London-based Investment Intelligence Systems Group has released a version of its Wingz graphical spreadsheet for the Linux platform as freeware. Wingz Professional version 3.0, which includes the associated HyperScript analytical development environment and HyperSheet runtime deployment module, has been released without licensing fees because IISG says it wants to make sure the product is widely available on Linux. Wingz 3.0 is aimed at sophisticated knowledge workers in industries such as engineering, aerospace, telecommunications, chemistry, manufacturing and finance, and is also available on Windows, Mac and Unix platforms, and potable between them. HyperScript is claimed to be suitable for developing data driven EIS and DSS applications. Individual licenses for the Linux version are free for non-commercial use. IISG – whose main business is developing deal capture and other financial and investment applications, kept the Wingz product alive by acquiring the product from its original developers, Informix Corp, back in 1995 (CI No 2,611). Wingz was originally developed in 1987, for Apple’s ill-fated A/UX Unix and for the short-lived Next Inc box. IISG introduced new Unix and Macintosh versions in 1996.
