Hi,

To help support of current gLite grid middleware and some scientific 
applications (like root) that rely on interpreters like Python and perl 
with SW specific modules provided by the SW as 32-bit shared libraries, 
it'd be nice to have the 32-bit version of these interpreters part of the 
compatibility mode (or at least of the distribution) for 64-bit 
distributions. Python is really critical, not sure perl is so important...

Based on LAL experience, Python is not a real problem. 32-bit version of 
Python (from 32-bit SL distrib) is installing fine on 64-bit with the 
exception of Python binary which is not installed as it will overwrite 
64-bit version. At LAL, we build a RPM providing only this binary with the 
name 'python32'.

Probably it'll not be difficult to have the 32-bit RPM checks if it 
installed on 64-bit and installs binary with an alternative name. This 
would make the things easier and allow seamless installation of 
'compatibility mode' Python. It would add the benefit of 'standardazing' 
the name of 32-bit Python binary on 64-bit platform.

Cheers,

Michel

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     * Michel Jouvin                 Email : [log in to unmask] *
     * LAL / CNRS                    Tel : +33 1 64468932        *
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