sunflash-Distributed to mailing list sun/NC/north-carolina sunflash-Send requests, problems to owner-sunflash@suntri.east.sun.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Florida SunFlash Third Part Products Announcements SunFLASH Vol 60 #17 December 1993 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Abstracts 60.17.A RTV Toolkit from Parallax Graphics New, high-performance software for integrated audio and video substantially expands the capabilities of video-enabled workstations. Parallax's RTV Toolkit can store and playback digital video at 30 frames per second, in full size (640x480 pixels), with 24-bit true color. The integrated audio presents CD quality sound to accompany this high-quality image. (100 lines) 60.17.B Tom Sawyer's Graph Layout Toolkit - Release 1.09 generally available family of portable libraries delivers an immediate face-lift to graphics applications with their sophisticated layout algorithms. The Graph Layout Toolkit libraries' logical representation of objects and connections allow end users to more easily see underlying relationships within complicated data. The libraries also work in real time, rarely requiring more than a few seconds to produce quality output even for large graphs with several hundred nodes. (157 lines) 60.17.C Portable Graphics shipping X11 version of its NPGL library Portable Graphics, Inc. is now shipping an X11 version of its NPGL library. Using Xlib, NPGL-X allows software originally developed for Silicon Graphics workstations with the IRIS GL 4.0 library to use SPARCstation systems as X clients. Anyone with a color X11 server can then access NPGL-X applications remotely across the network. Neither the client nor the server requires special graphics acceleration hardware. (68 lines) 60.17.D Aurora Introduces Socrates OCR With New Productivity Tools Aurora Technologies introduced new workgroup-oriented features to its Socrates OCR for SPARC systems software. The new release adds command-line operation, providing network-wide access to complete OCR functionality from any terminal, PC, or workstation on a SPARC-based network. The upgrade also includes batch-processing capabilities for unattended document scanning and recognition, saving hours of time processing long or multiple documents. (62 lines) 60.17.E SPRY's Internet Add-ons for PC-NFS To meet the needs of the rapidly growing number of PC-NFS users looking to reach resources on the Internet, SPRY, Incorporated is shipping the AIR Navigator*, a suite of easy-to-use Internet access applications. AIR Navigator includes AIR News, AIR Gopher and AIR Mail. AIR News is an Network News Transfer Protocol (NNTP) news reader AIR Gopher ithe first commercially supported Windows Gopher client AIR Mail is an easy-to-use Windows implementation of Internet mail (95 lines) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Details -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 60.17.A Subject: Parallax Product Announcement: RTV Toolkit From: Barbara Kay Product Marketing Manager Org: Parallax Graphics Phone: (408) 727-2220 New RTV Toolkit Enhances Performance and Productivity of Video-Enabled Computer Desktops Integrated Audio and Video Product Supports Advanced Video Editing and Application Development San Jose, CA, November 8, 1993 -- at Telecon 93 -- Parallax Graphics today announced RTV Toolkit*, new high-performance software for integrated audio and video that substantially expands the capabilities of video-enabled workstations. Parallax's RTV Toolkit can store and playback digital video at 30 frames per second, in full size (640x480 pixels), with 24-bit true color. The integrated audio presents CD quality sound to accompany this high-quality image. The RTV Toolkit contains two pieces: RTVdisk, a fully-featured application for performing advanced video editing, and an extensive API which includes source code for RTVdisk and allows developers to write custom applications. RTV Toolkit works with 32-bit frame buffer cards from Parallax that include JPEG compression. RTV Toolkit expands Utility of Video-Enabled Workstations While videoconferencing has been leading the drive to adoption of video-enabled computers, two other areas of video computing are emerging: video editing and video distribution. These applications have been waiting for high-performance video hardware and software to make them feasible. Parallax's VideoStream* technology, used in its XVideo* and PowerVideo* products, is the underlying hardware architecture that enables the new high-performance RTV Toolkit. According to H. Lee Caswell, Parallax's director of marketing, "After years of analog storage and playback with television and VCRs, audiences have come to expect full-motion, high-resolution video in digital storage and playback applications. RTV Toolkit enhances digital video performance to deliver this level of quality." "Customers have asked us to turn off the tape player and show us RTV Toolkit, when RTV Toolkit was already playing. " contributed Walter S. Hauck, director of advanced systems with integrator Purvis Systems. "The quality is unmatched." Capture, Manipulate and Store Integrated Video and Audio in Real-Time The RTV Toolkit is new software that supports real-time display, storage to disk, and playback of digital video and audio, making advanced video editing a reality on the desktop. It also provides multiple output options, including support for VCRs, CD-ROMs, and Unix files, for maximum flexibility in distribution. Users can now build and distribute their own high-quality videos. It provides crucial editing functions including forward and reverse, cut and paste, and stop and start, available for the first time in a real-time editing tool. Audio can be overdubbed in multiple tracks, important for versioning and training applications where speakers, languages, and text may vary. The innovative CueList feature provides a simple mechanism for saving and collating clips into preferred sequences. Annotations of graphics and audio over video help users use sophisticated effects in movies. Real-time video storage and playback is in demand in areas ranging from factory automation and process control to medical imaging and surveillance. Stu Taylor, vice president of international sales at Parallax, commented, "My customers need to save every frame of data. RTV Toolkit's 30 frames per second digital storage combined with XVideo's JPEG compression gives them the quality they need." Source Code and API Support Custom Development The RTV Toolkit includes an API: a set of functions and source code that provide the basic functionality necessary for creating real-time video applications. RTVdisk is actually a sample application built using the API that highlights some of the API's capabilities. Developers use the API to rapidly customize and extend applications to suit their preferences. Pricing and Availability The RTV Toolkit sells for $995 and will ship this month. It will be available for Sun SPARCstations running Solaris 1 and OpenWindows 3.0. It requires either the XVideo or PowerVideo 32-bit frame buffers from Parallax. Contact Parallax Graphics at 408-727-2220 for more information. Parallax is a leading worldwide supplier of high quality video products for the UNIX and Windows NT markets. Parallax world headquarters is based in Santa Clara, California. A regional sales and support office is located in Reston, VA. European sales are serviced from the company's international sales headquarters in Wokingham, England. Parallax was founded in 1982 and is now part of the Dynatech Corporation, a Fortune 500 information technology company. All trademarks are properties of their respective owners. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 60.17.B Subject: Graph Layout Toolkit - Release 1.09 generally available From: Brendan P. Madden phone: 510.848.0853 fax: 510.848.0854 Org: Tom Sawyer Software Address: 1824B Fourth Street Berkeley, CA 94710 e-mail: info@TomSawyer.COM We are now announcing general availability of release 1.09 of the Graph Layout Toolkit. Most of our customer base uses Sun OS 4.1.x versions of our libraries. We also support Solaris 2.x. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- The GRAPH LAYOUT TOOLKIT from Tom Sawyer Software ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Tom Sawyer's Graph Layout Toolkit is a family of portable libraries that deliver an immediate face-lift to graphics applications with their sophisticated layout algorithms. The Graph Layout Toolkit libraries' logical representation of objects and connections allow end users to more easily see underlying relationships within complicated data. The libraries also work in real time, rarely requiring more than a few seconds to produce quality output even for large graphs with several hundred nodes. Tom Sawyer's customers have licensed the Graph Layout Toolkit libraries for use in a variety of application areas, including project management, CASE products, network management software, software development (compiler) tools and information management applications. The Graph Layout Toolkit libraries run on all major operating systems and compilers. With no graphics dependencies, you can have complete flexibility for multiplatform GUI development. Don't waste any more R&D resources "reinventing the wheel." Tom Sawyer's exceptional layout libraries are now available for far less than it would take your company to produce any comparable solution. Three extensible C++ class libraries that include ANSI C APIs make up the Graph Layout Toolkit family: the Hierarchical, Circular and Symmetric Layout Libraries. These and additional libraries will all benefit from the powerful Base Layout Subsystem foundation. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Layout library FEATURES and possible APPLICATIONS ----------------------------------------------------------------------- All libraries share the Graph Layout Toolkit's Base Layout Subsystem. This common foundation features: > Sophisticated multiple-graph and intergraph navigation support. > Extensive crossing minimization. > Subgraph position balancing. > Full support for multigraphs. > Graph reduction. > Divide-and-conquer: layout of disconnected subgraphs. > Flexible spacing between and around nodes. > Support for variably sized nodes. The Hierarchical Library is ideal for the layout of directed graphs. For example, it is excellent for drawing complicated function call graphs and for layout of PERT charts used in project management applications. Other applications for the Hierarchical Layout Library: > Single and multiple-inheritance class hierarchies. > Hypertext. > Workflow. > Database schema. The Hierarchical Library features: > Support for cyclic directed graphs. > Support for reflexive edges. > Control of graph orientation. The Circular Library is ideal for rendering complicated ring and star topologies. For example, this library may be used to layout complicated IP networks where devices on the same Class A, Class B or Class C network or devices on the same subnet are placed around the same circle. It is also excellent at relating geographic site based information within the framework of a logical layout product. It functions by partitioning nodes into logical groups based on a number of flexible node grouping models. Each group of nodes is placed on radiating circles based on the interconnection of these groups. Other applications for the Circular Layout Library: > Support can be easily added for other network protocols such as: - SNA Subarea networking. - Appletalk networking. The Circular Library features: > Support for undirected graphs. > Detection and radiated placement of nested subsites. > Clustering models based on administrative information. > Clustering models for IP networking. > Default clustering models. The Symmetric Library exposes the natural symmetry inherent in many graph structures. For instance, this library is superb at rendering arbitrary enterprise-wide computer networks or mesh networks. It works ideally for the display of network structures. Other applications for the Symmetric Layout Library: > Semantic networks. > Dataflow diagrams. > Database schema. > APPN and ATM networking. The Symmetric Library features: > Support for directed and undirected graphs. > Near-congruent drawings of isomorphic graphs. > Uniform distribution of nodes. > Support for reflexive edges. > Relatively few edge crossings. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Platforms and compilers supported ----------------------------------------------------------------------- The Graph Layout Toolkit libraries run on most major operating systems and compilers. If Graph Layout Toolkit support for a particular platform or compiler is not currently available, Tom Sawyer would like to work with the software vendor to provide the necessary support. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- MORE on Tom Sawyer Software's product line ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Tom Sawyer is designing a complete line of automated object positioning software under the Graph Layout Toolkit family name. In addition to the Graph Layout Toolkit libraries, Tom Sawyer develops end-user products for industry-standard network management platforms, featuring our automated graph layout solutions. For example, Tom Sawyer is using the Graph Layout Toolkit libraries as core technology in an end-user application for SunNet Manager named the Network Layout Assistant. These layout libraries bring sophisticated layout technology to bear on the problems associated with drawing complicated computer networks on graphics displays. This product gives the network administrator the choice of three different layout styles to position a network map. The Network Layout Assistant Version 1.1 retails for $1195. Contact Tom Sawyer for details. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ORDERING INFORMATION ---------------------------------------------------------------------- For ordering and price information, please contact us at: Tom Sawyer Software phone: 510.848.0853 1824B Fourth Street fax: 510.848.0854 Berkeley, CA 94710 e-mail: info@TomSawyer.COM Availability and price are subject to change without notice. Prices are in U.S. dollars. Effective 9/93. Tom Sawyer and the Tom Sawyer Software logo are registered trademarks of Tom Sawyer Software Corporation. Other company, brand or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Copyright 1993 Tom Sawyer Software. All rights reserved. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 60.17.C Subject: Portable Graphics shipping X11 version of its NPGL library From: Debbie Herrington, Marketing Communications Manager Email: debbie@nthropy.portable.com Org: Portable Graphics, Inc. (formerly Nth Portable Graphics) Address: One Technology Center 2201 Donley Drive, Suite 365 Austin, TX, 78758 E-mail: npgl@portable.com Voice: (512) 908-4700 Fax: (512) 832-0752 PORTABLE GRAPHICS SHIPS NEW VERSION OF NPGL LIBRARY FOR X TERMINALS NPGL-X Runs IRIS GL Software In X11 Client-Server Environment AUSTIN, TX, November 10, 1993 -- Portable Graphics, Inc. is now shipping an X11 version of its NPGL library. Using Xlib, NPGL-X allows software originally developed for Silicon Graphics workstations with the IRIS GL 4.0 library to use SPARCstation systems as X clients. Anyone with a color X11 server can then access NPGL-X applications remotely across the network. Neither the client nor the server requires special graphics acceleration hardware. NPGL-X offers two ways to render. It uses standard Xlib primitives for flat-shaded, non-Z-buffered drawing. For higher quality rendering functions, such as Z-buffering or Gouraud shading, NPGL-X performs the rendering in its own buffers. However, for better performance, the user can bypass the NPGL-X renderers even when the higher level drawing modes are set. In either case, NPGL-X maintains a complete client-server model. The X server handles Xlib primitive rendering and GL window management, while the client maintains the GL state and executes the geometry pipeline. This approach allows the user to take advantage of the high-performance processing power of a single client while displaying on a variety of low-end X stations. NPGL-X supports double-buffered operations if the X server supports Xlib multi-buffering extensions. NPGL-X offers three key benefits to software developers. First, simple 3-D applications meant for widespread use can be developed through IRIS GL's simplified windowing system and powerful GL-widgets. Secondly, NPGL-X performance is well suited for 3-D applications that use flat-shaded polygons, and 2-D or 3-D wire frame operations. These applications include instrumentation panel simulators, seismic charting, financial model simulators and electronic computer-aided design. Finally, NPGL-X also provides Gouraud shading and Z-buffering through software for applications that need these high-end 3-D functions. NPGL-X complements the NPGL library, a hardware-independent version of IRIS GL 4.0 that takes full advantage of 3-D hardware acceleration available on SPARCstations. An NPGL-X Client Library provides unlimited X server access from a SPARCstation and is priced at U.S. $1,900 for each host. An NPGL-X Development License for SPARCstations is included with an NPGL Development License. Portable Graphics (formerly Nth Portable Graphics) is headquartered in Austin, TX. The company develops and markets hardware independent GL-related graphics libraries and development tools for 3-D workstation-based applications. All prices are in U.S. dollars, and are subject to change without notice. NPGL and NPGL-X are trademarks of Portable Graphics, Inc. Silicon Graphics and IRIS are registered trademarks of Silicon Graphics, Inc. X Window System and X11 are trademarks of M.I.T. All other products mentioned in this document belong to their companies. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 60.17.D Subject: Aurora Introduces Socrates OCR With New Productivity Tools From: balasco@auratek.com (Alfred P. Balasco) Org: Aurora Technologies Tel: 617 290-4800 email: info@auratek.com Aurora Introduces Socrates OCR for SPARC Systems With New Productivity Tools New features include command-line interface for access from any terminal or workstation, and batch-processing, for unattended operation Waltham, MA, November 22, 1993 -- Aurora Technologies introduced new workgroup-oriented features to its Socrates OCR for SPARC systems software. The new release adds command-line operation, providing network-wide access to complete OCR functionality from any terminal, PC, or workstation on a SPARC-based network. The upgrade also includes batch-processing capabilities for unattended document scanning and recognition, saving hours of time processing long or multiple documents. At $999, Socrates is suited for organizations that want to take advantage of RISC performance to manage paperwork, but are accustomed to PC-market prices for office productivity software. Socrates OCR for SPARC improves workflow by automating data acquisition in applications like desktop and document publishing, fax distribution, and data entry. The new features also enable new applications, like forms processing, which are ideal for insurance and financial service organizations. Based on Calera Recognition Systems' widely acclaimed character recognition engine, Socrates is scanner- and platform-independent, making it ideal for use in any SPARC system-based client-server environment. Socrates will recognize any scanned image in TIFF (standard scanner file output format) or SunRaster formats. Documents recognized by Socrates can be used, fully formatted or ASCII text, in a wide variety of standard SPARC workstation, PC, and Macintosh applications, including Microsoft Word, WordPerfect, FrameMaker, and Lotus 1-2-3. Utilizing the power of the SPARC processor, Socrates recognizes documents in a fraction of the time of PC-based OCR packages, and with 99.9% accuracy. Using omnifont recognition technology, Socrates recognizes any type style and format without the 'training' many OCR applications require. A powerful verifier allows on-screen, side-by-side comparison of the scanned and recognized images for fast proofing. An intuitive graphical user interface allows both new and experienced users to work comfortably with the technology without extensive training. Aurora Technologies Inc., engineers, manufactures, and markets a complete range of workstation performance enhancement and expansion products that provide the foundation for business-wide open systems solutions based on the SPARC architecture. These include SBus terminal and peripheral servers, system expansion products, networking communications products, and imaging and OCR software. Aurora products are designed to offer users, resellers, and OEMs broad functionality and easy systems integration. Founded in 1988 by members of Sun Microsystems' marketing and engineering teams, Aurora is a member of SPARC International and a Strategic level member of Sun's third-party developer Catalyst program. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 60.17.E Subject: SPRY's Internet Add-ons for PC-NFS From: paul@spry.com (Paul Johnson) phone: 1-800-777-9638 1-800-SPRY-NET Org: SPRY, Incorporated Email: info@spry.com Fax: (206) 447-9008 SPRY ANNOUNCES EASY-TO-USE WINDOWS INTERNET APPLICATIONS FOR SUN'S PC-NFS AIR Navigator for PC-NFS makes Internet access easier November 4, 1993 -- Seattle, WA -- To meet the needs of the rapidly growing number of PC-NFS users looking to reach resources on the Internet, SPRY, Incorporated is shipping the AIR Navigator*, a suite of easy-to-use Internet access applications. These applications will work over any TCP/IP transport, including Sun Select's PC-NFS client software for Windows. AIR Navigator includes AIR News*, AIR Gopher* and AIR Mail*. SPRY's AIR Navigator is a PC-NFS extension to the Internet. Traditionally, the Internet has been used by educational and research institutions. Today, companies with PC LANs are now connecting to the Internet to access resources and services such as public domain files, libraries, information databases and news services. With AIR Navigator's familiar Windows-based interface, these applications will allow businesses to use the Internet for a wide range of purposes that include technical support, marketing demonstrations and software updates. "SPRY's offering is great news for those PC-NFS users who want to use the Internet but do not want to learn all the details of the nuts and bolts of Internet command languages", said Dan Lynch, chairman and founder of the Interop Company in Mountain View, California. "What SPRY has done to help users access the Internet with their AIR Navigator applications is very similar to the advantages that Windows has provided for MS-DOS users. SPRY is enabling Windows users easy access to the millions of Internet users and facilities and they are helping increase the size and value of the worldwide knowledge that it represents." AIR Navigator Applications AIR News is an Network News Transfer Protocol (NNTP) news reader which provides easy access to special interest news groups and industry headlines. AIR News enables users to subscribe to and post specific news groups on pertinent topics of interest. In addition, news articles can be saved to files and printed or copied to other applications. Businesses now have the capability to access up-to-the-minute news information to stay informed of time-sensitive industry issues. SPRY's AIR Gopher is the first commercially supported Windows Gopher client. AIR Gopher is a Internet search and retrieval application used to search for specific information available on the Internet. This provides a single interface into the hundreds of disparate services and databases on the Internet that shields users from having to memorize computer names, port numbers or directory structures. AIR Mail is an easy-to-use Windows implementation of Internet mail that includes multiple mail windows, an intuitive toolbar to provide shortcuts for commonly used functions such as cut and paste, compose, read and delete messages; a status bar for help and status messages and an address book that provides access tousers who correspond frequently. In addition, users can easily customize screen settings and send binary and ASCII files overthe Internet. With AIRMAIL, companies will not only be able to send mail between individuals but they can also support announcements and discussions among the mailing lists of specified groups of individuals. Serial Line Interface Protocol (SLIP) and Point to Point Protocol (PPP) support is included in SPRY's AIR Navigator for remote access which means each application can be used from the office, home or on the road. "Information should not be difficult to access, regardless of where it resides. SPRY's AIR Navigator addresses that issue and removes the complexities of using the Internet," said Joe Noel, director/principal analyst for the Telecommunications Department at Dataquest in San Jose, California. "With AIR Mail, AIR News and AIR Gopher, Internet resources can now be accessed by all Windows users regardless of their experience with the Internet." Pricing and Availability AIR Navigator, is available at a suggested retail price of $149.00 per single user and will run over any TCP/IP transport. SPRY, Incorporated, founded in 1987, is a leading provider of network independent internetworking applications and services that enable users of multi-vendor LANs to easily integrate with the enterprise. These applications will run over any TCP/IP transport which is made possible by SPRY's Application to Socket (APP2SOCK) public interface. ********************************************************************** For information about SunFlash send mail to info-sunflash@Sun.COM. Subscription requests should be sent to sunflash-request@Sun.COM. Archives are on draco.nova.edu, ftp.uu.net, sunsite.unc.edu, src.doc.ic.ac.uk and ftp.adelaide.edu.au For last month's digest, send email to flashadm@sun.com with a Subject line of 59.00 For Gopher and WAIS access: sunsite.unc.edu. (Login as 'gopher' for a simple gopher client, 'swais' for a simple WAIS client (over 500 databases). All prices, availability, and other statements relating to Sun or third party products are valid in the U.S. only. Please contact your local Sales Representative for details of pricing and product availability in your region. Descriptions of, or references to products or publications within SunFlash does not imply an endorsement of that product or publication by Sun Microsystems. Send brief articles (e.g. third party announcements) and include contact information (non-800#, fax #, email, etc) to: John McLaughlin, SunFlash editor, flash@Sun.COM. +1 305 351 4909