It seems that the average large systems user needs IBM Corp’s repository for software engineering tools like a fish needs AD/Cycle: according to PC Week, IBM is preparing to bury what the paper characterises as one of its biggest blunders in the client server market, the AD/Cycle application-development strategy. According to John Schwarz, Toronto-based director of application development solutions in IBM’s Software Solutions Division, IBM plans next month to announce an object-oriented, local network based set of development tools called the Application Productiv ity Family, which will replace the predominantly mainframe-based AD/Cycle. The products will incorporate an object-oriented repository based on database technology from Object Design Inc, the Burlington, Massachusetts company where IBM is a significant investor. Many products to be featured in the Application Productivity Family have already been announced or are currently shipping, including the VisualAge object-oriented development tool. But according to Schwarz, IBM will package those products and underlying technology into seven solutions aimed at specific market segments such as corporate or workgroup developers.