Jim Phillips wrote:
>
> Nick Demos graciously writes:
>
> >Just what kind of comment would you like, Jim?
>
> Well, since I've already gotten confirmation that it was you, Nick,
> I was wondering if you had any other plans for MPE on the PC?  With
> all the PC-based software development systems (like Whispertech and
> Qedit for Windows), perhaps with some other tools, I could move
> development off of my 3000 and onto the PC, saving precious CPU
> cycles and upgrades.
>
Jim, sorry for he sarcasm, but I had covered this on the 3000-l
before, but here goes again, starting with the history:

1.  We wrote a compiler for Transact years ago on the Classic
when
    HP didn't have one.  It sold well.
2.  We ported it to the PC, Here is how it worked:
        A.  With utilities supplied, you downloaded your dictionary,
            Formspec and Transact source files from the 3000.
        B.  You then could compile and run Transact programs on
the
            PC.  It didn't require a powerful PC, minimum 386.
        C.  It had a basic, but reasonably complete CI.
        D.  Other then certain things not being supported, such
as
            Query, Dbschema and Formspec it worked pretty well.
You
            might talk to Cecile Chi, who is on the list and uses
it.
3.  The intent was to go on from there, adding Cobol, Dbschema
and
    Formspec capability.

HOWEVER, it did not sell well.  We had a big prospect for it, but
he
wanted EVERYTHING (process handling, e. g.).  The list went on
and on.
At this point, I feel that it is a great proof of concept and has
limited usefulness, as Cecile can attest, but we would not work
on it
further without some guarantee of product sales.

In the mean time, I am committed, as time permits, to making it
available
for a minimal fee to cover reproduction, mailing costs, etc., say
$50.

Hope that covers it.

One thing it has convinced me of - that a MPE simulator (at the
source level
- therefore no infringement on HP) is doable.

For more contact me privately,

Regards,

Nick D.
PSG