methods). End user From an astronomer's point of view, it is a simple matter of installing the ASCOM platform and suitable client software; no programming is required. ASCOM drivers allow computer-based control of devices such as planetarium software to direct a telescope to point at a selected object. Using a combination of mount, focuser and imaging device ASCOM drivers, it is possible to build a fully automated environment for deep sky imaging. Developer Developers can enhance the power of ASCOM by writing their own clients using the scripting or object interface. ASCOM Alpaca Recent initiative called ASCOM Alpaca is currently under development. The Alpaca API uses RESTful techniques and TCP/IP to enable ASCOM applications and devices to communicate across modern network environments. This will enable ASCOM compatible devices to work across all the different operating systems including Linux and Mac OSX in near future. See also INDI References External links Cedric Thomas, ASCOM Developer web site Application programming interfaces Astronomy software Open standards