ParcPlace Introduces VisualWorks
ParcPlace Systems, Inc., has introduced VisualWorks, an application development environment (ADE) for corporate developers creating graphical, client/server applications that are portable across PC, Macintosh, and UNIX platforms (Sun, IBM, HP, DEC, Sequent). VisualWorks includes a GUI builder, database access capabilities, and a reusable application framework.The GUI builder provides a point-and-click palette and canvas, with layout tools that include a menu builder, an icon painter, and a color tool. ChamelionView, a component of the GUI builder illustrates portability of a new GUI across various front-ends, including Windows, Motif, OS/2 Presentation Manager, Macintosh, and OPENLOOK. ChameleonView allows developers to preview the new interface in the native application look of these platforms. VisualWorks provides direct access to Oracle and Sybase databases. Through Information Builders, Inc.'s EDA/SQL gateway, more than 48 different databases can be accessed.
VisualWorks is priced at $2,995 for Windows, OS/2, and Macintosh, and at $4,995 for UNIX. Database drivers cost $495 for Oracle or Sybase and $995 for EDA/SQL. Contact ParcPlace Systems, 999 E. Arques Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA 94086, (408) 481-9090; FAX: (408) 481-9095.
Xionics Announces PowerTools and ImageSoft 2.0 for Image Processing
Xionics, a developer of image acceleration technology, has announced PowerTools application programming interface for MS-Windows image processing, and ImageSoft 2.0, an update of their C library for image applications software. PowerTools consists of a Windows Dynamic Link Library (DLL) with ten high-level commands to control the aspects of monochrome document image processing. The PowerTools commands each operate by issuing a string of calls to several of the underlying C routines in Xionics ImageSoft Libraries. PowerTools Release 1.0 is available as object code, and is compatible with standard C compilers, such as Microsoft C and Turbo C.ImageSoft 2.0 encompasses over 80 routines for image processing: scanning, printing, compression/decompression, display, and enhancement. Xionics maintains a policy of "assuring complete backward compatibility" in its API. PowerTools is priced at $895, royalty-free. The price includes one year of technical support and software updates. Contact Xionics Inc., Two Corporation Way, Peabody, MA 01960, (508) 531-6666; FAX: (508) 531-6669.
Micro Digital Introduces smx++
Micro Digital has announced smx++, an Application Program Interface (API) which allows C++ programmers to access smx (simple multitasking executive) multi-tasking features in object form. smx++ supports Borland C++ v3.1 and Microsoft C++ v7.0.smx++ is a C++ class library consisting of nine base classes and seven derived classes. Redundant and seldom-used smx functionality has been omitted and orthogonality has been improved, in order to create a simpler API. A shallow class hierarchy was designed to preserve performance. smx++ runs on top of smx and direct smx C function calls can still be performed, and smxProbe still works the same. The new design made all smx objects (e.g., tasks, messages, semaphores, etc.) fully dynamic — deletable as well as createable.
C++ developers can derive classes from the smx++ classes. For example, device drivers can be derived from the Bucket and Pipe classes, (which have been derived from the Software I/O Bus (SIObus) class).
smx++ is priced at $2995 (including a royalty-free license), with source available for $1000, and smxProbe for $500. Contact Micro Digital, Inc., 6402 Tulagi Street, Cypress, CA 90630-5630, (800) 366-2491 or (714) 373-6862; FAX: (714) 891-2363.
Integrated Development Announces LibTools
Integrated Development Corp. has announced LibTools, a set of programmer's tools for creating, managing, and exploring libraries of C, C++, Assembly, Xbase, and other Intel-, Microsoft-, and Borland-compatible object modules. LibTools provides extensive reporting and cross-referencing capabilities. LibTools can resolve public symbol conflicts, forecast overly-large executables, and verify module integrity. LibTools can show a complete list of the public and external references in a module, showing what will be linked in when you call a particular function. LibTools' LibComp utility can compare two libraries and produce a list of duplicate symbols, and LibTools can rename external and public symbols to resolve conflicts. LibTools also includes a Library Dump utility, which provides a detailed listing of the complete contents of a library. LibTools documentation includes tutorials, an introduction to library management, and tips on designing more granular libaries.Contact Integrated Development Corp., 190 Main Street, P.O. Box 592, Hampstead, NH 03841, (603) 329-5522 or (800) 333-3429; FAX: (603) 329-4842; CIS: 700441,2465.
Archimedes Adds C Tools for Hitachi Microcontrollers
Archimedes Software, Inc. has introduced C cross compilers and debuggers/simulators for the Hitachi H8/300 and H8/500 microcontroller families. The Archimedes C-Cross Compilers for the microcontrollers follow the ANSI C standard and support all the required libraries. The compilers provide several memory models (six of the H8/300 and 11 for the H8/500). Pre-defined in-line functions support interrupt handling. The compiler provides both single and double precision IEEE floating-point library functions. The compilers generate relocatable code and the Archimedes linker generates any of 32 different output formats for different emulators and PROM-programmers.The family of C-SPY High-Level Language Debuggers/Simulators for embedded applications support the Archimedes C-Cross compilers. C-SPY is avialble in simulator and emulator driver versions. The emulator versions support the MIME-700 in-circuit emulator from Pentica Systems, Inc. The H8/300 and H8/500 Cross Compilers are hosted on PCs, HP 9000, Sun SPARCs, and DEC MicroVax and Vax platforms. The compilers are priced starting at $1295 for H8/300 on a PC. C-SPY is supported on PC compatibles, and priced at $1195 for the H8/300 and $1995 for the H8/500. Contact Archimedes Software, Inc., 2159 Union Street, San Francisco, CA 94123, (415) 567-4010; FAX: (415) 567-1318.
Nu-Mega Announces BOUNDS-CHECKER 2.0, for MS-DOS Memory Protection
Nu-Mega Technologies, Inc., has announced BOUNDS-CHECKER 2.0, an MS-DOS memory protection tool that provides real-time memory and heap protection. BOUNDS-CHECKER 2.0 can detect problems in a program's heap, stack, or data segment; handles array over-run detection; finds illegal memory accesses outside a program; and finds code overwrites automatically. BOUNDS-CHECKER adds a Smart Mode feature, with built-in heuristics to determine the legitimacy of a memory access, and avoid unnecessarily flagging legitimate out-of-bounds accesses (e.g., video memory, BIOS variables, etc.). BOUNDS-CHECKER 2.0 doesn't require anything to be linked-in or compiled, but can work directly with both Microsoft C 7.0 and Borland 3.1 with the VROOM overlay, as well as support memory managers such as QEMM. Contact Nu-Mega Technologies, Inc., P.O. Box 7780, Nashua, NH 03060-7780, (603) 889-2386; FAX: (603) 889-1135.
StratosWare Releases MemCheck for the Macintosh
StratosWare has introduced versions of its error detection and prevention product, MemCheck for the Macintosh, for the Think C and MPW C environments. MemCheck requires no source code changes. MemCheck detects memory overwrites and underwrites, memory leaks, heap corruption, and other memory errors. MemCheck operates transparently, appearing only to report errors with source file and line information. MemCheck for the Macintosh detects failure of memory allocation routines, failure of many resource operations, invalid operations on unlocked or purged handles, and inappropriate use of non-resource handles. One include file per source module is required to configure projects, and an automated configuration tool is included, MemCheck can be switched on or off at runtime, linked out via the production library, or compiled out with no source code changes. Contact StratosWare Corporation, 1756 Plymouth Road, Suite 1500, Ann Arbor, MI48105, (313) 996-2944 or (800) 933-3284; FAX: (313) 747-8519.
Scientific Endeavors Announces GraphiC/Win Windows Graphics Library
Scientific Endeavors has announced GraphiC/Win, a version of its C graphics library for Windows. The features of the MS-DOS version of GraphiC have been provided under Windows, allowing scientists to create graphics for publication. GraphiC/Win creates and manages its own window and resources, and adds features to take advantage of the Windows environment. GraphiC/Win will create Windows metafiles and bitmaps and copy both to the Windows clipboard. GraphiC/Win uses Windows video and printer drivers. Graphics are stored using the high-resolution Tektronix 4105 format; graphics can be exported in Postscript, GEM, Lotus PIC, HPGL, HPGL/2, and TIFF formats. GraphiC's routines come as source code. GraphiC/Win is priced at $495. Contact Scientific Endeavors Corporation, 508 North Kentucky Street, Kingston, TN 37763, (615) 376-4146 or (800) 998-1571; FAX: (615) 376-1571.
Instrumentation Software Adds Stand-Alone Libraries
National Instruments has announced LabWindows for MS-DOS Version 2.2, an instrumentation software package (for instrument control, data acquisition, analysis, and presentation) which now includes stand-alone libraries for the Borland C++ and Turbo C++ compilers and the Microsoft Visual Basic for DOS (VBDOS) compiler. Users can access the Borland compiler and linker from within the LabWindows programming environment, or they can add the LabWindows libraries to Borland's development environment. The LabWindows instrument driver library includes over 260 instrument drivers. Version 2.2 includes a float data type DSP Analysis Library, new cursor functions, DPMI memory manager, and utilties for MS-DOS file and directory commands from within LabWindows. LabWindows can control GPIB, VXI, and RS-232 instruments, and plug-in data acquisition cards. Contact National Instruments, 6504 Bridge Point Parkway, Austin, TX 78730-5039, (512) 794-0100 or (800) 433-3488; FAX: (512) 794-8411.
StatSci Introduces S+INTERFACE Application Building Toolkit
Statistical Sciences, Inc. (StatSci), has introduced S+INTERFACE, a toolkit designed to assist users of the S-PLUS data analysis software on UNIX workstations. S+INTERFACE can create custom menu interfaces to S-PLUS, and provides access for separate C applications to the over 1000 data analysis functions of S-PLUS. Under X11-based systems, S+INTERFACE provides a macro language that can be used to create a Motif-style user interface. S+INTERFACE provides access to S-PLUS functions from another application as if S-PLUS were a subroutine library. S-PLUS is initiated as a separate process and C functions calls are used for communication. Contact Statistical Sciences, Inc., 1700 Westlake Ave. N, Suite 500, Seattle, WA 98109, (206) 283-8802 or (800) 569-0123; FAX: (206) 283-8691; E-mail: mktg@statsci.com.
RTIS Announces Distributed Application Builder
The Real-Time Intelligent Systems (RTIS) Corporation has announced their DAB Distributed Application Builder Software. DAB provides network-wide data exchange between computer programs running on PC compatibles connected by LANs and serial links. An introductory DAB Kit includes C libraries compatible with Microsoft or Borland compilers, a users manual, and identification keys for two computers. DAB supports NetBIOS compatible LANs (e.g., Novel and Lantastic). DAB creates a multiprocessing environment, with MS-DOS running in the foreground and communications software running in the background. Contact The Real-Time Intelligent Systems Corporation, 30 Sever Street, Worcester, MA 01609, (508) 752-5567; FAX: (508) 752-5491.
WCSC Releases COMM-DRV Version 12.0
WCSC has released COMM-DRV Version 12.0, their serial communication development libraries and tools. COMM-DRV v12.0 supports Windows 3.x, MS-DOS, and DESQview. COMM-DRV supports dumb multiport cards, the ARNET SMARTPORT PLUS cards, and the Digiboard COMXi cards. COMM-DRV can be linked directly into MS-DOS or Windows applications, or it can be used as a DLL for Windows. COMM-DRV is priced at $189.95. Contact WCSC, 2470 S. Dairy Ashford, Suite 188, Houston, TX 77077, (800) 966-4832 or (713) 498-4832; FAX: (713) 568-3334.
EMS Adds Products to Library of PD/Shareware C Utilities
EMS Professional Software has added 70 new products to its Library of PD/Shareware C Utilities. The library includes 787 products for C/C++ programmers. A database accompanying the library indexes the products and includes descriptions. Searches by type, name, vendor, or free text are supported. The library is available on disk or CD-ROM. Contact EMS, 4505 Buckhurst Court, Olney, MD 20832, (301) 924-3594; FAX: (301) 963-2708.
Shamus Software Announces Version 3.2 of its C Arithmetic Library
Shamus Software Ltd. has announced version 3.2 of its MIRACL product, a Multi-precision Integer and Rational Arithmetic C library. New features include extensions conditionally-compiled in-line assembly. The libraries are of use primarily for implementing cryptography systems. Source is included. MIRACL is portable and supported platforms include: PC compatibles, Macintosh, Acorn, Sun, and VAX. Contact Shamus Software Ltd., 94 Shangan Road, Ballymun, Dublin 9, Ireland, Tel: 8425430.
Liant Cuts Price and Boosts Execution Speed of LPI-C Compiler
Liant Software has improved the execution speed of its LPI-C compiler, while cutting the price. LPI-C is bundled with CodeWatch, Liant's X/Motif source-level debugger. Liant reports that its LPI-C compiler v2.0 generates code that runs 50 percent faster than previous versions, achieving a 43,000 rating on the Dhrystone 2.1 benchmark on a 33MHz, i486 system. Liant also reduced the suggested list price of LPI-C from $895 to $595. Liant LPI-C v2.0 is a C compiler for UNIX applications on i386/i486 and Sun SPARC platforms. LPI-C is ANSI C compliant, and has passed the FIPS-160 ANSI/ISC C Validation-Suite (NIST-certified) and the Plum Hall ANSI C Validation Suite.Version 2 incorporates a new optimizer and an improved code generator. The optimizer provides global optimization across the entire compilation unit, loop unrolling, and function in-lining. Users can select either standard UNIX system header files or the LPI-C ANSI runtime library to ensure portability across operating systems and architectures for strictly conforming ANSI applications. Version 2.0 also compiles pre-ANSI sources including PC-based code. LPI-C also includes a windowed debugger, CodeWatch. Contact Liant SOftware Corporation, (508) 872-8700.
ImageSoft Updates CommonView for OS/2
ImageSoft has introducted the OS/2 2.0 version of CommonView, their application framework of C++ classes for developing GUI-based applications. CommonView for OS/2 v2.0 supports 32-bit applications. ImageSoft has also announced an agreement with J Systems, Inc., to publish Object/Designer, an extensible C++, C, and Pascal application generator for Windows. Contact ImageSoft Incorporated, 2 Haven Avenue, Port Washington, NY 11050, (516) 767-2233; FAX: (516) 767-9067.
Dyad Software Ships M++ Version 4.0
Dyad Software has begun shipping verion 4.0 of their M++ math library. The new version adds a set of spectral operations, a BitArray class, a PointerArray class, huge memory pointers for MS-DOS users, and a set of assembly language Basic Linear Algebra routines (BLAs). The spectral methods allow FFTs on vectors or arrays of vectors as well as multidimensional FFTs (up to four dimensions). M++ is available for MS-DOS C++ compilers (Borland, Microsoft, Zortech, and MetaWare) for $495, and for UNIX, WIndows NT, and OS/2 compilers for $695. Contact Dyad Software, Bellevue, WA, (206) 637-9426.
Electronic Imagery Enhances Image Processing Software
Electronic Imagery (EI) has announced enhancements to its image processing software. ImageScale Plus, ImageScale Plus for UNIX, and ImageScale Plus Developer's Toolkit for MS-DOS and UNIX applications, now include the JPEG compression/decompression algorithm. EI has released ImageManager, a file manager for pictorial images, documents, and associated text files in an SQL database, MSWindows environmennt. Another new release, ImageCount, supports image counting and object recognition that can define, count, number, and measure objects in imaging files and video frames. Contact Electronic Imagery, Inc., 1100 Park Central Boulevard South, Suite 3400, Pompano Beach, FL 33064, (305) 968-7100; FAX: (305) 968-7319.
Liant Upgrades C-scape User Interface Management System
Liant has announced a major upgrade (version 4.0) of its C-scape User Interface Management System, an object-oriented C development tool for creating portable text and GUI applications. Liant describes the most significant enhancement to C-scape as its greatly improved look and feel, with support for CUA (Common User Access) style boarders for both text and graphics mode, scroll bars, minimize/maximize buttons, menus, and other windowing functions. Contact Liant Software Corporation, Framingham, MA, (508) 872-8700.
Data Entry Workshop Supports Interactive Design of Validated Entry Screens
TurboPower Software has announced Data Entry Workshop, a collection of tools for writing validated data entry screens and other Windows controls. Data Entry Workshop builds controls in a three-step process: first, use Resource Workshop to place and edit the controls interactively; second, run the MAKESRC utility to generate the source code (C++ or Pascal); finally, use Borland's ObjectWindows Library to access the controls.Data Entry Workshop provides the following controls: Simple Entry Field, Numeric Entry Field, DEW Shade Control, Toolbox Control, Picture Entry Field, Spin Control, Meter Control, and Toolbar Control. Data Entry Workshop is designed for use with Borland C++, Borland Turbo Pascal for Windows, or Borland Turbo C++ for Windows. Data Entry Workshop includes full source code, comprehensive documentation, pop-up help, and example programs. Data Entry Workshop costs $189, and no royalty payments are required. Contact TurboPower Software, P.O. Box 49009, Colorado Springs, CO 80949-9009, (415) 322-3417.
SET Laboratories Announces PC-METRIC 4.0 for C
Set Laboratories, Inc., has announced version 4.0 of its software measurement and analysis package, PC-METRIC for C. Additions in version 4.0 include new measures of control flow complexity, iEEE standard size counting measures, and a completely revamped interactive query and analysis system for tracking metrics across releases. Contact SET Laboratories, Inc., P.O. Box 868, Mulino, OR 97042, (503) 829-7123; FAX: (503) 829-7220.
Eighteen Eight Laboratories Introduces Three Interface Cards for PL2500
Eighteen Eight Laboratories has announced three new interface cards for the PL2500 family of AT-hosted Floating Point Array Processors. The new cards use the PL2500's SPAN32 bus to transfer data at up to 15 million bytes per second. The PL2500 on-board rountines are callable from C (also Fortran and Pascal) control programs. Contact Eighteen Eight Laboratories, 1247 Tamarisk Lane, Boulder City, NV 89005, (702) 294-5009 or (800) 888-1119; FAX: (702) 294-2611.
Aggregate Releases GNU make Compatible NetMake
Aggregate Computing, Inc., has released NetMake 1.2, a distributed, parallel version of the UNIX make utility. NetMake can use multiple systems across a network of Sun workstations and servers in parallel, to handle Sun, BSD, or GNU makefiles. Contact Aggregate Computing, Inc., 300 South Highway 169, Suite 400, Minneapolis, MN 55426, (612) 546-5579; FAX: (612) 546-9485.
SunPro Announces Object Technology Agreement with Rouge Wave Software
SunProg, the software development business of Sun Microsystems, Inc., has entered a technology development and licensing agreement with Rogue Wave Software, Inc., a supplier of C++ class library technology. The agreement centers on Rogue Wave's Tools.h++ class library, a toolbox of nearly 100 C++ classes. Contact SunPro, 2550 Garcia Avenue, Mountain View, CA 94043-1100, (415) 960-1300; FAX: (415) 969-9131.
Genus Plans for GIF Toolkit and Printer Toolkit
Genus Microprogramming has announced plans for a December release of GIF Toolkit and GX Printer, a printer toolkit. The GIF Toolkit provides over 100 routines for incorporating GIF images into applications, and conforms to the GIF89a specifications. The GX Printer toolkit supoprt grtaphics printing from the Genus PCX or GIF toolkits, the display, or any GX virtual buffer. Contact Genus Microprogramming, 1155 Dairy Ashford, Suite 200, Houston, TX 77079, (800) 227-0918 or (713) 870-0737.