VAX Lisp applications can now be written and delivered without having a separate run-time licence, using the new Digital Equipment VAX Lisp Version 2.2 – its version of the Lisp artificial intelligence programming language – for VMS and Ultrix. It says the added System Build Utility allows more efficient and smaller programs to be generated containing only the Lisp parts that are necessary for the application and code. This results in one image which can be shared among multiple users. Performance is optimised by using operating system management tools to offload image-sharing from the Lisp system. Version 2.2, which enables users to integrate artificial intelligence techniques with existing applications, is 20% faster than the previous 2.1, achieved by reducing the number of garbage collections needed, and completing them faster. It also gives VAX Lisp/Ultrix users access to the Ultrix-32 Graphics Library, the DEC implementation of X Windows. Compatibility within the VAX range means an expert system developed on a VAX system doesn’t need costly porting before it can be delivered to the user on a smaller machine or terminal. DEC can now offer a VAX system with Lisp development language, for under UKP12,000 – that’s down from UKP50,000 last year.
