In an effort to get those business orders rolling in for its RS/6000, IBM is making Uniplex Business Software available under its AIX operating system via its co-operative marketing programme with Hemel Hempstead-based Redwood International Ltd. Uniplex Business Software is an integrated office system consisting of Uniplex II Plus Base 1, Uniplex II Plus Base 2, Uniplex Advanced Office System, and Uniplex Advanced Graphics System. There is also a user interface application, Uniplex Windows, and Uniplex DOS – a PS/2-based version which runs on AIX.

Uniplex II Plus Base I, Plus Base II

Uniplex II Plus Base I provides several business applications including word processing, spreadsheet and relational database, a screen and menu builder, business graphics, mail merge, file management and support for multiple fonts. The word processor has an 87,000-word dictionary and thesaurus, and a print composer supports Adobe’s PostScript or Hewlett-Packard’s LaserJet-compatible laser printers. The Uniplex spreadsheet has a standard ring interface menu and shortcut direct commands. It supports a range of mathematical, statistical, financial and logical functions, and files may be impor-ed from Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheets. The database is fully relational with both Structured Query Language and a query-by-forms interface. Like Base 1, the Uniplex II Plus Base 2 provides word processing, spreadsheet and a relational database, as well as a screen and menu builder, business graphics, mail merge, file management and support for multiple fonts. The word processor also has an 87,000 word dictionary and thesaurus, while a print composer gives support for PostScript or LaserJet-compatible printers. The spreadsheet has a standard ring menu interface and direct commands. It also supports a range of mathematical, statistical, financial and logical functions, and as with Base 1, files may be imported from Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheets. The database links provide a transparent interface to Informix and Oracle databases, but engines aren’t included in the package. Prices are based on the number of users. Uniplex II Plus Base I and Base II cost $1,475 for four users, $2,375 for eight users, $3,875 for 16 users, and $5,905 for 32.

Uniplex Windows run with IBM X Window

Uniplex Windows enables users to work side-by-side with existing technology as long as the user has an IBM X Window System-based terminal or workstation. A personal computer may also be used as an IBM X Window terminal with appropriate emulation software. All standard features of Uniplex are supported, and enhanced display features include multiple fonts and effects, line graphics and multiple grey scale character. Through the use of an iconic interface, the user may manipulate files and applications using the mouse. Simple mouse operations enable programs to be started, files to be copied, and also provide complete folder management through the visual display. No retraining is needed as all existing applications function in the same fashion as before and the character interface remains available in the IBM XWindow environment. Uniplex Windows start at $980 for four users, rising to $3,780 for 32. A 30-day evaluation copy costs $500.

Advanced Office System with AIX mail

The Advanced Office System functions are fully integrated with Uniplex II Plus. Electronic mail is compatible with AIX mail, and both receipt and opening of a letter may be confirmed. A search facility retrieves stored or incoming mail, and mail may be forwarded, given priority, scheduled for delivery at a later time, or answered automatically. Any live system file may be mailed and circulation and distribution lists are available. A transparent connection to Profs may be made via the AIX mail link. The Time Manager feature schedules appointments, conferences and facilities. Card Index stores personal files in a simplified database, and Personal Organiser provides several pre-defined card index applications including a to-do list, a name and address file, a project planner and a note pad. Report Writer is an interface to th

e database and card index, and Form Builder captures data on screen for creating, completing, and printing simple office forms. Either Uniplex II Plus Base 1 or Uniplex II Plus Base 2 is a prerequisite for the Advanced Office System. The System costs $510 for four users, $820 for eight users, $1,350 for 16 users and $2,060 for a 32-user deal.

Advanced Graphics System with mouse

The Advanced Graphics System enables users to take advantage of high resolution graphics terminals or EGA-based personal computers to create bit-mapped graphics such as pie charts or freehand drawings. A graphics monitor and mouse are required for full functionality, but graphics can be created for a laser printer with a business graphics terminal. The presentation graphics feature combines prompts, soft keys and on-line help to guide users through the creation of graphs. The format may be changed instantly without modifying the original data, and the editor offers freehand drawing of graphics with prompted text, line, fill and colour options. Predefined and flexible shapes may be scaled or rotated, zoomed or modified. Graphics may be transferred from the spreadsheet or embedded in a word processing document. Either Uniplex II Plus Base 1 or Uniplex II Plus Base 2 is a prerequisite for the Advanced Graphics System. Advanced Graphics System is priced at $360 for four users, $590 for eight users, $960 for 16 users, $1,470 for 32 users.

Uniplex DOS interfaces MS-DOS with AIX

Uniplex DOS is a PS/2 MS-DOS-based version of the Uniplex integrated office system that facilitates an interface between MS-DOS-based personal computers and an AIX-based host. Uniplex DOS is designed to address a large element of the non-AIX office while providing compatibility throughout the system. Processing intensive applications are run locally on the MS-DOS system while group applications use an AIX host connected to the personal computer via Ethernet or Token Ring. PC-Network File System or AIX Access for DOS are used to provide transparent system interconnection in background. Uniplex DOS, which is a one user system, retails for $800.