Qualix Group Inc will begin distributing XvM application programming interface-level software that can convert applications with a Open Look front-end to a Motif look-and-feel, in December. XvM is essentially a library for graphical user interface-based applications that support Sun Microsystems Inc’s XView application programming interface. The product recodes the XView library so it can make calls to a Motif library, modifying the XView mouse and menu so they behave like Motif. Users simply recompile and run their existing XView code in a Motif application, which the San Mateo, California-based firm claims makes conversion quick and easy. XvM will initially be available under Sun’s SunOS 4.1x operating system, but Solaris 2 support will follow in the first quarter of 1994. It also runs under X11.4 and 11.5, Motif 1.1.2 or higher as well as XView 3x applications, and costs $500 for single user binary code, $5,000 for source code. Nonetheless, it is actually a two-man operation in Stevenage, Hertfordshire that takes the credit for developing the product. Interface Engineering Ltd was set up in September 1991, after its founders left the applied research group of British Aerospace Plc. They developed a C++ interface for XView, which unfortunately sold only about 50 copies. However, Qualix took an interest after it spotted an advertisement for the product, stepped up and offered to be their distributor in the US, and sponsored them in their next undertaking, which was the development of XvM.
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