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| Title: | Europe-Swas-Artificial-Intelligence |
|
| Moderator: | HERON::BUCHANAN |
|
| Created: | Fri Jun 03 1988 |
| Last Modified: | Thu Aug 04 1994 |
| Last Successful Update: | Fri Jun 06 1997 |
| Number of topics: | 442 |
| Total number of notes: | 1429 |
87.0. "60 MINUTES AGENDA - Plus VAX OPS5 V3.0 announcement" by HERON::ROACH (TANSTAAFL !) Wed Mar 01 1989 09:29
I N T E R O F F I C E M E M O R A N D U M
Date: 28-Feb-1989 03:58pm CET
From: DOUGLASS
DOUGLASS@AITG@MRGATE@STATOS@VBO
Dept:
Tel No:
TO: ROACH@A1NSTC
Subject: 60 MINUTES AGENDA - PHONE NUMBER
*********************************************************************
AI 60 MINUTES - MARCH 3, 1989
2:00 P.M. EST
Call in #: 203-748-8208
**********************************************************************
VAX OPS5 V3.0 UPDATE CHUCK PIPER, PRODUCT MANAGER
NEW DECWINDOWS ENHANCEMENTS
Announcement plans are getting under way for VAX OPS5 which
will feature a new DECwindows development environment. This new
environment supports development on standalone VAXstations or
client/server model (DECwindows based user inter-action with
additional processing & mass storageprovided by background VAX
computer or VAX Cluster).
Please plan to tune in on Friday and get all the up to date
information to promote the sale of this new product.
**************************************************************************
Regards.
Jeanne Douglass
ATTACHED IS A DRAFT OF THE SALES UPDATE ARTICLE. PLEASE READ AND BE READY
TO DISCUSS.
*****************************************************************************
A R T I F I C I A L I N T E L L I G E N C E
T E C H N O L O G Y G R O U P
ANNOUNCING DECWINDOWS-BASED VAX OPS5 V3.0 DEVELOPMENT ENVIRONMENT
Chuck Piper Julie Kaewert
DTN: 291-8036 DTN: 291-8051
DLB5-2/B7 DLB5-1/F2
============================================================
| |
| o Major new release of VAX OPS5 featuring a DECwindows- |
| based development environment under VMS. |
| |
| o Supports development on standalone VAXstations or |
| client/server model (DECwindows based user inter- |
| action with additional processing & mass storage |
| provided by background VAX computer or VAX Cluster) |
| |
| o Elimination of separate runtime license |
| |
============================================================
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
VAX OPS5 is a Digital product for building rule-based expert systems.
With Version 3.0, VAX OPS5 has been enhanced to provide a DECwindows-based
development environment allowing developers to concurrently (via
multiple windows):
* CREATE, EXAMINE, and EDIT source files
* FIND desired strings in source code
* RUN, PAUSE of SINGLE-STEP the program
* INTERACT with a running program
* TRACE program execution
* EXAMINE program variables
* Set BREAKpoints
* BUILD delivery-ready executables
The VAX OPS5 V3.0 Development Environment runs on standalone
VAXstations or in a client/server mode. This means that programmers can
take advantage of the window-based development tools and the processing
power and mass storage of larger VAX computers. A VAXstation or other
suitable Digital graphics display device is required to use development
environment. VAX OPS5 V3.0 installs normally on non-VAXstation
systems but the development environment does not function if development
is done on VT100, VT200, or VT300 terminals. For these terminals, editors
such as EVE can be used. Existing VAX OPS5 applications developed
with earlier releases will run without modification.
Systems written in OPS5 can call routines written in other languages
supporting the VAX Calling Standard and those routines can call the
OPS5 system. The VAX OPS5 product directory contains files which
define the support routines for VAX Ada, VAX BASIC, BLISS-32, VAX C,
VAX FORTRAN, and VAX Pascal. Also, the compiler works like other
Digital language compilers, allowing you to use products such as
DEC VAX/CMS and DEC VAX/MMS.
With this release, VAX OPS5 is more strongly positioned as a tool
for mainstream programming professionals. It is also scalable -- VAX
OPS5 applications can start small and grow. In sum, VAX OPS5 V3.0 is
an excellent tool for customers interested in protecting their investment
in existing hardware, software, and data, but who also want to augment
them with proven expert systems technology.
V3.0 FEATURES & BENEFITS
DECWINDOWS-BASED DEVELOPMENT: DECwindows provides command economy
and explicitness. Developers can make code changes, test them, and
see results much more quickly and easily. For trained VAX OPS5
programmers, the new DECwindows-based development environment provides
an intuitive feel for developing applications. For beginners, it
provides a fast way to learn.
CUSTOMIZABLE ENVIRONMENT: Developers can set environment parameters
for preferred patterns of use. For example, window size and placement
can be set by the user.
STATUS AND ACTION GUIDANCE: Only operations that "make sense" can be
invoked. The Environment allows only the choices that are appropriate
to the circumstances.
VAX OPS5 CLIENT/SERVER MODE: Developers can use workstations as a
front-end while using a larger VAX as a compute and/or file server.
This offers higher levels of application performance and the advantages
of central file management.
EASY TO LEARN SYNTAX: VAX OPS5 syntax is different from that of procedural
languages but is has an easy to learn, rule like structure. Thinking in
terms of conditions (IF) and consequences (THEN) is a natural way to think
about problems and their solutions.
BUILT-IN INFERENCE: VAX OPS5's inference methods take the effort out of
selecting "which rule to apply next" in a decision making process. This
means more complex applications can be undertaken, and maintenance speeded.
VMS INTEGRATION: VAX OPS5 supports call-in and call-out. Expert systems
can call on libraries of existing code, if appropriate, and the benefits
of expert systems technology can be integrated into existing applications.
STABLE, PROVEN PRODUCT: Digital pioneered commercial OPS5 technology
starting in the late 1970's. Through our experience, we have been able
to bring "industrial strength" to VAX OPS5 functionality and performance.
DIGITAL SALES STEPS
Who Do You Sell To?
Targeted users of VAX OPS5 V3.0 are competent computer programming
professionals. Thus, sales efforts should be directed at managers with
budgetary and purchase authority over programmer productivity tools.
What Do They Need?
Customers for VAX OPS5 may have failed at certain software projects using
3rd and/or 4th generation tools. Failure may have been due to the
complexity of the problem or the high cost of maintaining the application.
Some customers may be looking for a proven, reliable product useful in
building applications associated with configuration, selection, diagnostics,
monitoring and control, scheduling, planning, decision support, and other
problem classes. VAX OPS5 has been proven in manufacturing, banking,
insurance, transportation, petro-chemical, electrical and mechanical
engineering, sales and marketing, aerospace applications, and many more.
Also, customers may have found other expert systems tools lacking in their
ability to integrate with by existing software or data. Finally, some
customers may have started with tools that did not scale as application
requirements grew. VAX OPS5 is good for small, large, tactical or strategic
applications.
What Do You Sell?
o Sell the ability to develop and deliver complex and/or rapidly
changing applications that may have defied computer-based solution.
o VAX OPS5 protects customer investments in hardware, software,and data.
o VAX OPS5 applications can begin as small projects and customers can
have confidence VAX OPS5 will scale up as application requirements grow.
o VAX OPS5 supports development on standalone VAXstations or in client/
server configurations that provide DEC-windows-based interaction while
supplying additional processing and mass storage of larger VAX computers.
o Applications can be independent of the DECwindows based Development
Environment. System delivery is supported for use on VAXstations,
any VAX terminal, or in batch mode.
o VAX OPS5 syntax is straightforward. Professional programmers
unfamiliar with VAX OPS5 or other expert system technology will be able
to learn it with little problem.
o VAX OPS5 is a proven product that fits easily into your customer's day-
to-day computer operations. Many shops may have had experience with
expert systems tools that failed due to poor integration or inability
to scale up as applications required.
o Where performance is an issue, you have a decided edge. VAX OPS5
features an optimizing compiler for excellent application performance.
What Are Your Resources
o Info sheet, order document ED32432-74.
o Customer reference brochures will be available shortly.
o Product and application demos will be distributed to ACTs.
o Overhead and slide presentation will be available shortly.
o Brochure outlining consulting and training services.
Form number: EA30499-74.
o For qualified pre-sales situations, special presentations
and customer visits to the AI Technology can be arranged
with the AI Executive Programs Group, Corporate AI Marketing.
For further information, please call Dawn Jorkasky at
(508) 490-8321 or DTN 291-8321.
o Self-paced training kit (see ordering information below)
o "Rule Based Programming with OPS5," Thomas A. Cooper & Nancy
Wogrin. Morgan Kaufmann Pub., Inc., San Mateo, CA., 1988, 350 pgs.
POSITIONING
With this release, VAX OPS5 is positioned as a programming environ-
ment. Target users are competent programming professionals. It should
be included in sales where programmer productivity tools and/or rule-based
expert system development are at issue.
CONFIGURATION INFORMATION
The VAX OPS5 Development Environment runs on any VAXstation supporting
VMS V5.1 and DECwindows. Applications can be delivered on any system
running VMS V5.0 or V5.1. VAX OPS5 applications can also be developed and
maintained on VAX systems using VT series character-oriented terminals,
though the DECwindows-based development environment is not available. In
this case, either VMS V5.0 or VMS V5.1 is required.
PRICING/ORDERING INFORMATION
NOTICE: Separate VAX OPS5 runtime licenses are no longer needed for
application delivery. It was eliminated to bring down the cost of
ownership and to make licensing consistent with most other Digital
proprietary development products. Thus, QL-502A*-** is discontinued.
Software License: QL-913A*-**
Educational Instit. License QL-VD4A*-**
Self Paced Instruction Course EY-3421E-BB
Software Media: QA-913AA-**
Software Documentation: 99-07643-01 Binder, Vol. 1
99-07704-01 Binder, Vol. 2
AA-EZ18C-TE VAX OPS5 User's Guide
AA-EZ19C-TE VAX OPS5 Reference Manual
AA-EZ20D-TE VAX OPS5 Installation Guide
AA-MI65A-TE VAX OPS5 Development
Environment User's Guide
AV-KX32B-TE Cover Letter
Software Product Services: QT-913A*-**
*Denotes processor variant. **Denotes license information. For additional
information on refer to the appropriate price book.
AVAILABILITY: VAX OPS5 V3.0 will ship on June 16, 1989.
SUPPORT SERVICES
Digital's AI Technology Center offers a variety of training and consulting
services including classroom training, technical seminars, project
identification, contract consulting, prototype assistance, and complete
engineering contract work. Educational Services also offers product
training and programs for contributing engineers and managers (technical
and non-technical). A sales brochure outlining these consulting and
training services is available; the form number is EA30499-74. For more
information, contact Dawn Jorkasky at (508) 490-8321 or DTN 291-8321.
COMPETITION
Direct competition for VAX OPS5 comes from IBM's Knowledge Tool and
PST's (Production Systems Technologies, Inc.) OPS83. Pricing as of
this date is as follows:
============================================================================
| | Production Systems Technology's |
| IBM Knowledge Tool Pricing | OPS83 Pricing |
|================================== | ===================================|
| Dev. | Dev. Typical|
| Processor & Runtime Runtime | Processor & Runtime Maint. |
|============== ========= ======= | ================ ========= =======|
|9370/20&40 $ 9,205 $2,860 | Low WS(VAXstnII) $ 6,000 $ 720 |
|9370/60 $11,765 $3,655 | High WS(VAXstn3) $ 9,500 $1,200 |
|9370/90& | Low Mini (8200) $15,000 $1,800 |
| low 4381 $20,970 $6,520 | High Mini (8800) $20,000 $2,400 |
|High 4381 | |
| & low 3090 $52,375 $16,280 | Source: PST, Inc. |
|Most 3090's $81,840 $25,440 | |
|3090/500 &/600 $105,880 $32,915 | |
| | |
|Source: IBM | |
============================================================================
Indirect competition may come from a variety of expert system tools some of
which are PC-based and do not scale up well to larger applications and
computers. Others are generally LISP-based, much more expensive, do not
support the integration capabilities of VAX OPS5, and are primarily used
in research & development (R&D).
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