Eastman Kodak-owned Unix operating system supplier Interactive Systems Corp, Santa Monica, California is fighting back with its own new marketing strategy following the launch of Open Desktop by its rival Santa Cruz Operation at UniForum earlier this year. But instead of opting for a low-cost bundling deal like Open Desktop, Interactive has un-bundled its products into a series of Unix system software modules, allowing systems designers and resellers to choose their own configuration. Interactive’s Architech Series packages the modules into three main areas application, network and workstation – allowing configurations ranging from non-networked run-time environments to full software development platforms. Along with the base 386/ix System V.3.2compatible perating system, Interactive offers starter, extender and developer configurations within the three categories. An application starter system, for instance, is priced at $745 for a single user system including 386/ix operating system, VP/ix MS-DOS under Unix, the Ten Plus user interface and documentation: a multi-user version costs $1,445. An extender pack would also include PC-Interface, while the developer pack – priced at $1,445 single-user, $2,145 multi-user – has the full Unix software development system and text processing utilities. Network and workstation configurations can be configured in a similar way, including such components as TCP/IP, Network File System and X Window. Interactive has recently signed OEM deals with Bull SA and tiny UK computer manufacturer Jarogate Ltd of Surbiton in Surrey, and has a major distribution agreement with Intra-Unix GmbH of Berlin.
