NeXT Nugget News Digest (vol. 4, issue 11, September 15, 1992) TABLE OF CONTENTS I. NeXT Ships NeXTSTEP Release 3.0 II. Paget Seeks NeXT User Success Stories III. Fall, 1992 Electronic (CD-ROM) AppWrapper IV. NeXTSTEP Programming Book Update V. Modem Toll free access for ANDI members VI. NeXT Consultants Wanted (Seattle, Washington) VII. Summary of Chemistry Apps For NeXTSTEP ____________________________________________________________________ This is vol. 4, issue 11 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. Conrad Geiger Manager, International NeXT User Groups P.S. All previous Nugget Digest issues are archived at the Purdue ftp archive site: sonata.cc.purdue.edu under the following files and directories: /pub/next/Newletters/Nugget /pub/next/submissions/Nugget_News_Digest_Q2_1992.tar.Z ____________________________________________________________________ I. NeXT Ships NeXTSTEP Release 3.0 News FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Emily Brower Allison Thomas Associates (415) 780-3786 NeXT Ships NeXTSTEP Release 3.0, Third Generation of the Complete Object-Oriented Environment REDWOOD CITY, Calif., September 8, 1992 - NeXT Computer, Inc. today announced the shipment of NeXTSTEP Release 3.0, the third generation of the only object-oriented environment available today. Release 3.0, which adds to the power and ease of use of earlier NeXTSTEP releases, features important new capabilities for both developers and users. "NeXT is now shipping our third refinement of the industry's leading object-oriented environment NeXTSTEP 3.0 while our competitors are still years away from even sampling their first versions," said Steven P. Jobs, chairman and CEO of NeXT. "The maturity and richness of NeXTSTEP is really evident in Release 3.0, especially in some of the new objects such as the Database Kit." NeXTSTEP Release 3.0 Increases NeXT's Object-Oriented Lead NeXTSTEP Release 3.0 preserves all the features of the previous version, while adding improved mission-critical custom application development tools; greater interoperability; sharing of information across documents and applications; enhanced graphics; global computing; and general usability features. "The general environment of NeXTSTEP 3.0 is extraordinarily stable for pre-release software and we are quite intrigued with what we see," said Hadar Pedhazur, vice president of UBS Securities, Inc. and a Release 3.0 beta user. "The two added features in 3.0 that offer the most potential for us are DBKit, because it will allow us to standardize our database work, and Distributed Objects, because it will give us even more flexibility with the object-oriented custom work we do." Custom Application Development NeXTSTEP Release 3.0 adds four new object kits to its application development environment. These new kits include the following: - Database Kit (DBKit). DBKit can dramatically shorten the time needed to create client/server database-driven applications. It also provides a single, consistent interface to SQL databases from multiple vendors, including Sybase and Oracle. - 3D Graphics Kit (3DKit). Based on Pixar's RenderMan standard (both Interactive and PhotoRealistic RenderMan), it allows developers to easily add three-dimensional graphics to new or existing NeXTSTEP applications. - PhoneKit. This kit includes support for ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) and POTS (plain old telephone service) and enables a whole new generation of telephony applications, such as smart answering machines and conferencing. - Indexing Kit. It provides tools for efficiently storing, indexing and retrieving textual or record-based information in any application. Interoperability NeXTSTEP Release 3.0 adds bundled Novell Client and AppleShare Client software, for accessing file servers and PostScript printers on NetWare and AppleTalk networks, respectively. The new version of NeXTSTEP also includes additional Macintosh and DOS file support and expanded ability to share files, printers (from various vendors), fax modems and CD-ROM drives among networked users. Built-in ISDN capabilities provide WAN (wide-area network) connections. In addition, Hayes Microcomputer Products, Inc. provides Hayes ISDN Extender, a telecommunication network interface module that provides ISDN Basic Rate Access as well as analog telephone connectivity to NeXTSTEP computers. Hayes ISDN Extender, when used in conjunction with the PhoneKit, can be used for point-to-point communications and remote LAN access. Third-party software is expected to support high-speed, digitized voice, data and multimedia applications. Sharing Information Across Documents and Applications Release 3.0 introduces Distributed Objects: While previous versions of NeXTSTEP provided messaging between objects within a single NeXTSTEP application, Distributed Objects extends this simple yet powerful messaging model to include messaging between objects in different applications and across different computers on a network. Distributed Objects makes possible Object Links, which is a multimedia hyperlinking system that enables documents of different applications to share dynamic information. Enhanced Graphics Among the new standards supported in Release 3.0 are PostScript Level 2 integration, which adds support for calibrated color output, imaging filters for faster printing and pattern support; and the Pantone Matching System, the premier standard for specifying colors in printed output. Global Computing Users can localize their NeXTSTEP Release 3.0 interface, setting system text and sounds in any of seven languages: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Swedish and Japanese. Also, as communications standards such as ISDN become implemented globally, NeXTSTEP will be able to easily take advantage of the expanded communication capabilities. General Usability Release 3.0 introduces an integrated, multimedia on-line hypertext Help system. The Help system is used by all documentation that NeXT bundles with NeXTSTEP, and also consists of Help objects that all third-party developers can use to create consistent Help systems for their NeXTSTEP applications. In response to customer requests, the new version of NeXTSTEP also includes more color in the user interface. Importantly, any application written under NeXTSTEP Release 2 will run in Release 3.0, and will automatically take advantage of many Release 3.0 features, such as access to Pantone Colors, improved fax capabilities and color text (provided via the addition of color to the NeXTSTEP text object). Object Orientation: The Stakes are High The fact that NeXTSTEP is an object-oriented environment is crucial for a number of reasons. Object-oriented technologies are being hailed as the answer for corporate and government organizations seeking to create more competitive computing environments. These organizations want faster means of developing mission-critical custom applications traditionally the domain of mainframe computers and to move to distributed client/server computers. They have also discovered that shrink-wrapped software alone cannot provide tools that closely match companies' own, unique work processes. The object-oriented NeXTSTEP provides not only the best and fastest environment for creating mission-critical custom applications, but also the "glue" to integrate the custom functionality with shrink-wrapped applications and with standard networking and connectivity tools. Significantly, while most major computer and software companies talk at great length about their plans to offer object-oriented solutions, NeXTSTEP is the only fully object-oriented environment available today. By virtue of its three years as a commercially marketed product, it has already achieved the status of de facto industry leader in object-oriented computing. System Requirements and Pricing NeXTSTEP Release 3.0 will be included automatically with all NeXT computers shipped after today, and will also be provided on a CD-ROM for back-up. Release 3.0 runs on any NeXT workstation with a minimum of a 100 MB hard disk and 8 MB of RAM. For optimum performance, however, NeXT recommends that Release 3.0 not be run on 68030-based NeXTcube systems. Further, due to the added functionality of Release 3.0, NeXT recommends at least 12 MB of RAM on monochrome systems and at least 16 MB of RAM on color systems. Registered owners of NeXTSTEP Release 2 can upgrade to Release 3.0 for $XXX; upgrades will be shipped on a CD-ROM disk and as a right-to-use license. About NeXT NeXT Computer, Inc. designs and markets the industry-acclaimed NeXTSTEP object-oriented software environment, and designs, manufactures and markets UNIX-based workstations that run NeXTSTEP. NeXTSTEP and NeXT workstations are used by medium and large organizations to develop and deploy mission-critical applications, using both custom and shrink-wrapped software. NeXT is headquartered at 900 Chesapeake Drive, Redwood City, California, 94063. -30- NeXT, the NeXT logo, NeXTSTEP and NeXTcube are trademarks of NeXT Computer, Inc. All other trademarks mentioned belong to their respective owners. ____________________________________________________________________ II. Paget Seeks NeXT User Success Stories This fall, Paget Press, Inc. will publish the premiere edition of the Electronic AppWrapper, a CD-ROM full of information and software. We would like to include information about how companies have solved specific problems with NeXT computers. If your company, or you as a consultant or user group mentor have helped somebody put NeXTs to work, let us know! Topics might be - Manufacturer cuts production time in half with new technology - Attorneys use Internet to strengthen cases - Graphic design shop doubles imagesetter output with NeXT Server You get the idea. Just send your paragraph or article to us at EAW@paget.com. And thanks for helping the NeXT community grow! Peggy Thompson pthomp@paget.com P.S. The deadline for submissions for the first 1993 issue of EAW is December 10, 1992. ____________________________________________________________________ III. Fall, 1992 Electronic (CD-ROM) AppWrapper As you may have heard, Paget will publish the first Electronic AppWrapper this fall. Using the CD-ROM, this electronic magazine will be a forum for product demos and applications as well as a forum for User issues, concerns and questions. Through a variety of product demos, you will be able to perform hands-on testing of software applications -- at your own computer! If you like a product, you can acquire it simply by transmitting an Easy Order Email with your credit card number. We will send you an unlocking key, and you can load the software directly from the CD-ROM disk! Through our topical articles and our "Email to the Editor" section, you will be connected to the growing community of NeXT users. You're not alone out there! You will have up to date information about the latest products in the NeXT world. As the NeXT technology evolves, the Electronic AppWrapper will strive to give you a clearer sense of the technological impact and its relevance to you. So you see, the EAW is not just another trade magazine. Paget has brought a sense of professionalism and a sense of humor to the electronic pages of this new medium. It is our intention to create a forum where users and developers can exchange ideas and information, a forum for creative and intelligent dialog. Catch the NeXT train to the future by ordering your EAW subscription today! The Electronic AppWrapper will be published quarterly. The annual subscription rate is $24.00 per year for U.S. subscribers (residents of Washington state add 8.2% sales tax) and $36.00 per year for all international addresses. Subscriptions are payable in advance by VISA/MC, check or money order. With VISA/MC you can order by email to aw@paget.com or phone 206-448-0845. Checks should be made out to Paget EAW and mailed to: Paget EAW 2125 Western Avenue Suite 300 Seattle, WA 98121 Please order soon so that we can be sure you receive the premiere edition of the Electronic AppWrapper! Sincerely, Paget Press Email: aw@paget.com Phone: 206-448-0845 ____________________________________________________________________ IV. NeXTSTEP Programming Book Update NeXTSTEP Programming Step 1: Object-oriented applications by Simson L. Garfinkel and Michael K. Mahoney Will be on the bookshelves in mid-November. The Garfinkel/Mahoney book has been reviewed and is currently being copy edited. Simson and I are hoping that it will be on the shelves in September. It's upgraded to work with NeXTSTEP 3.0 (e.g., Project Builder, new development environment), but doesn't discuss 3DKit or DBKit. We're very happy with the book, but bringing a book to print is a long process. If you'd like to learn more about the book, please call the following number for Springer-Verlag, the publisher: (800)SPRINGE or (800)777-4643. - Mike Mahoney SCaN President and SCaNeWS co-editor Southern California NeXT Users' Group also ... Professor and Chair Computer Engineering and Computer Science Dept. California State University, Long Beach Long Beach, CA 90840-8302 Email: mahoney@csulb.edu (NeXTmail capable) _____________________________________________________________________ V. Modem Toll free access for ANDI members ANDI (Association of NeXTSTEP Developers International) From: Bill Strehl (strehl@socrates.umd.edu) Press Release For immediate Release Washington, DC - ANDI selected MCI to provide telephone service for the Association. As part of the three year agreement which was signed today, the Association will offer 800 number modem access to its network as well as dialup switched digital 56K service. ANDI's modem pool contains ZyXEL modems running at 14.4K (V.32.bis) and 16.8K (a ZyXEL proprietary speed) and Motorola CODEX modems running at 14.4K (V.32.bis) and 24K (Motorola CODEX's implementation of V.fast). This provides analog dialup connectivity to ANDI and the Internet at higher speeds than an other service provider on the planet at rates competive with vendors limited to 2400 and 9600 baud service. ANDI announced support of the popular ZyXEL modems after successfully testing B & W Software's $135 NXFax fax software which includes the ability to automatically reset the modem to either fax or modem depending on the call. Craig Goss, President of B & W, said owners of the Neuron 14.4 modems can also run his software with a change to ZyXEL ROMs. Neuron owners electing this option will no longer be able to use the Neuron specific software. Further details are available from B & W at 802-496-8500. ANDI also is the first provider of dialup ISDN Basic Rate Service anywhere in the world. ISDN terminal adapters that conform to the national ISDN1 standard, such as the Hayes ISDN Systems Adapter, as well as the NeXT specific ISDN Systems extender will be supported at speeds up to 144K. This service is meant to complement the Switched Digital services of MCI. Initial ISDN service will be limited to the Washington, DC area until MCI receives approval from the Regional Bell Operating companies and has filed tariffs with the FCC. By selecting MCI, any present or future member of ANDI will receive special discounts on their long distance service of up to eleven percent. Existing MCI customers who join ANDI will receive the same discount. MCI and ANDI announced a special promotion which provides members with one month of free long distance service subject to the limitations of the particular calling plan selected. Members whose long distance bill is $500 per month or more can receive $30,000 in free long distance for one month as part of the special promotion, and members whose long distance bill is $50 to $500 per month can receive one months free long distance service equal to an amount approximating their monthly usage. This means that members who select or are already using MCI can offset the cost of ANDI membership which ranges between $100 and $1500 by enrolling in the special Association program which is schedule to expire before the end of the year. More details are available directly from the Association or Alan Miller at MCI World Headquarters. Alan can be reached at 800-283-0200. ANDI can be reached at 301-681-3932. In a related issue, ANDI also announced that it will be installing an Intel based 486 computer running NeXTSTEP on its network in order to provide developers with a place to compile and debug their code written on the 680x0 family of processors. This will allow ANDI members, including dealers, VARS, VADS, and Integrators to see/offer NeXTSTEP 486 Apps soon after the release of the 680x0 version. The Association feels this will help speed up the availability of software on the 486 platform, and plans to install other machines whenever NeXT ports NeXTSTEP to other platforms. ANDI is a trademark of the Association of NeXTSTEP Developers International, Inc. NeXT, and NeXTSTEP are trademarks of NeXT Computer Inc. -30- _____________________________________________________________________ VI. NeXT Consultants Wanted (Seattle, Washington) Background preferred: ObjC and NeXTSTEP programming experience 1+ years commercial software experience Salaried or hourly positions available. Contracts for one year with possibility for permanent employment. Contact: Julia Schroder Computer People, Inc. 1601 5th Avenue, Suite 1810 Seattle, WA 98101 Fax: (206)628-0258 Phone: (206)628-0950 _____________________________________________________________________ VII. SUMMARY OF CHEMISTRY APPS FOR NeXTSTEP MidasPlus -- This was written up in the Spring '91 NeXT on Campus. It is a fairly hefty molecular modeling program. Contact: Tom Ferrin, tef@cgl.ucsf.edu pVisor Beta -- Molecular visualization software from Talus Corporation. Contact Mr. Sarich if you wish to be added to the beta list. Contact: Steve Sarich III, steve@talus.com Elements1.0 -- A database of periodic table data with a NeXTSTEP interface. Contact: Shawn Murphy, atlantis!exthro!smurp The following are all available from Allegheny College via anonymous ftp access to the pellns.alleg.edu archive site (look in /pub/Chemistry and in /pub/Source/Chemistry directories): Contact: Charles Fleming, cfleming@alleg.edu Titrate.app -- Titrate allows students to simulate acid/base titrations. Hess.app -- Students in introductory chemistry lab run Hess before an experiment that involves measuring the energy produced in several chemical reactions and combining the results (using Hess's Law) to find the heat of formation of magnesium oxide. IR.app -- IR illustrates the low-resolution, gas-phase spectra of six small molecules. NameThatCompound.app -- Students can learn the nomenclature of inorganic compounds using NameThatCompound. RealGasses -- RealGases illustrates the pressure-volume-temperature relationships of real gases. VSEPR -- Students can learn how to determine the molecular structures and electron pair geometries of compounds using VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion theory). ____________________________________________________________________ end