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OS/2 Shareware BBS: 16 Announce
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1996-02-24
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IBM Geographic Interface for OS/2 Provides Access to IBM GIS Data on OS/2 Platform
Announced on February 13, 1996
Software Announcement 296025
In Brief . . .
geoInterface offers new Object-Oriented GIS data visualization and
update capabilities for personal OS/2 systems:
o VisualAge for Smalltalk parts can be used in a Rapid Application
Development (RAD) mode to integrate GIS and standard application
functionality.
o C-language API for use with C and C++ facilitates application
integration.
o Sample GUI application provides map and menu windows to load,
view, analyze, and update GIS data.
o New client/server architecture allows client applications to
easily access data from a geoManager/6000 database.
o Compatibility with existing GFIS architecture and data model
protects investment in existing applications.
o GIS functionality in "detached-mode" on mobile machines provides
portable GIS capabilities "in the field."
----------------------------------------
IBM Geographic Interface for OS/2(R) (geoInterface) provides a
user-friendly desktop geographic information system (GIS) interface
that can be integrated with customer enterprise applications. It
offers the ability to visualize, analyze, and update IBM Geographic
Facilities Information System (GFIS) data using low cost personal
OS/2 systems. Taking advantage of IBM's VisualAge(TM)
object-oriented programming environment, geoInterface delivers GIS
functions in client/server and detached modes.
geoInterface enables a full range of GIS applications for the
analysis, tracking, and management of geographically located
facilities, assets, or events. Market and network analysis and
automated mapping and facilities management (AM/FM) are well suited
in any industry to geoInterface capabilities. geoInterface is not
simply picture-based; it is based on a network topological model that
provides a superior architecture for many applications, including:
o Electric and gas distribution systems
o Retail market or public sector demographic analysis
o Railroad and highway planning and management
o Water, wastewater, or other municipal sector systems
o Cable TV, telephone, and computer networks.
geoInterface is available in two editions:
o The Developer Edition contains all of the parts and functions
required to develop, customize, maintain, and execute new and
existing applications:
- Its VisualAge for SmallTalk parts can be integrated with a
customer-developed VisualAge application.
- Its C language API can be integrated with customer-developed C
or C++ applications.
o The User Edition can execute copies of all geoInterface
applications developed or customized using the Developer Edition
on the same or any other PC.
geoInterface is designed to exchange data with IBM's geoManager and
geoManager/6000(TM) DB2(R) database products. Data stored in either
database can then be accessed and used with all of IBM's GIS products
or other applications.
Planned Availability Date: March 8, 1996
(R) Registered trademark of International Business Machines
Corporation in the United States or other countries or both.
(TM) Trademark of International Business Machines Corporation in the
United States or other countries or both.
DESCRIPTION
Developer Edition/User Edition
o The Developer Edition contains all of the parts and functions
required to develop, customize, maintain, and execute new and
existing applications:
- Its VisualAge for SmallTalk parts can be integrated with a
customer-developed VisualAge application. VisualAge is IBM's
premier object-oriented environment for rapid application
development. geoInterface Developer Edition parts can be
selected from a palette along with standard GUI parts and
connected using a visual builder paradigm.
- Its C language API can be integrated with customer-developed C
or C++ applications. These C language functions can be linked
into customer applications to load, view, and analyze GIS data.
A geoManager/6000 client interface, identical to that provided
on the IBM RISC System/6000(R), is also included.
o The User Edition can execute copies of all geoInterface
applications developed or customized using the Developer Edition
on the same or any other PC. The economical User Edition also
contains a pre-packaged sample application providing functionality
similar to IBM's host-based geoManager(R) Graphic Analysis. This
includes a user interface to load, view, and analyze data from
locally stored IBM Interface Format File (IFF) data files.
geoInterface can be used to exchange data with IBM's geoManager and
geoManager/6000 database offerings -- geoManager/6000 via direct
client/server interface or via an IFF data file; host geoManager via
IFF data file only. Data stored in either database can then be
accessed and used with all of IBM's GIS products, including GPG,
geoGPG/6000(TM) Version 1, geoGPG for AIX(R), Version 2, and the
Translator Toolkit.
Object-Oriented GIS Parts: Application development productivity can
be improved dramatically through the incorporation of pre-defined GIS
parts in an IBM VisualAge for SmallTalk application development
environment.
You can focus your effort on the business logic and visually connect
GIS functionality where needed. You no longer have to switch
"back-and-forth" from geoInterface and other non-GIS applications.
The cost of application development is reduced by the ability to
re-use common GIS visual parts.
A coding sample is provided as a template to incorporate the
geoInterface functions into existing or new applications.
These application development parts are available only in the full
Developer Edition of geoInterface.
C-language Application Programming Interface: C and C++ application
developers will find it convenient to develop business applications
that integrate GIS data visualization and analysis. Application
developers can quickly develop GIS capabilities, or add them to
existing applications, by using the library of callable GIS
functions. Consequently, application quality is increased, and
development expense and error rates are reduced.
A coding sample is provided as a template to incorporate the
geoInterface functions into existing or new applications.
This API and sample code are available only in the full Developer
Edition of geoInterface.
Sample View and Analysis Application: The new sample application
provided with geoInterface provides and demonstrates the modern,
ready-to-use interface that can be easily customized for any number
of user applications. The presence of standard GUI window aids such
as tool bars, function icons, and scrollable windows makes
geoInterface applications easier to learn and use. Uniformity of
applications with a common "look and feel" increases your
productivity and flexibility.
Desktop Client/Server Architecture: The new client/server
implementation of geoInterface for network-centric computing enables
end-user applications to share and easily exploit common GIS data.
Previously, applications had to be run on high-performance RISC
workstations that are not available to most end users.
Compatibility with existing IBM GFIS products: geoInterface can be
used to exchange data with IBM's geoManager and geoManager/6000
database offerings -- geoManager/6000 via direct client interface or
via an IFF data file; host geoManager via IFF data file only. Data
stored in either database can then be retrieved and used with all of
IBM's GIS products, including GPG, geoGPG/6000 Version 1, geoGPG for
AIX, Version 2, and the Translator Toolkit. geoInterface uses
standard GFIS facility and symbol definition files.
Portable field GIS functionality: Most of the geoInterface functions
can be used in the field in mobile mode. Data can be viewed,
networks can be traced, and attribute data can be updated right at
the job site. Attribute updates can later be uploaded to the central
GIS workstation database. The economical User Edition of
geoInterface on a portable computer is an ideal solution in these
situations.
Open Blueprint(TM): geoInterface uses standard TCP/IP interfaces.
PRODUCT POSITIONING
geoInterface is for customers who manage network facilities such as
electric and gas, water and wastewater, telephone and cable
television, or highways and railroads. The network-based topology
and explicit connectivity make geoInterface a good fit for collection
and/or distribution systems. Since the geoInterface data structure
creates a real world model of the network, it is easy to design and
test new facilities and to assess the impact on the rest of the
system.
geoInterface can be an attractive desktop GIS offering for both small
utility and public works departments, or an enterprise GIS offering
for large utility, telephone companies, public works departments,
railroads, or highway departments (DOT). geoInterface is particulary
valuable as a set of parts that can be incorporated into end-user
applications which need to integrate GIS and non-GIS data.
The ability to use geoInterface in both "detached" (mobile) mode and
in client mode with an IBM AIX-based GIS database provides an
excellent vehicle for a wide range of GIS situations. This includes
entry-level or first-time GIS users or those who want to expand yet
preserve their existing enterprise and GIS capabilities.
PUBLICATIONS
A memo and one copy of the following publications are supplied
automatically with the basic machine-readable material for
geoInterface:
Order
Title Number
IBM Program License Agreement Z125-3301
IPLA Pointer Sheet Z127-1000
Licensed Information Booklet 49H9840
Reference Card (User Edition) 58H9793
Reference Card (Developer Edition) 58H9816
Displayable Softcopy Publications: IBM Geographic Interface for
OS/2 manuals are offered in displayable softcopy form. All
unlicensed manuals are included. The displayable manuals are part of
the basic machine-readable material. The files are shipped on the
same media type as the basic machine-readable material.
These displayable manuals can be used with the standard OS/2 online
document viewing facility (IPF) via the VIEW command in any of the
supported environments. Terms and conditions for use of the
machine-readable files are shipped with the files.
Source File Publications: All of the geoInterface manuals included
in displayable softcopy form on the product media can also be printed
via the standard OS/2 online document viewing facility (IPF).
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Specified Operating Environment
Hardware Requirements
o 33MHz Intel 80486 IBM or IBM-compatible personal computer (PC)
system
o For the User Edition, 16MB installed RAM
o For the Developer Edition, 24MB installed RAM
o 16MB hard disk space
o 3.5-inch high density diskette reader (required for installation)
o VGA graphics monitor, an XGA(R) or SVGA 256-color display system
with a minimum resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels is recommended
For the Developer Edition of geoInterface, application development
using VisualAge for SmallTalk or C/C++ requires additional storage as
specified by those products.
Hardware requirements and performance vary greatly depending on the
type of work being performed and the volume of data.
Software Requirements
o OS/2 Warp Version 3
Optional Software Requirements
o TCP/IP for OS/2, Version 2.0, if the geoManager/6000 client
functions is used
One of the following only for the Developer Edition:
o IBM VisualAge for SmallTalk, Professional for OS/2, Version 3.0,
if development is done using the geoInterface VisualAge parts
o IBM C++ Tools Version 2 or later, if development is done using the
C API
Compatibility: geoInterface can exchange data with IBM's geoManager
(5685-105) and geoManager/6000 (5799-QEP) database offerings --
geoManager/6000 via direct client interface or via an IFF data file;
host geoManager via IFF data file only. Data stored in either
database can then be retrieved and used with all of IBM's GIS
products, including:
o GPG (5688-050)
o geoGPG/6000 Version 1 (5765-026)
o geoGPG for AIX, Version 2 (5765-040)
o IBM Translator Toolkit (5799-EPK)
geoInterface uses standard GFIS facility and symbol definition files.
Limitations
o The maximum number of facilities in a single map file is
proportional to the amount of machine storage available but is
always limited to 16 million.
o The maximum number of maps that may be loaded simultaneously is
limited to 256.
o The Interface Format File (IFF) produced by geoInterface is not
usable by the IBM Translator Toolkit or IBM's geoGPG products.
However, geoInterface data stored into either of IBM's GIS
database systems (geoManager or geoManager/6000) can be extracted
from those database systems as IFF for use in any IBM GIS product.
This includes the IBM Translator Toolkit which provides a number
of non-IBM data formats including AUTOCAD DXF, Intergraph SIF,
ETAK Mapbase, and ESRI ARC/INFO.
Performance Considerations: Response time depends upon a variety of
processor, communication, and data load factors such as processor and
line speeds, the number, type, and organization of terminals, the
number and type of network and geoInterface functions used, and the
size of the data being processed.
Response time in multiple-system and cross-network environments
depends upon these factors and various network-load factors,
including the number of nodes traversed and the system load.
Planning Information
Installation, Customization, and Maintenance: The customer is
responsible for installing the program, configuring the system with
the necessary machines and software to serve the program and customer
applications, implementing the backup procedures, and applicable
problem determination procedures.
Packaging: geoInterface is available in two editions:
o The Developer Edition contains all of the parts and functions
required to develop, customize, maintain, and execute new and
existing applications.
o The User Edition executes copies of all geoInterface applications
developed or customized using the Developer Edition on the same PC
or any other PC.
The Developer and User Editions are distributed as individual
packages.
Each package includes the following materials:
o IBM Program License Agreement in multi-language booklet
o IBM IPLA Pointer Sheet
o License Information Booklet (49H9840)
o Proof of Entitlement
o User Edition -- four 3.5-inch, high-density diskettes
o Developer Edition -- five 3.5-inch, high-density diskettes
o Reference Card
Security, Auditability, and Control
The announced program uses the security and auditability features of
the OS/2 Warp Operating System and the IBM VisualAge for SmallTalk
product.
User management is responsible for evaluation, selection, and
implementation of security features, administrative procedures, and
appropriate controls in application systems and communication
facilities.
ORDERING INFORMATION
Orders for new licenses will be accepted now.
Shipments will begin on March 8, 1996.
To order these programs for order type, specify the order type
number, feature number, part number, program name, media, and
quantity.
Program Package: -- program diskette with documentation.
Feature Part
Program Name Number Number
Order Type: 5801-AAR
geoInterface --
User Edition 0919 72H6541
geoInterface --
Developer Edition 0920 72H6542
Additional License Copies: Authorizes the customer who has a program
package to make a single copy of the program media and printed
documentation.
The authorization is given by providing the customer a Proof of
Entitlement for Additional License -- with Certificate which has its
own part number and feature number.
Order Type: 5802-AAR
Feature Part
Program Name Number Number
geoInterface for OS/2
User Edition
Proof of Entitlement
for Quantity of 1
Additional License --
with Certificate 0983 72H6543
geoInterface for OS/2
User Edition
Proof of Entitlement
for Quantity of 5
Additional Licenses --
with Certificate 0984 72H6544
Feature Part
Program Name Number Number
geoInterface for OS/2
User Edition
Proof of Entitlement
for Quantity of 10
Additional Licenses --
with Certificate 0985 72H6545
geoInterface for OS/2
User Edition
Proof of Entitlement
for Quantity of 50
Additional Licenses --
with Certificate 0986 72H6546
geoInterface for OS/2
Developer Edition
Proof of Entitlement
for Quantity of 1
Additional License --
with Certificate 0988 72H6548
geoInterface for OS/2
Developer Edition
Proof of Entitlement
for Quantity of 5
Additional Licenses --
with Certificate 0989 72H6549
geoInterface for OS/2
Developer Edition
Proof of Entitlement
for Quantity of 10
Additional Licenses --
with Certificate 0990 72H6550
geoInterface for OS/2
Developer Edition
Proof of Entitlement
for Quantity of 50
Additional Licenses --
with Certificate 0991 72H6551
Additional License Copies -- Software Advantage Exhibit:
Authorization to make additional license copies begins on the start
date specified in the Software Advantage Agreement. Proof of
Entitlement will be provided monthly.
Order Type: 5802-AAR
Part
Program Name Number
geoInterface for OS/2 --
User Edition
Proof of Entitlement for Quantity of 1
for Additional License without
Certificate 72H6547
geoInterface for OS/2 --
Developer Edition
Proof of Entitlement for Quantity of 1
for Additional License without
Certificate 72H6552
Upgrade Protection (New Product): The following Upgrade Protection
Products are only available under the Software Advantage for
Workstations offering:
Order Type: 5809-AAR
Part
Program Name Number
Upgrade Protection for geoInterface
for OS/2 User Edition -- OTC* 72H6553
Upgrade Protection for geoInterface
for OS/2 User Edition -- Quarterly Charge 72H6554
Upgrade Protection for geoInterface
for OS/2 Developer Edition -- OTC 72H6555
Upgrade Protection for geoInterface
for OS/2 Developer Edition --
Quarterly Charge 72H6556
* One-Time Charge
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Licensing: The program described in this announcement is licensed
under the terms and conditions of the IBM International Program
License Agreement. A copy of the agreement is included in the
program package.
Additional License: Proof of Entitlement must be acquired.
Software Advantage for Workstations-Upgrade Protection: The
announced program is eligible as an entitled upgrade. Entitled
customers will be provided with a no-charge program package and a
Proof of Entitlement authorizing right to copy equal to the number of
programs protected. Shipment will follow general availability.
Variable Charges Apply: No
Limited Warranty: Yes
Program Services: Program services will be available until at least
March 31, 1999. The statement of service included with the program
describes this service.
Support Line: The Personal Systems Support line applies.
Getting Started Period: A 60-day getting started period is provided
by the Personal Systems Support Line for the first license within a
site, location, or centralized help desk. The 60-day period begins
with the first call to the Support Line.
Volume Orders: For information regarding volume orders, contact your
IBM representative.
The additional licenses included in this announcement are eligible
for volume discounting under the terms of the Software Advantage for
Workstations Agreement and Exhibit.
Guarantee: Yes. The IBM 30-day, money-back guarantee applies.
Authorization for Copy and Use on Home/Portable Computer: Yes, as
specified in the program package.
Program Transfer: Fully transferable
Educational Allowance: A reduced charge is available to qualified
education customers. The educational allowance may not be added to
any other discount or allowance.
CHARGES
Contact your IBM representative for charges information for this
announcement.