and run the simulation with good security. They already have a farm of IBM 590. This would become an HPC simulation facility at SLAC to support DOE Labs in designing next generation accelerators. To support this requires numerical physicists, computer scientists, applied mathematicians, software engineers.