Correction
In the December 1993 issue of CUJ, Aggregate Computing's upgraded NetMake utility was incorrectly listed as NetMake vl.4. The correct version number was 1.3. Aggregate Computing has since released a newer version, NetMake v1.3.2, as announced below.
Aggregate Computing Releases NetMake v1.3.2
Aggregate Computing, Inc. has upgraded its intelligent compiling system, NetMake, a distributed, parallel version of the UNIX make utility. Netmake replaces the traditional UNIX make utility normally executed on a single machine and executes compilations on an entire network of machines in parallel. NetMake uses an intelligent distributed processing engine, called NetShare, designed to allow parallel and distributed processing across heterogeneous operating systems and hardware architectures. NetShare automatically and intelligently locates and utilizes the "best" resources on the network to perform tasks.NetMake both reduces compile time and increases network reliability in production environments. The usability enhancements in NetMake v1.3.2 add to the reliability by giving users more detailed output information in an easy-to-read format.
For more information contact Aggregate Computing, Inc., 300 South Highway 169, Suite 400, Minneapolis, MN 55426; (612) 546-5579; FAX: (612) 546-9485; e-mail: info@aggregate.com.
Inmark Ships zApp
Inmark Development Corporation has begun shipping zApp for X/Motif, the X/Motif version of its line of portable C++ class libraries. zApp is an application framework, providing the classes needed to write commercial applications. With the addition of six X/Motif platforms, (IBM RS/6000 AIX, HP HP-UX v9.x, SCO, SunOS v4.1.x, Solaris v2.x, and Solaris x86), developers using zApp have single-source portability across Windows, Win32, OS/2, DOS Graphics, DOS Text, and X/Motif.zApp's functionality is included in object classes. By calling these classes, toolbar and table objects can be accessed. In addition, zApp provides object persistence, input validation on a keystroke-by-keystroke basis, flexible graphics support, and geometry management.
zApp also provides a simple, constant API to all supported platforms. Other features of zApp's include: windows, dialogs, controls, menus, fonts, bitmaps, forms, MDI, windows positioning, and memory management. zApp for X/Motif is $1,995 per platform. Upgrade price to current zApp customers is $1,495. Users who purchase the Early Experience version of zApp for X/Motif will be upgraded throughout the final release version which is expected in the second quarter of 1994. For more information contact Inmark Development Corporation, 2065 Landings Dr., Mountain View, CA 94043; (415) 691-9000; FAX: (415) 691-9099; BBS: (415) 691-9990; CompuServe: GO INMARK; Internet: sales@inmark.com or support@inmark.com.
IDE Announces StP/OMT and Integrated CDE
Interactive Development Environment, Inc. and the Advanced Concepts Center of Martin Marietta have announced Software through Pictures/Object Modeling Technique (StP/OMT) tools and OMT Success Packages on IBM RS/6000 workstations, Sun SPARC workstations and servers, and the HP/9000. StP/OMT supports various aspects of the object-oriented development process: requirements analysis, design, implementation, documentation, deployment, maintenance, and continuous development. StP/OMT is based on IDE's vS.0 architecture and supports multiple users in an open environment with a shared repository, version control and locking, consistency checking, inter-model navigation, and code and document generation.StP/OMT lets users: understand and define problem domains through the use of object, dynamic, and functional models; navigate between all three modeling views of the same object; and access information via a table-oriented browser that facilitates reuse of classes and class structures. StP/OMT also lets users partition the analysis/design model into subsystems in order to see the relationships between modules and move between views of class definitions and their implementation via programming environment integration.
IDE has also integrated its Software through Pictures C Development Environment (CDE) with SunPro's SPARCworks development toolset. IDE and SunPro use ToolTalk, the application integration facility from SunSoft, Inc. to integrate their products. ToolTalk automatically passes messages between CDE and SPARCworks. Through the integration, C code developed with SPARCworks can be reverse-engineered in CDE to automatically generate structure charts and data diagrams. Conversely, forward engineering of design diagrams will automatically create C code frames. Other features of the integration include: an incremental synchronization feature which lets users check for differences between code and design, and perform incremental updates to either on a per-item or global basis; query the Software through Pictures shared repository; browse in either direction between the Structure Chart Editor and Static Sourcebrowser, or their SPARCworks tools; and automatically generate documentation through usermodifiable code review or design review templates. The integrated C development software is available on Sun SPARC systems running either Solaris or SunOS.
StP/OMT licenses are $12,000 per user. Success Packages are $100,000 for 5-10 users. A single license price for CDE with SPARCworks integration ranges from $5,000 to $15,000 depending on platform. For more information contact Interactive Development Environments, Inc., 595 Market St., 10th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105; (415) 543-0900; FAX : (415) 543-014.
Perennial Releases ASV v3.0
Perennial, Inc. has released v3.0 of ASV, UNIX Application Source Verifier. ASV checks the source code of C applications for constructs that violate the specifications of a selected operating system's (OS) standards. Such constructs complicate porting applications to other operating systems. ASV focuses on problems that are not detected by a compiler or lint, for example: use of optional, level 2, or withdrawn OS interface; local redefinition of system interface; and use of literal where a symbolic constant is expected (as in assignments to errno). ASV also extends lint in the area of OS-interfaced type checking. AVS reports inconsistent types for function arguments, as well as for return values and structure members.AVS v3.0 also reports language problems, such as faulty and non-portable constructs, which are detected by its built-in ANSI C preprocessor, compiler front-end, and lint. These built-in language tools let ASV operate as a stand-alone product. ASV does not rely on a system's header files. So AVS v3.0 is immune to portability problems such as missing or non-conforming interface definitions. For each OS standard it supports, AVS has a database which defines the system interfaces of that standard. ASV supports POSIX.1 1998 and 1990, FIPS Publication 151-1 and 151-2, SVID Issues 2 and 3, XPG Issues 3 and 4, and OSF's AES Revision A.
AVS v3.0 is available for SunOS v4.1.3 and v5.1 on SPARCstations, and for HP-UX v9.0 on HP 9000 machines of the 400 series. For more information contact Perennial, Inc., 4699 Old Ironsides Dr., Suite 210, Santa Clara, CA 95054; (408) 748-2900; FAX: (408) 748-2909
Tower Ships TowerEiffel System v1.2
Tower Technology Corporation has released TowerEiffel System v1.2, which supports interoperablity of Eiffel and C++ programs. Using TowerEiffel v1.2, users can incorporate Eiffel into their C++ projects. The TowerEiffel compiler lets C++ objects be invoked from Eiffel and vice versa. The compiler optionally emits C++ code. In addition, TowerEiffel v1.2 includes a source level debugger, and run-time assertion management capabilities.For more information contact Tower Technology Corp., 3300 Bee Caves Rd., Suite 650, Austin, TX 78746; (512) 452-9455; FAX: (512) 452-1721; e-mail: tower@twr.com.
DataPak Software Releases PAIGE
DataPak Software has released PAIGE, a cross-platform library for developers who want to incorporate text editing, page layout, or multimedia into their applications. PAIGE supports Macintosh, Windows, and other platforms and is compatible with Motorola's PowerPC chip.Features of PAIGE include: embedded objects, which let users embed arbitrary objects into the text stream; ability to create "containers" and non-rectangular shapes with an optional "exclude" shape; support for scaling and print view modes that are editable; support for discontinuous and vertical highlighting; and multi-level "Undo" support. PAIGE is compatible with standard ANSI C and C compilers. PAIGE's object code can interface with C or Pascal. PAIGE is also compatible with C++ and TCL. PAIGE's combined libraries contain approximately 90Kb of object code.
PAIGE is sold royalty-free and there are no distribution fees. Source code is available with a separate license. The retail licensing for PAIGE covers the use of the product for one application and one developer. PAIGE object code is $3,500 for the first platform. Each additional platform is $500 and each additional seat is $250. PAIGE Source Code is $25,000. Each additional platform is $5,000 and each additional seat is $250. For more information contact DataPak Software, Inc., 9317 NE Highway 99, Suite G, Vancouver, WA 98665, (206) 573-9155; FAX: (206) 573-9269; CompuServe: 76424,3027.
Nexus Releases VGA Animate v2.0
NEXUS Software has released VGA Animate v2.0, a set of C language programming tools for graphics animation running under DOS. VGA Animate v2.0 uses the undocumented page-switching mode referred to as "Mode X." Mode X is available on VGA And SVGA video cards. The mode provides the page-flipping functions and off-screen image storage for high speed, flicker-free animation. The mode also provide square pixels and parallel pixel processing.VGA Animate v2.0 contains 130 functions for creating and animating images. The package provides 320x240 resolution in 256 colors. Features of VGA Animate v2.0 include: a tools set for drawing, displaying, and animating images; the ability to read .FLI files; .PCX file format support; mouse and joystick support; font editing capabilities; basic sound and timing function; special effects functions, such as dissolves and fades; palette manipulation functions; and cross-referenced documentation. VGA Animate v2.0 supports Microsoft and Borland C compilers.
VGA Animate v2.0 is $39 without source code and is royalty-free. VGA Animate v2.0 with source code is $79. VGA Animate Game Developers Kit, which includes VGA Animate v2.0 and source code for a scrolling arcade-style video game, is $99. For more information contact NEXUS Software, P.O. Box 341126, Milwaukee, WI 53234, (414) 321-6792.
XVT Announces XVT-Power++ v2.0
XVT Software Inc. has announced XVT-Power++ v2.0, an application framework that adds an XVT-Layout utility, automatic data propagation, portable resource support, a class library, and run-time type identification XVT-Power++ is a hierarchical application framework (Model-View-Controller programming paradigm) through which objects communicate according to a standard set of rules. Power++ lets C++ application programmers develop distributed applications for multiple GUI environments.XVT-Layout is an interactive WYSI-WYG layout of windows, dialogs, menus, and strings. During the interface layout phase of application development, developers can place, align, size, and space any of the native control objects found in XVT-Layout. XVT-Layout can read and write a portable project file, and can read the layout information created by XVT-Design and XVT-Design++ project files.
Automatic data propagation gives XVT-Power++ v2.0 support for the Model-View-Controller paradigm. This functionality lets the user access any of the models of the application through a distinct interface, and it also supports adding views of the data without affecting existing application code.
XVT-Power++ v2.0 also includes support for portable resource information for native objects. This support lets the user build a window, given a portable resource ID. When the window is installed, it will construct itself and the native objects in it. The menu objects of XVT-Power++ v2.0 provide functionality to manipulate, modify, and create menus. The run-time type identification feature lets users interrogate an instantiated object to determine its type.
XVT-Power++ v2.0 is bundled with the XVT Portability Toolkit and sold as the XVT Development Solution for C++. The XVT Development Solution for C++ is $1,950 for Intel 486 and similar systems and $6,300 for workstations. For more information contact XVT Software, Inc., 4900 Pearl E Circle, Boulder, CO 80301; (303) 443-4223; FAX: (303) 443-0969.
TGS Releases FIGARO+ v4.0
Template Graphics Software, Inc. has released FIGARO+ v4.0, a PHIGS+ (Programmer's Hierarchical Interactive Graphics System) product to support the ISO C binding. PHIGS+ is the dominant ANSI/ISO graphics standard and the model for PEX, the PHIGS Extension to X. The use of PHIGS+ through the FIGARO+ system lets graphics applications be source code portable across platforms and environments. FIGARO+ v4.0 also lets developers who use the SIPHIGS (Sample Implementation provided with PEX v5.1) deliver their products on platforms independent of PEX availability.FIGARO+ v4.0 provides transparent rendering access to Sun XGL, HP Starbase, SGI GL and OpenGL, and network rendering protocols like X and PEX. FIGARO+ v4.0 software rendering includes Z-Buffering, Gouraud shading, color and grayscale dithering, and depth cueing. Another feature of FIGARO+ is an Operation Trace Utility that lets the user record PHIGS+ program executions. The Trace file can be played back for performance tuning. Current FIGARO+ bindings include C and FORTRAN.
For more information contact Template Graphics Software, Inc., 9920 Pacific Heights Blvd., Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92121, (619) 457-5359; FAX: (619) 452-2547.
Burton Systems Ships TLIB Version Control v5.01
Burton Systems Software has begun shipping v5.01 of the TLIB Version Control system. Features of v5.01 include: automated conversion of old archives for PVCS or MKS RCS to TLIB format, configurable reference directories for each project level, command structure with command synonyms, and whole-level Change Migration for customized software. Other features include: wild-card search modes, file lists, and filters; the ability to create lists by scanning source code for includes (C, Pascal, MASM, QuickBASIC, and COBOL "copy"); and a project-oriented mode. When TLIB Version Control system v5.01 converts PVCS or RCS archives, all versions are converted (including branch versions), all version numbers are preserved unchanged (except for punctuation), and version labels are translated into TLIB "snapshots."The TLIB Version Control system supports DOS, OS/2, and Windows NT. The DOS edition of the TLIB Version Control system v5.01 is $139 for one user or $419 for a five- user network. The OS/2+NT+DOS "combo edition" is $105 for one user, or $495 for a five- user network. For more information contact Burton Systems Software, P.O. Box 4156, Cary, NC 27519; (919) 233-8128; FAX: (919) 233-0716.
Prosa Software Releases Prosa/om
Prosa Software has released Prosa/om Case environment for object- oriented software development. Prosa/om supports OOA/OOD method, automatic C++ code generation, and automatic documentation and maintenance. The tools contained in Prosa/om include: Prosac++, Prosasq1, and Prosacdm. In the Prosa/om environment, the designer presents the application with a set of pictures — an object-oriented model. Prosa/om supports extended Rumbaugh's OMT method with class, functional, dynamic, and operation models. Prosa/om automatically maintains the correctness of the models. Modeling symbols, colors, and fonts are configurable in the editor and during printing. Prosa/om also supports class libraries, reusability, and team development. According to the company, users have reported over fifty percent improvement in the productivity of software development using Prosa/om tools.Prosac++ implements automatic object-oriented programming. Prosac++ produces complete, compatible, and executable C++ implementation. The development style is incremental, and verification can be used in all levels of the development cycle. Prosasql SQL code generator generates SQL code automatically from class models. The generated SQL conforms to ISO/IEC standards. Prosacdm is a concurrent document manager tool which automates software documentation and document maintenance. Prosacdm makes changes of application models available in documents with a single command.
The Prosa/om Case environment is available for Windows v3, OS/2, and Motif (HP, SUN, and VAX workstations). For more information contact Prosa Software, P.O. Box 9, SF-90101 Oulu, Finland; +358-81-376 128; FAX: +358-81-371 754.
NeuroDynamX Introduces DynaMind Developer Pro
NeuroDynamX, Inc. has introduced DynaMind Developer Pro, a suite of neural network software tools for PC, Macintosh, and UNIX workstation platforms. The DynaMind Developer Pro includes a set of linkable C routines, a scripting language for neural net training and testing, DynaMind simulation software, and neural network chip emulation.The central component of DynaMind Developer Pro is NeuroLink v4.0, a library of 100 C routines for integrating neural networks into host applications. NeuroLink supports Borland C/C++ v3.1 or higher, Microsoft C/C++ v7.0 or higher, and Microsoft Visual C++. Another feature of DynaMind Developer Pro is NeuroScript, a high-level scripting language, which provides low-level access to network parameters, custom reporting capabilities, and pre-defined script templates. DynaMind Developer Pro can emulate the Intel 80170NX ETANN chip and Intel's ETANN Multiple-Chip Board.
Prices for DynaMind Developer Pro range from $1,795 to $3,995 depending on platform. For more information contact NeuroDynamX, Inc., P.O. Box 323, Boulder, CO 80306; (800) 747-3531 or (303) 442-3539; FAX: (303) 442-2854.
Subtle Software Ships Subtleware for C++/SQL v1.0
Subtle Software Inc. has begun shipping vl.0 of Subtleware for C++/SQL and the WATCOM SQL Support Module. Subtleware for C++/SQL provides relational database services for large projects using C++ and its object-oriented constructs for their application modeling and development. According to the company, Subtleware for C++/SQL can increase productivity by over twenty percent by automating the semantic mapping and coding required to connect two disparate data paradigms.Subtle Software has also announced that Sybase, Oracle and ODBC Support Modules will be available by March 94. Subtleware for C++/SQL and the WATCOM SQL Support Module are $299 each, or $499 for both. For more information contact Subtle Software, Inc., 1 Albion Rd., Billerica, MA 01821; (508) 663-5584; FAX: (508) 663-5685.
ImageSoft Announces Object/Engineering v3.0
ImageSoft, Inc. has announced Object/Engineering v3.0, its scientific and engineering C++ class library. Object/Engineering v3.0 contains foundation classes, numerics components, and modeling methodologies. The foundation classes (exception handling, semi-persistent containers, linear algebra, and complex numbers) contain the low-level routines that support the numerical algorithms and simulation modeling. The numerics components (random generators, quadratures, functions, differential equations, optimization, sorting, transforms, splines, and statistical distributions) comprise the second layer, and are manipulated in the statistical and simulation models. The modeling methodolgies (regressive, discrete-event simulation, and digital signal processing) comprise the third layer.Object/Engineering v3.0 includes four different methods for handling run-time errors, warning messages, exceptions, and returned code. Object/Engineer v3.0 is portable under DOS, Windows, and UNIX. Object/Engineer is also integrated with a graphics package. Each class is illustrated with one or more sample programs. Several case studies are also provided.
A detailed white paper on Object/Engineer v3.0 is available for free. For more information contact ImageSoft Inc., 2 Haven Ave., Port Washington, NY 11050; (800) 245-8840; FAX: (516) 767-2233.
FFE Announces FirstSQL C v2.2 and FirstSQL Server
FFE Software, Inc. has announced FirstSQL C v2.2, an RDBMS for C developers under DOS and Windows with full client/server connectivity support through ODBC. FirstSQL C v2.2 provides an Embedded SQL Precompiler for Static and Dynamic SQL, and a C call level API. Access to dBASE files is also supported using SQL. FirstSQL C v2.2 includes: the FirstSQL ODBC Library for transparent access to other DBMS's (Oracle, SQL Server, and AS/400); and the FirstSQL ODBC Driver, providing access to FirstSQL databases and dBASE files from non-FirstSQL applications. Other features of FirstSQL C v2.2 include: outer join, alter table, and DDL commands in embedded SQL.FFE has also announced a database server, FirstSQL Server, to be released in early 1994. The FirstSQL Database Server is a server for FirstSQL databases and dBASE files. Client interfaces for FirstSQL Server include: Embedded SQL through FirstSQL C and ODBC. FirstSQL Server provides transaction processing with 2-Phase locking. FirstSQL uses a real-time operating system designed for database servers and will support 256 client stations on the network.
FirstSQL C v2.2 is $395 per single user and $795 for a network version. For more information contact FFE Software, Inc., P.O. Box 1519, El Cerrito, CA 94530, (510) 232-6800; FAX: (510) 237-7433.
TurboPower Announces Async Professional v2.0
TurboPower Software has announced Async Professional v2.0, a communications library for DOS which adds comprehensive fax support. The routines included in Async Professional support: conversion from text, PCX, or TIFF files into compressed fax format; send or receive multi-page faxes on Class I, Class II, or Intel CAS fax modes at up to 14.4 Baud; automatic inset of a fax header on each page; and conversion from fax files to PCX files for editing.Async Professional includes a demonstration TSR for receiving faxes in the background and programs for viewing and printing received fax files. Async Professional v2.0 also supports CompuServe B+ protocol and PKZIP vl.x implode and LHA v2.x compression methods.
Async Professional v2.0 includes source code and no royalties are required. Async Professional v2.0 is $189. Registered owners of v1.x can upgrade for $79. Async Professional is available for C/C++ and Pascal. For more information contact TurboPower Software, P.O. Box 49009, Colorado Springs, CO 80949, (719) 260-6641; FAX: (719) 260-7151.
Sequiter Releases v5.1 of CodeBase, CodeBase++, CodeBasic, and CodePascal
Sequiter Software has released a family of products that combine visual design capability with a DBMS library. Version 5.1 of CodeBase, CodeBase++, CodeBasic, and CodePascal (libraries for C/C++, Basic, and Pascal) include CodeControls, a Windows interface designer, and CodeReporter, a developer's report write.CodeControl v2.0 combines xBase addresses reporting needs of programmers and end-users, including an Instant Report Wizard, drag and drop object creation tools, a report API, and code generation capability. Generated reports can run under DOS, OS/2, Windows, Windows NT, Macintosh System 7, and UNIX.
CodeControls v2.0 is a set of custom Windows interface controls for database application developers. Using Borland C++ Resource Workshop, Microsoft Visual C++ App Studio, or Visual Basic, developers can create a DBMS interface. CodeControl v2.0 also includes a Master Control that supports point and click control of record positioning, searching, deleting, and undoing previous actions.
CodeBase v5.1 and CodeBase++ v5.1 are $495 each. CodeBasic v5.1 and CodePascal v5.1 are $245 each. For more information contact Sequiter Software, Inc., # 209, 9644-54 Ave., Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6E 5VI; (403) 437-2410; FAX: (403) 436-2999.
Alligator Announces Prime Factor FFT for Windows and DOS
Alligator Technologies has announced that Prime Factor FFT, a DSP subroutine library for calculating forward and inverse FFTs in one and two dimensions, is available as a Microsoft Windows compatible DDL. Prime Factor FFT includes the Cooley-Tukey FFT, the Prime Factor FFT, and a DFT. With Prime Factor, users can avoid truncating or zero padding data, which can distort results and slow down calculations.Features of Prime Factor FFT include: Hamming and Hanning windowing functions to reduce ringing and preserve the accuracy and dynamic range of data, analysis on any data type array, assembly implementation callable from high-level languages, calculation of amplitude and phase, and automatic detection of math coprocessor type. Other features of Prime Factor FFT include: re-entrant design for simultaneous use in multiple applications; a choice of three algorithms; compatibility with many compilers; and sample programs written in C, BASIC, Turbo Pascal (DOS), and FORTRAN (DOS).
For more information contact Alligator Technologies, 2900 Bristol St., Suite E-101, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, (714) 850-9984; FAX: (714) 850-9987