Beta Release for Common Astronomy Software Applications (CASA)

This October, there will be a staged release of the Common Astronomy Software Applications (CASA) data reduction package under development for ALMA and EVLA. A staged release will allow the operations staff of ALMA and the EVLA to gain experience and training in providing high quality, responsive user support, while ensuring that CASA development staff can continue to make progress to complete the suite of basic functionality and pursue advanced algorithm development. The date for the first full public release of CASA has not yet been determined, but we anticipate that this will occur in late 2008 or early 2009. In the meantime, there will be regular updates to the beta release. At these times, NRAO will assess the satisfaction of the users with the support process, and reassess organizational capacity to provide additional user support, so that the support can be gradually extended to a larger user base.