  In recognition of the catalytic role of instruments, we report on an
original, low-cost, robust, LabVIEW-based automation development environment
configuration and application to reformation of a legacy laser atomic
spectroscopy system. Open source, version and configuration control, full
back-up, and remote/distributed capability characteristics make the new
environment 500% better. System reformation using reusable type definitions,
functional encapsulation, increased modularization, and polymorphism boosted
performance 983%. Both the environment configuration and reformation strategies
are transferrable to most endeavors.
