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NeXT Nugget News Digest (vol. 4, issue 16, September 15, 1992)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. STATISTICS APPS ON THE NeXT
II. Wanted: NeXTSTEP Senior Programmer for business environment
III. X11R5 (X windows) Public Domain for NeXTSTEP
IV. VARBUSINESS Magazine excerpts - September 1992
V. App Engineers, Pre-Sales Support, BOSS Logic, Mtn. View, CA
VI. Sales Engineer/Manager, West Coast, BOSS Logic, Mtn. View
VII. Full-time NeXT development opportunity in SF Bay Area
VIII. NeXTSTEP 3.0 Includes Novell Client Software
IX. Senior Systems Analyst for NeXT in Los Angeles, CA
X. Gestel Italia announces solidThinking for NeXTSTEP (3D)
____________________________________________________________________
This is vol. 4, issue 16 of the 1992 NeXT NUGGET NEWS DIGEST - a
collection of items of interest for the NeXT User Group members.
There are more than 379 NeXT User Groups in 38 countries on all
continents around the world.
To submit articles or announcements to appear in the Nugget
Digest, please send your contributions to the following address:
user_groups@next.com.
Conrad Geiger
Manager, International NeXT User Groups
____________________________________________________________________
I. STATISTICS APPS ON THE NeXT
1. S-PLUS from StatSci is now shipping. The current release (3.0) is
based on the latest version of the S language (by AT&T) and has some
enhancements added by StatSci. These include features to use Sas
datasets from within S-PLUS, links to Mathematica. Dynamic loading of
user-supplied C and FORTRAN routines is supported. (The FORTRAN-to-C
translator f2c is included.) S-PLUS is being shipped on 5 extended
density floppies and installs at ~27 MB. Although it runs fine in a
terminal window and has a driver for creating EPS files, to use the
full graphics capabilities, it needs to be run under X Windows.
(co-Xist and Exodus are two examples of commercial NeXT X packages
that work with S-PLUS.) A new update and a possible port to a full
NeXTstep version are being considered for 1993. Call StatSci to
express support for these developments if interested.
Version 3.0 has many features that will make S-PLUS more attractive
to non-statisticians, including a help menu system, and built in
functions to perform many standard statistical procedures. One of
S-PLUS's greatest strengths is the inclusion of a variety of
functions for modern nonparametric techniques for regression,
smoothing and density estimation.
The authoritative reference on the S language is:
The New S Language, by R. Becker, J. Chambers and A Wilks (1988),
Wadsworth & Brooks/Cole, publisher.
StatSci can be contacted at (206)283-8802.
2. SAS (UNIX version 6.07) is available on the NeXT. Although there
are some bugs in the NeXTstep front end in the current release, it
provides the full Sas system, and is very fast on a NeXTstation Turbo
(as much as 100 times faster than PC Sas running on a 386 with
coprocessor). NeXT Sas is distributed on tape (QC150, 4mm DAT, 8mm
DAT among others) or on optical disk (for an extra $XXX charge).
There are no plans to support floppy installation. This, combined
with a high price and annual licensing fees put Sas out of the reach
of many individuals. Sas tech support is quite good, and they seem
committed to continuing NeXT support. They are currently offering
fairly attractive pricing on academic site licenses.
3. Stata, a popular stat. package available for DOS and Unix
workstations is probably going to be ported to the NeXT. Many
people feel that Stata compares very favorably in features and power
to S-PLUS and Sas. It also is much less expensive and easier to use.
Researchers interested in this port should call the manufacturer
(Computing Resource Center, 1640 Fifth St. , Santa Monica, CA 90401,
800-STATPAC or 310-393-9893) and express their support.
4. XLISP-STAT (version 2.1) is a statistical environment based on the
Lisp language. It runs under X Windows and works on the NeXT, and is
available from one of the NeXT-specific ftp sites
(sonata.cc.purdue.edu, in the directory pub/next/2.0-release/source,
the file xlisp-stat2.1.tar.Z). This package must be compiled and
installed, and, of course, requires an X window server to run. It is
similar to S in some ways and supports user-written functions,
external subroutine calls and interactive graphics. Documentation is
provided in the archive file. A text book describing the package and
its use is: LISP-STAT, by L. Tierney, John Wiley & Sons, publisher.
I have used (1), (2) and, to a lesser extent, (4) on the NeXT.
Stephen Shiboski
Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics
University of California, San Francisco
____________________________________________________________________
II. Wanted: NeXTSTEP Senior Programmer for business environment.
We are currently looking for a NeXTSTEP programmer with 1 to 2 years
NeXTSTEP programming experience. Fast growth Indianapolis based
telemarketing company has committed to a large installation of NeXT
computers. Responsiblities include analysis, design, and programming
of custom NeXTSTEP applications; network administration; SQL database
programming and administration (Oracle on Sequent); and end-user
support.
Position requirements:
NeXTSTEP Application Programming
SQL Programming
Unix administration
Relocate to Indianapolis
Send resumes by 09/10/92 to:
Rick Bell
Single Source Systems, Inc.
4911 E. 56th St.
Indianpolis, IN 46220
____________________________________________________________________
III. X11R5 (X windows) Public Domain for NeXTSTEP
Paul Poh has an X11R5 port for the Turbo Color ftp'able from
amethyst.tcs.tufts.edu.
____________________________________________________________________
IV. VARBUSINESS Magazine excerpts - September 1992
WORKSTATIONS
PRODUCT REPORTS
NO NEXT-BEST FOR NeXT
A first-place finish for the workstation manufacturer amid close
competition.
The workstation market is one of the most rough-and-tumble segments
of the computer industry. Since the late 1980s manufacturers have
knocked each other about in a never-ending battle over price,
performance and market share. One manufacturer will set a blazing
benchmark one month only to see a competitor blow past it a few
months later. In short, it's ruthlessly competitive.
This months VARBUSINESS Product Report Card survey on entry-level
workstations illustrates this point. VARs rated entry-level models
from five workstation manufacturers. When the dust settled, a little
more than half a point separated the five, and all five posted
overall average scores of better than 8.
But NeXT Computer Inc., Redwood City, Calif., came out on top. The
Motorola 68040-powered NeXTstation and NeXT station Turbo
workstations won three first-place finishes out of the eight
individual categories en route to an 8.66 overall average. Silicon
Graphics Inc., Mountain View, Calif., took second place with an
overall average of 8.37. Hewlett-Packard Co. followed in third place
with 8.25; Sun Microsystems Inc., fourth , with 8.19; and IBM, fifth,
with 8.11.
____________________________________________________________________
V. App Engineers, Pre-Sales Support, BOSS Logic, Mtn. View, CA
BOSS Logic is an innovator in the explosive growth area of
client-server object oriented Workflow Management Software. We are a
market-driven company providing software products to help customers
face the problems of document and workflow management, resulting in
increased effectiveness and reduced costs. Our products are built in
a client-server architecture with object oriented design and
implementation. Features include: easy graphical user interface;
content search and revision control; mail enabled; and easily
integrate with all other popular desktop business software packages
on multiple platforms.
We are currently looking for two Application Engineers, one to cover
the west coast and one for the east coast. This position entails
providing technical support to our sales engineers with pre-sales
support and training to our VARs and end-users. No actual new
customer generation activities involved.
Requires: * BSCS/EE or equiv
* Minimum 3 years related industry experience
* A background in RDBMS, other software application
products, or Imaging software especially desired.
If the above requirements match your industry experience and you
would like to get in on this ground floor opportunity with a very
bright future send your resume or call. Specify which position you
would like to be considered for.
Judy Garrett E-Mail . . . jgarrett@bosslogic.com
c/o BOSS Logic FAX . . . 415-903-7009
1901 Landings Dr. Phone . . . 415-903-7006
Mtn. View, CA 94043
____________________________________________________________________
VI. Sales Engineer/Manager, West Coast, BOSS Logic, Mtn. View, CA
BOSS Logic is an innovator in the explosive growth area of
client-server object oriented Workflow Management Software. We are a
market-driven company providing software products to help customers
face the problems of document and workflow management, resulting in
increased effectiveness and reduced costs. Our products are built in
a client-server architecture with object oriented design and
implementation. Features include: easy graphical user interface;
content search and revision control; mail enabled; and easily
integrate with all other popular desktop business software packages
on multiple platforms.
We are currently looking for a West Coast Sales Engnieer/Manager.
This person will be a technical "hands-on" sales person to establish
new and maintain exisiting relationships with VARs and end-users.
Requires: * BSCS/EE or equiv
* Minimum 3 years related industry experience
* A background in RDBMS, other software application
products, or Imaging software especially desired.
If the above requirements match your industry experience and you
would like to get in on this ground floor opportunity with a very
bright future send your resume or call. Specify which position you
would like to be considered for.
Judy Garrett E-Mail . . . jgarrett@bosslogic.com
c/o BOSS Logic FAX . . . 415-903-7009
1901 Landings Dr. Phone . . . 415-903-7006
Mtn. View, CA 94043
____________________________________________________________________
VII. Full-time NeXT development opportunity in SF Bay Area
Exciting NeXTSTEP Development Opportunity in California
Marine Terminals Corporation, a major west coast stevedoring company
with offices in SF and Oakland, is currently developing a
NeXTSTEP-based graphical planning system. This highly-interactive,
application will be used on a WAN connecting 3 sites around
California.
MTC is looking for a creative, self-motivated developer with
demonstrable Objective-C and NeXTstep experience to lead the
development effort for this innovative product.
Please contact:
Steve Longbotham (415) 267-113
Marine Terminals Corporation mtcoak!steve@netcom.com
600 Harrison Street, Suite 200 (NeXT mail accepted)
San Francisco CA, 94107
____________________________________________________________________
VIII. NeXTSTEP 3.0 Includes Novell Client Software
News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Emily Brower Roberta Alfred
Allison Thomas Associates Novell, Inc.
(415) 780-3786 (408) 321-1198
NeXTSTEP 3.0 Includes Novell Client Software
Gives NeXTSTEP Users Automatic Novell NetWare Server Access
REDWOOD CITY, Calif., September 8, 1992 1 NeXT Computer, Inc. and
Novell, Inc. today announced that NeXTSTEP Release 3.0, the third
generation of NeXT's object-oriented environment, began shipping
today with Novell NetWare client software fully integrated with
NeXTSTEP. This cooperative development effort between NeXT and
Novell represents the first time Novell NetWare client software has
been bundled on a UNIX-based platform.
"By offering NetWare connectivity on the NeXT platform, Novell is
providing its customers with freedom of choice through multivendor
networking solutions," said John Edwards, executive vice president
and general manager, Novell Desktop Systems Group. "NeXTSTEP and the
NeXTSTEP NetWare client represent a unique combination: the power of
UNIX as a network-oriented client operating system, plus seamless
access to Novell networks and its services throughout the NeXTSTEP
computing enterprise."
NeXTSTEP Release 3.0 includes the IPX protocols for Novell NetWare
client software, so that NeXTSTEP users can turn their workstations
into clients for NetWare servers. In this way, NeXTSTEP workstations
can automatically and transparently share files, printers and other
network services that are available on any NetWare server, including
NetWare 2.2 and NetWare 3.11.
The NetWare client software has been completely integrated with
NeXTSTEP's rich networking environment, which allows users to access
and navigate all networks, including NFS, AppleShare and NetWare,
through a single, consistent interface. And with NeXTSTEP,
application developers now have full access to NetWare services
through NetWare APIs (application programming interfaces) delivered
as part of Release 3.0.
"More personal computer users are on Novell networks than any other
network," said Steven P. Jobs, chairman and CEO of NeXT. "Automatic
NeXTSTEP access to Novell's servers means access to the wealth of
information residing on heterogeneous networks, at no cost and with
no extra software or hardware. Because NeXT systems are often sold
into diverse, heterogeneous corporate environments, and because
Novell's NetWare is so prevalent, this bundled Novell client feature
is a tremendous benefit for NeXTSTEP users."
____________________________________________________________________
IX. Senior Systems Analyst for NeXT in Los Angeles, CA
From: barba@TDS.COM (John Barba)
Subject: Senior Systems Analyst for NeXT in Los Angeles, CA
Organization: Trident Data Systems
TRIDENT DATA SYSTEMS is a dynamic, fast growing firm within the
management information system and technical security industries.
We currently have the following outstanding opportunities in the
Los Angeles, CA area.
Senior Systems Analyst for NeXT:
Requires a minimum 3 years experience programming in the NeXT
environment. Will be a leading source for NeXT developer design
questions and design/development knowledge. Candidate must be
well-versed in Objective C, object-oriented analysis and design,
Interface Builder, and NeXT AppKit programming. Experience with
end-user application requirements analysis, relational databases,
UNIX, Mach, and networking a plus.
Trident Data Systems offers competitive salaries, company paid
benefits, and the opportunity for professional growth. Interested
and qualified applicants please send your resumes to: Trident Data
Systems, 5933 W. Century Blvd., Suite 700, Los Angeles, CA 90045.
Attn: June Johnson, Corporate Recruiting. Electronic inquiries
and resumes to John Barba <barba@tds.com>.
EOE A thorough background investigation and U. S. citizenship may
be required.
____________________________________________________________________
X. Gestel Italia announces solidThinking for NeXTSTEP (3D)
News
For more informations contact:
Alex Mazzardo, Sales Manager
Gestel Italia srl
C.trU P.te S. Michele, 2
36100 - VICENZA (Italy)
Ph. : ++ 39 444 543540
Fax: ++ 39 444 322050
Email: gestel@fintelit.next.it
For immediate release
Gestel Italia announces solidThinking, the first advanced
3D modelling and animation environment for NeXTstep.
VICENZA, ITALY, August 31, 1992 - Gestel Italia, an Italian software
developer for NeXT, announces today solidThinking, the new advanced
3D modelling and animation environment for NeXTSTEP.
The package is subdivided into modules for the creation of
photorealistic digital pictures and animations.
The solidThinking modules are:
- Modeler, powerful interactive modeler supporting every feature of
the RenderMan interfaced standard.
- ShaderBuilder, advanced shader editor that lets you create and
compile easily complex custom shaders.
- RIBScript, PostScript to RIB and solidModeler file format
converter.
- Animator, professional full featured animation package.
- Transporter, hardware/software package for single frame VCR
animations and rotoscoping.
- 3DScanner, 3D digital scanner (under development).
Modeler specifications:
- User friendly interface with multiple views.
- Support of NeXTstep 3.0 environment and 3DKit.
- Powerful primitive editor that lets you easily build basic shapes
like planes, cubes, spheres, cylinder, etc.
- Each primitive can be a RenderMan quadric, a bilinear or bicubic
surface or a NURBS patch.
- Specific commands let you morph a shape into a another and organize
them in matrices for complex shape creation.
- Hierarchical modelling environment lets you group objects and
control them in local or global coordinate systems.
- Support for Constructive Solid Geometry for build shapes using
boolean operators (UNION, DIFFERENCE or INTERSECTION) according to
the RenderMan standard.
- Patch editor for modelling interactively surfaces using a mouse
driven interface; support for bilinear, bicubic and patches.
- Planar editor with multiple layering for build complex profiles.
Import TIFF or EPS and profiles created with solidScript.
- Extruded and turning objects (polygonal surfaces, patches and
NURBS) from 2D profiles.
- Extrude from different profiles to construct complex extruded
objects (Lofting).
- Simple transformaions like translation, scaling and rotation can be
applied to single objects or groups.
- Structure deforming transformations (on polygonal surfaces, patches
and NURBS) like Taper, Shear, Twist and Bend.
- Import of DXF, Wavefront, TDDD and RIB object file formats.
- Export RIB and proprietary file formats.
- Support for RenderMan shaders and textures. Bitmapped images can
be converted into textures and applied to groups or single objects.
- With solidModeler come some interesting shaders to be installed
in your shader library including a RayTrace surface shader!
- Unlimited output resolution for photorealistic images.
- Rendering on multiple host.
- Library on 3D fonts extendible using RIBScript.
- Compatible with solid 3DScanner.
Availability : Modeler 20 September 1992
ShaderBuilder 4th quarter 1992
RIBScript 4th quarter 1992
Animator 1st quarter 1993
Transporter 1st quarter 1993
3DScanner 2nd quarter 1993
For more informations contact:
Alex Mazzardo, Sales Manager
Gestel Italia srl
C.trU P.te S. Michele, 2
36100 - VICENZA (Italy)
Ph. : ++ 39 444 543540
Fax: ++ 39 444 322050
Email: gestel@fintelit.next.it
Note: solidThinking, solidModeler, solidShader, solidScript,
solidAnimator, solidTransporter and solid3DScanner are trademarks
of Gestel Italia srl.
NeXT and NeXTStep are trademarks of NeXT Computer Inc.
Renderman is a trademark of Pixar.
____________________________________________________________________
end