[daviddever23box]

1. Purchase only that hardware for which the software interface is well-documented; universities and other public resources should drive the bus, not corporations, when it comes to interoperability. 2. Stop relying upon externally-developed software to do your dirty work; eventually, some error will cost you your livelihood or reputation.

[r_hoods_ghost]

In an ideal world yes. But you're often lumbered with software that is already decades old and "in house" usually means developed by a self taught post grad (or undergrad if you're really unlucky). And let's not get into the fact that you have to use whatever the I instrument manufacturer provides.

[COGlory]

Easier said than done when there's only one company that makes what you need. The government needs to break up Thermo.

[fake-name]

A.K.A. "I've never bought specialized test/measurement equipment."

The problem is if you require well documented, available software interfaces, your available options do not exist.