Cheshire, UK-based JSB Computer Systems Ltd, has launched MultiView 2000 version 3, the latest incarnation of its flagship personal computer-to-Unix terminal emulation product. The company claims that new URL and WinApp ActiveLinks will enable users to create a more intuitive graphical interface, giving Unix character applications a web look and feel. The V3 release, replacing V2.2, also features ActiveX components which allow UNIX applications to be restyled and embedded within Internet Explorer pages for web-based integration of PC and client/server applications. JSB says it is targeting end users rather than power users and is promising Windows ease of use for a more consistent view. European sales manager Andy Wooles complains: PC based applications are quite inferior but people are familiar with Windows. There’s a perception that grey applications are better than black and white. We’re trying to make them (Unix applications) easier to use and a bit fresher. Wooles says much of the ActiveX integration in the new offering stemmed from the company’s abortive Intranet Jazz project which it claims also spawned the SurfControl access control software (CI No 3,011). He adds: We took the opportunity to reinvent the wheel and completely clean our code base. During 1996 the company also split itself into two divisions in a bid to focus on its key product lines SurfControl (CI No 3,011) and MultiView, which incorporates products including MultiView 2000, MultiView Desktop, a similar 16-bit application and MultiView Mascot, designed to provide multisessions on character terminals. JSB currently gets most of its revenue from MultiView but is staking its long-term future on SurfControl, adding that an NT version is imminent. The company says it will be concentrating on selling SurfControl in the US market which it claims is 12 to 18 months ahead of the UK in terms of internet take-up but is looking to grow the product into its main business as the internet becomes more standardized among corporate users. MultiView2000 runs on Windows 95 and NT 4.0 and can be downloaded at: http://www.jsb.com/register/register.html. A five user license copy costs 995 pounds.
