Industry-Related News & Announcements
Lucid Announces Agreement with Rogue Wave
Lucid, Inc. has announced an agreement with Rogue Wave Software, Inc. to bundle its Tools.h++ class library with Lucid's C++ compiler and integrated C/C++ development software, Energize. Lucid will also distribute Rogue Wave libraries targeted at specific vertical applications.The Tools.h++ library is a general-purpose set of 100 C++ classes. The kit includes data structure classes and a set of collection classes modeled after Smalltalk-80. Energize, a C/C++ development environment, supports integration with configuration management systems, GUI builders and toolkits, and utilities. Lucid C++ is a native C++ compiler providing "small and fast" executables for both C and C++.
Lucid will distribute the object code version of Tools.h++ at no additional charge to customers. The source code version will be available for an additional fee. Lucid will make versions of other Rogue Wave libraries available including Money.h++, for handling decimals with arbitrary precision, and View.h++, a C++ interface to Motif.
Energize is $4,250 for a single unit, or $2,950 per unit for ten. Site licenses and educational discounts are available. Lucid C++ is $1,095. For more information contact Lucid, Inc., 707 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025; (415) 329-8400; FAX: (415)329-8480.
MetaWare Ships High C/C++ for OS/2 v2.1
MetaWare Inc. has begun shipping MetaWare High C/C++ compiler for OS/2 v2.1 that includes DirectToSOM support for IBM's System Object Model (SOM) and cross-platform Distributed SOM (DSOM). DirectToSOM lets developers create SOM binaries by compiling standard C++ source code.High C/C++ for OS/2 v2.1 includes SOM and DSOM kernel code, which is licensed from IBM. The supporting components are also included. Developers can move existing C++ code to SOM by recompiling with the High C/C++ compiler. Thereafter, recompiling will be needed only when source code changes are made.
With this compiler, third-party class library providers no longer need to ship their source code on OS/2; only the SOM objects are needed. Later, the SOM objects can be replaced without recompiling other dependent objects. Similar advantages exist for inhouse developers, permitting greater control over source code and avoiding recompilation of derived subclasses. For more information contact MetaWare Inc., 2161 Delaware Ave., Santa Cruz, CA 95060; (408) 429-6382; FAX: (408)429-9273.
IDE Releases StP/SE v5.0
Interactive Development Environments has released Software through Pictures Structured Environment (StP/SE) v5.0. StP/SE is a set of tools for graphically developing requirements specifications and designs for software applications. Users are able to develop programs through the use of StP/SE's data flow diagrams, data structure diagrams, real-time analysis, and behavioral modeling. StP/SE supports the design diagrams and notations of many structured methodologies such as Yourdon/DeMarco, Gane/Sarson structure systems analysis, Hatley/Pirbhai real-time extension, Jackson hierarchical data structures, Yourdon/Constantine structured design, and the Watts/Humphrey' s software process model.Features of StP/SE v5.0 include: a shared repository that sorts analysis and design information in one central location; an intuitive user interface; and a "collapse and explode" feature, which lets users move portions of dataflow diagrams between editors. Others features of StP/SE include: options to split and merge data flows, which let users experiment with different structures and modify complex models; integration with other software tools, including HP SoftBench; version control support for SCCS, and document generation tools like FrameMaker or Interleaf; and automation of configuration management, report, and code generation. Also included in StP/SE v5.0 are a commercial RDBMS-based data repository and IDE's programming interface, the Object Management System (OMS), which is a virtual database interface.
StP/SE supports Sun SPARC and Sun Solaris systems. The company plans additional ports to HP/9000, IBM RS/6000, and DEC Alpha systems. StP/SE v5.0 starts at $10,000. For more information contact Interactive Development Environments, 595 Market St., 10th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105, (800) 888-4331.
Expersoft Announces XShell v3.0
Expersoft Corporation has announced XShell v3.0, a distributed object management environment (DOME), which includes the XShell Distributed ORB (object request broker), and a suite of integrated tools and services. XShell v3.0's tools and services include: XShell Security, a distributed object service that provides dynamic authentication and access control management to objects in the XShell DOME; and XShell TP Manager, a distributed object service that supports two-phase commit and roll-back on object operation. Other components of XShell v3.0 include: XShell Rules, a rules-based extension to C++ for building intelligent distributed objects; XShell Fuzzy, an interactive development and run-time environment for building fuzzy logic-based XShell objects; and XShell IDL Compiler, a COBRA-compliant IDL for generating bindings to OO languages, including C++, SmallTalk, and Objective C.The XShell Distributed ORB, based on C++, defines how objects are identified, located, and manipulated across a network. XShell Distributed ORB uses a combination of remote interface object technology and a distributed daemon architecture to distribute objects throughout the network. The XShell Distributed ORB removes address space restriction by letting objects migrate between address spaces. Users build objects in C++ that can be used in remote processes to create the illusion of locality. Daemons are installed on every node in an XShell environment to form the backbone of the XShell execution environment. The daemon architecture handles process control, object creation, connection management, and access to other XShell tools. XShell also supports asynchronous messaging and encapsulation of legacy code.
XShell v3.0 supports many platforms and operating systems. For more information contact Expersoft Corp., 6620 Mesa Ridge Rd., San Diego, CA 92121; (800) 336-3054 or (619) 546-4100; FAX: (619) 546-4110; e-mail: [email protected].
ASTA Ships QA C
ASTA, Inc. has begun shipping QA C, an automated software analysis system for C source code. QA C analyzes C source code and checks for 800 classes of problems including deviation from ANSI or company-specified programming standards, use of non-portable coding practices, and incompatibilities with C++. QA C also produces a variety of reports which describe and rank potential problems, highlighting the function and line in which the problem was detected. QA C provides an automated mechanism for documenting and controlling the quality of source code, and can serve as the foundation for Software Process Maturity and ISO 9001 quality initiatives. In addition, QA C calculates and reports on 40 different metrics, including Cyclomatic complexity (McCabe); Myer's Interval; static path count; actual and predicted (Halstead, Zipf) token count; and number of lines, functions, and externals.Through Demographic Quality Analysis, QA C can compare source code quality from one software release to the next, or can compare the relative quality of code against other code samples. Graphical reports such as calling trees and control structures are also provided. QA C can be configured to support the requirements of a particular company or department. Code checking functions can be added, and turned on or off; warning messages can be modified; and reports can be customized. In addition to access through an X-Window interface, QA C offers a command line interface which can run as part of an automated build or "make" procedure, integrating QA C with a software validation, release, or quality assurance process.
QA C supports UNIX platforms including DEC, HP, SUN, and IBM. QA C is also available on 386, 486, and Pentium-based PCs running SCO UNIX. Licenses for QA C start at $9,200. For more information contact ASTA Inc., 1 Chestnut St., Suites 205/206, Nashua, NH 03060; (603) 889-2230; FAX: (603) 881-3740.
Gimpel Releases FlexeLint v6.0 for C/C++
Gimpel Software has released FlexeLint v6.0 for C/C++, a lint tool. FlexeLint for C/C++ analyzes mixed suites of C and C++ programs and reports on bugs, glitches, and inconsistencies. FlexeLint for C/C++ provides a number of C++-specific checks that include reminders to virtualize inherited destructors and create custom assignment operators and copy constructors for classes that evidence a need for them. Other checks include new and delete imbalances, name hiding, and unusual, but legal, constructs. Based on the ARM (Annotated C++ Reference Manual, Ellis & Stroustrup), FlexeLint for C/C++ is tracking the ANSI/ISO X3J16 standardization process, including templates and exceptions.FlexeLint for C/C++ includes the checking of FlexeLint for C. These checks include strong type checking, control-flow based analysis for variable initialization, loss of precision, strange uses of Booleans, unaccessed variables, unusual macros, and unused program components.
FlexeLint for C/C++ supports UNIX, VAX, VMS, OS-9, and IBM VM-MVS. FlexeLint is distributed in obfuscated source form and requires K&R C to compile. FlexeLint v6.0 for C/C++ starts at $998. For more information contact Gimpel Software, 3207 Hogarth Lane, Collegeville, PA 19426; (215) 584-4261; FAX: (215) 584-4266.
SDS Introduces SingleStep++
Software Development System has introduced SingleStep++, an integrated package of program building and code generation, debugging, and analysis tools that support push-button and Windows control. Features of SingleStep++ include an integrated development and debugging environment, source-level simulation, access to program objects, kernel awareness during debugging, integration with a true C++ compiler, and support for background mode debugging with 68300 family processors.The SingleStep++ Monitor Debugger supports source-level and kernel-level debugging of optimized ANSI C/C++ code while programs run remotely in real time. According to the company, SingleStep++ SIM simulates instruction set execution at over 5,000 instructions per second. The SingleStep++ BDM monitors real-time applications, periodically calls particular subroutines, and performs target diagnostics from the PC. The CrossCode++ compiler supports IEEE 695+ object files running under DOS, Windows, UNIX, and Solaris operating systems.
SingleStep++ for Windows starts at $1,700 for a single-user license. CrossCode++, which includes the SingleStep++ instruction set simulator, starts at $2,300. For more information contact Software Development Systems, 1211 W. 22nd St., Suite 610, Oak Brook; IL 60521; (708) 368-0400; FAX: (708) 990-4641; e-mail: [email protected].
MicroEdge Upgrades Visual SlickEdit
MicroEdge, Inc. has upgraded Visual SlickEdit. Visual SlickEdit is a configurable graphical programmer's editor with an object-oriented C-style macro language, a built-in dialog editor, and Clipboard Inheritance. Features of Visual SlickEdit v1.5 include color coding, a menu editor, and enhanced project management.Visual SlickEdit's color coding (or syntax highlighting) supports current line, modified lines, language-specific highlighting, or a combination of the three. The menu editor determines key binding on the fly and automatically grays and disables menu items. The project management capability supports adding files to the project, building a tag file for files in the project, auto restore, and opening files in the project.
Additional features available on MicroEdge's CompuServe forum include: version control support for PVCS, TLIB, Source Safe, and Delta; autosave; and VI emulation. Brief and Emacs emulations are shipped with Visual SlickEdit.
Visual SlickEdit supports Windows v3.1 and Windows NT (X86, Mips, and Alpha AXP). Visual SlickEdit v1.5 is $295. For more information contact MicroEdge, Inc., P.O. Box 18038, Raleigh, NC 27619; (800) 934-3348 or (919) 790-1691; FAX: (919) 872-5586.
Wintertree Software Announces Spell Check Engine and Thesaurus
Wintertree Software has announced the Sentry Spelling-Checker Engine, release 2, and ThesDB. The Sentry Spelling Engine is a spelling checker and lexicon that can be incorporated into software applications. The Sentry engine includes a 100,000-word main dictionary, an American and British/Canadian spelling supplement, and a dictionary of the 1,024 most frequently used English words. A feature of the Sentry Engine is the "change" and "suggest" lexicon types. Using these lexicons, an application can automatically correct a user's typographical and spelling errors. The Sentry Spelling-Checker Engine is included in the following packages: The Source package, The Binary package, The Lexicon Compression toolkit, and The ASCII Lexicon package.ThesDB is a thesaurus database that can also be incorporated into applications by developers. ThesDB comes with a database of 110,000 synonyms and antonyms for 20,000 key words. The database uses a word-classification scheme similar to Roget's original thesaurus. The ThesDB is included in the following packages: The Source package, The Binary Package, and the Thesaurus C1onstruction Kit.
The Sentry Spelling-Checker Engine release 2 ranges from $149 to $585. The ThesDB ranges from $299 to $585. No additional royalties or run time fees are charged for either product. For more information contact Wintertree Software Inc., 43 Rueter St., Nepean, Ontario, Canada K2J 3Z9, (613) 825-6271.
VisualTools Ships Formula One/VBX
VisualTools, Inc. has begun shipping Formula One/VBX, component software that lets developers incorporate features of Microsoft Excel within Microsoft Visual Basic, Visual C++, Borland C++, and other VBX-supported Windows development environments. Formula One/VBX supports embedding an Excel compatible spreadsheet, with the ability to read Microsoft Excel v4.0 files while retaining font, formula, and formatting information. Formula One can create files readable by Excel, and can be used as a data browser or record editor. Formula One requires less than 500KB RAM, but provides 126 common spreadsheet functions.The initial release of Formula One/VBX is distributed with a workstation license agreement that allows unlimited, royalty-free runtime distribution of original applications created using Formula One. A technical brief is available. For more information contact VisualTools, Inc., Lenexa, KS; (913) 599-6500.
Genus Microprogramming Supports 24-bit Graphics in GX Graphics v3.0
Genus Microprogramming has announced GX Graphics v3.0, a general purpose graphics library which supports 24-bit color at resolutions up to 1280x1024 on PC compatibles. GX Graphics v3.0 supports 15, 16, and 24-bit color, over 50 different SVGA chipset revisions, and the latest VESA specification and Mode X graphics. GX Graphics v3.0 includes over 175 functions, and supports graphics primitives along with operations such as logical functions, clipping, world coordinates, mouse and event routines, text, and drawing to virtual buffers. GX Graphics comes with the GX Kernel library, which supports memory handling (conventional, EMS, XMS, and disk), color conversion and dithering, hardware panning and scrolling, and more.The GX Graphics v3.0 library is $249 ($299 for 16-bit protected mode, or $699 with source code). Current users can upgrade for $69. For more information contact Genus Microprogramming, 1155 Dairy Ashford, Suite 200, Houston, TX 77079; (800) 227-0918; FAX: (713) 870-0737.
Intel Announces MP Specification
Intel Corporation has announced a Multiprocessor (MP) platform specification that allows MP systems, including those based on Intel's Pentium processor at iCOMP Index 735/90 and 815/100, to run the next-generation MP operating system while maintaining compatibility with existing application software. The Multiprocessor (MP) Specification v1.1 defines a standard in the hardware/software interface that lets a standard MP operating system run on specification-compliant systems. The MP Specification eliminates the requirement for changes to the BIOS and operating system and hardware interface while providing compatibility with existing PC application software. The MP Specification was developed by the Intel Architecture Labs (IAL) in cooperation with system manufacturers, BIOS suppliers, and operating system vendors.The MP Specification-compliant operating systems will include Microsoft WindowsNT, Novell NetWare and UNIX WARE, IBM OS/2 for SMP, SCO MPX, and SunSoft Solaris. There are no royalty fees for MultiProcessor Specification v1.1 For more information contact Intel Literature Center (packet #242016-001), PO Box 7641, Mt. Prospect, IL 60056; (800) 548-4725 (literature center) or (800) 626-7256 (sales).
Microtec Research Announces XRAY Debugger for Windows
Microtec Research has announced XRAY Debugger for Windows, for debugging ANSI C and C++ code at the source level. Frequently used commands (such as STEP, GO, STOP) are executed with a single mouse click. Breakpoints can be set by double-clicking on the source statement. Context-sensitive pop-ups allow viewing and modifying of data, viewing of program statements, or control of execution. XRAY includes a notebook interface by providing command options graphically. XRAY Debugger for Windows retains all of its original functionality including the ability to debug optimized code (code that is actually shipped).A version for Motorola 68000-family applications is currently available, with other targets planned. Pricing starts at $2,000.For more information contact Microtec Research Inc., 2350 Mission College Blvd., Santa Clara, CA 95054; (800) 950-5554 or (408) 980-1300; FAX: (408) 982-8266.
BUSS Releases C-SIMPLEPLOT
BUSS Ltd. has released C-SIMPLEPLOT, a data visualization tool for PCs running Visual C++. Based on the FORTRAN SIMPLEPLOT library of routines, C-SIMPLEPLOT contains 300 high-level C functions letting users incorporate x/y and polar charts, contour, waterfall, surface plots, and pie and bar charts into an application. C-SIMPLEPLOT for Microsoft Windows uses the same programming interface as C-SIMPLEPLOT for Motif. The graphical elements of an application created by C-SIMPLEPLOT for Microsoft Windows can be ported to OpenVMS and UNIX workstations. For more information contact BUSS Ltd 29, Campus Rd., Bradford, UK BD 71HR, +44 274 309214; FAX: +44 274 370502.
Windbase Ships Memory Structures Library (MemSL) v2.0
Windbase Software, Inc. has announced v2.0 of Memory Structures Library (MemSL). The MemSL is used to set up and manage data structures, such as: stacks, queues, dequeues, hash tables, binary trees, single and doubly linked lists, circular linked lists, multi-dimensional dynamic arrays, trees, AVL balanced trees, threaded trees, sets, graphs, and more.MemSL routines are designed for ease of use and the internal data structures make no assumptions about the data to be stored. Users can define comparison functions for ordered data structures such as sorted linked lists, balanced trees, or threaded trees. MemSL also includes memory management functions for redefining memory handlers, tracing allocations and deallocations, and reporting allocations and deallocations when errors occur. C++ classes can hide structures and make MemSL easier to use.
The MemSL is available for C and C++ at $139.99 for DOS and UNIX-based systems. ANSI C source code is included. For more information contact Windbase Software Inc., PO Box 10115, Glendale, AZ 85318; (602) 561-8788 or (602) 561-0667; FAX: (602) 561-6490.
ParcPlace Announces ObjectBuilder v2.5
ParcPlace has announced ObjectBuilder v2.5. ObjectBuilder v2.5 lets C++ developers encapsulate off-the-shelf, non-ObjectBuilder-based Xt building blocks and use them to construct a user interface for C++ based applications. In addition to support for Xt widgets, ObjectBuilder v2.5 includes Visual Subclassing, additional palettes, customizable and extensible editors, and support for Motif v1.2.With the ObjectBuilder/Xt Kit included in ObjectBuilder v2.5, users can incorporate building blocks from independent vendors such as KL Group's XRT Graph, Expert Object's HyperMatrix, and Expert DataBase's ACME Widgets in addition to other widgets from Motif v1.2.
ObjectBuilder v2.5 supports Sun SPARC systems running SunOS v4.1.X and Solaris v2.X, HP Series 9000/700-800 with HP-UX v9.X, and IBM RS/6000 under AIX v3.X. A single concurrent license for ObjectBuilder v2.5 is $4,500, and a five-pack concurrent user licenses is $18,750. ObjectBuilder users with a current support agreement will automatically receive the new release. For more information contact ParcPlace Systems, Inc., 999 E. Arques Ave., Sunnvale, CA 94086; (800) 759-7272 or (408) 481-9090; FAX: (408) 481-9095.
a/Soft Ports nu/TPU v4.0 to Windows NT
a/Soft Development, Inc. has ported nu/TPU v4.0 to Windows NT. nu/TPU is a multi-platform programmer's editor which supports UNIX, DOS, and MS-Windows on Alpha and Intel-based systems. nu/TPU offers editing interfaces of EVE, EDT, and WPS, or user-customized interfaces. a/Soft has completed two ports for its Windows NT version. The first port is nu/TPU for the Windows NT console mode. NT's pulldowns, mouse-support, and scroll bars are available in this environment. a/Soft demonstrated a full-windowed version of nu/TPU at the DECUS meeting in Spring, 1994.The full-windowed version of nu/TPU for Windows NT has full windows integration, including customizable pull-downs and pop-ups, scroll bars, mouse text selection, and so on. A modified si (simple interface) supports additional window appearances for help screens and other features to avoid cluttering text windows. nu/TPU can exploit multi-tasking — users can execute a shell command to compile code and bring errors back into a split window while continuing to edit the code. nu/TPU provides full programability for user customization. nu/TPU for Windows NT is sold on a flexible session basis beginning at $299 for console mode and $374 for full mode. For more information contact a/Soft Development, Inc., 1 Executive Park Dr., Bedford, NH 03110; (603) 666-6699; FAX: (603) 666-6460.
G2i Offers Turnkey Software Translation Services
G2i, Inc. is offering turnkey software translation services, supporting the re-engineering of legacy applications and specializing in FORTRAN and ADA conversions to C and C++. G2i uses a proprietary CASE tool, ATS (Automated Translation System), guarantees the code and describes the generated code as "easy to read and maintain." The ATS can handle applications of up to one million lines of code, and the service averages less than 50 cents a line. As a limited-time promotion, G2i has offered to translate, free of charge, up to 5,000 lines of FORTRAN or ADA code and to provide a report on the feasibility of a full-scale translation project. For more information contact G2i, Inc., Mountain View, CA; (415) 390-9030; FAX: (415) 390-0891.
F. H. Ritz Releases Modules and Widgets for VMS and UNIX
The engineering office of Frank H. Ritz has begun distributing display modules for TIFF, Calcomp, HPGI, and MIF formats, along with widgets to extend the MOTIF Widget Set and widgets for embedded graph support. The widgets and modules are available for VMS and UNIX.Xtiff supports the tag image file format; Xhpgi/Xcalcomp provide vector formats for drawings typical to CAD/CAE applications. Xmif provides the frame maker exchange format. The BREDEX-BXwidgets extend the MOTIF widget set with BXmcenter, a container widget that centers a single child; widgets for a hypertext help system; BXmTableManager, a container widget that manages its child widgets as a table; and BXmRegex, an XmTextField-Widget which filters input using a regular expression. The AtPlotter Widget Set provides embeddable scientific and business graphing. The AtPlotter Widget is based on Xlib and Xtoolkit and is intended to be used in conjunction with other widget sets, such as the Athena Widget Set, the Open Windows Widget Set, or the OSF/MOTIF Widget Set.
For more information contact Whalen Software, Phone or FAX: (815) 741-2043 (US, Australia, or Asia) or Ingenieurbro Frank H. Ritz, +49 30 3239604; FAX: +49 30 3235255 (Europe or Africa).
Quarterdeck Ships DESQview/X v2.0
Quarterdeck Office Systems, Inc. has released DESQview/X v2.0. Quarterdeck describes DESQview/X v2.0 as addressing four different areas: a high speed X-server, a workstation that supports applications intended for a variety of platforms, the ability to convert ordinary applications into distributed or remote X-applications, and the ability to move X-applications to standard DOS platforms.DESQview/X is a windowing, preemptive multitasking environment that allows users to work with local and remote applications for DOS, MS-Windows, UNIX, and other X platforms. Version 2.0 adds support for multiple simultaneous network protocol stacks. WinX (the technology that turns MS-Windows into an X-client) has been re-engineered for v2.0, improving performance and providing cut and paste between MS-Windows and other X-window applications. DESQview/X allows X.11, MOTIF, and BSD Socket-based applications to be ported to run stand-alone under DESQview/X or as X-clients across a network. The DESQview/X X.11 toolkit library is available free as part of the GNU Compiler for DOS from Free Software Foundation. DESQview v2.0 comes ready for remote computing, requiring the addition of a network card. DESQview/X v2.0 is $275 and includes the Quarterdeck TCP/IP Transport. Upgrades from earlier versions of DESQview/X are available for $75 and are free to owners who made their purchase on or after February 1, 1994. For more information contact Quarterdeck Office Systems, Inc., 150 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90405; (310) 392-9851; FAX: (310) 314-4218.
