- Email: [email protected]
Business communications software
Business communications software Viewtext is a communications software package for business microcomputers, which has been designed for use with Tandata's range of intelligent autodial modems. The package permits access to Prestel and private viewdata systems, as well as more conventional databases such as Telecom Gold or EasyLink, and corporate computer systems, whether dialled directly across the public switched telephone network or via PSS. Viewtext is menu-driven, with prompts for easy use and an offscreen help menu. Other features include a dialling directory holding up to 72 telephone numbers and identity numbers or passwords, a speed page facility for rapid access to frequently used pages, a choice of single or split screen display and an offline editing facility with character or line insertion or deletion.
The software is intended to make communications easier for the nonspecialist user. For example, the sequence of autodialling a database, identifying the user and logging-on can be automated regardless of the number of steps involved, or whether a packet switched service is used. Also all or part of an interactive session can be run automatically, without user involvement. For instance, the user can instruct the modem to log-on to a database, transmit a number of previously prepared messages, retrieve data from the host computer, go offline and then print the retrieved data. Such a sequence can also be run under clock control, to take advantage of lower telephone or database charges. Viewtext is available for several 8-bit CP/M micros, including the Philips P 2000C, Superbrain, Research Machines 3802 and Epson
Direct or modem link communications system for micros Chitchat is a telecommunications program that allows communication between micros irrespective of their disc format, operating system or location. It allows single or multifile transfer (in both directions) between machines, either directly or via modem links. When set in host mode, unattended operation is possible by remote dial-up. A data capture facility enables the local storage of data received, and a Viewdata mode allows access to Prestel and other teletext services. Malbox facilities allow access to electronic mailing systems such as Telecom Gold. Chitchat has a built-in full-screen text editor that allows messages to be entered offline and transmitted at maximum speed. Other functions
50
include a phone directory for the storage of frequently used numbers, autodial, call logging and file protection. Within the limitations of the host hardware, the program may be user-configured for a range of transmission speeds and protocols. In addition to the main file transfer protocol, DDS-X, the Xmodem protocol is also supported, and the program's design allows other protocols to be added if and when required. Chitchat is written in C and may be transferred to almost any operating environment possessing a C compiler and assembler. It is currently available for the MS-DOS, PC-DOS and CP/M-80 operating systems. (Derwent Data System,
18 Norfolk Street, Sunderland, Tyne & Wear, UK. Tel: (0783) 652026) []
QXl0, and it will shortly be configured for 16-bit CP/M 86 and MS DOS micros, such as the ÁCL. (Tan-
data Marketing Ltd., Albert Road North, Malvern, Worcestershire WR14 2TL, UK. Tel: 06845 68421 Telex: 337617, Prestel: *799#. Telecom Gold: 81: TANO01) []
Telex interface Computer peripherals and software distributors, Vaser, have joined forces with communications specialist Sipher Designs to introduce Sipher's Streamline telex interface for use with the IBM PC, XT and compatibles. By combining Streamline with the Volkswriter Deluxe wordprocessing package, which is distributed in the UK by Vaser, the two companies have produced a flexible, low cost telex facility for PC users that needs no additional software. Once a telex is prepared, it is sent out onto the telex network via the Streamline interface which converts the ASCII code into Baudot. If the destination is engaged or unobtainable, the system will automatically redial until the connection is made. The PC maintains a directory of all files prepared and all l~iles sent. Volkswriter Deluxe's merge facility also means that a private directory of regular contacts can be built up and called up when required. Streamline handles the bulk of telex transmission functions within the unit, freeing the PC for normal operation once the message itself has been prepared. Incoming telexes are sent direct to the printer, so there is no need for the PC itself to be left switched on overnight. The Streamline unit plugs into the PC's asynchronous serial port, and its connection to the telex network is through a standard SCVF (single channel voice frequency) modem. (Vaser Ltd., Unit 15, St.
Georges Industrial Estate, Amersham, Bucks HP7 9JQ, UK. Tel: (02404) 5434) []
computer communications
The software is intended to make communications easier for the nonspecialist user. For example, the sequence of autodialling a database, identifying the user and logging-on can be automated regardless of the number of steps involved, or whether a packet switched service is used. Also all or part of an interactive session can be run automatically, without user involvement. For instance, the user can instruct the modem to log-on to a database, transmit a number of previously prepared messages, retrieve data from the host computer, go offline and then print the retrieved data. Such a sequence can also be run under clock control, to take advantage of lower telephone or database charges. Viewtext is available for several 8-bit CP/M micros, including the Philips P 2000C, Superbrain, Research Machines 3802 and Epson
Direct or modem link communications system for micros Chitchat is a telecommunications program that allows communication between micros irrespective of their disc format, operating system or location. It allows single or multifile transfer (in both directions) between machines, either directly or via modem links. When set in host mode, unattended operation is possible by remote dial-up. A data capture facility enables the local storage of data received, and a Viewdata mode allows access to Prestel and other teletext services. Malbox facilities allow access to electronic mailing systems such as Telecom Gold. Chitchat has a built-in full-screen text editor that allows messages to be entered offline and transmitted at maximum speed. Other functions
50
include a phone directory for the storage of frequently used numbers, autodial, call logging and file protection. Within the limitations of the host hardware, the program may be user-configured for a range of transmission speeds and protocols. In addition to the main file transfer protocol, DDS-X, the Xmodem protocol is also supported, and the program's design allows other protocols to be added if and when required. Chitchat is written in C and may be transferred to almost any operating environment possessing a C compiler and assembler. It is currently available for the MS-DOS, PC-DOS and CP/M-80 operating systems. (Derwent Data System,
18 Norfolk Street, Sunderland, Tyne & Wear, UK. Tel: (0783) 652026) []
QXl0, and it will shortly be configured for 16-bit CP/M 86 and MS DOS micros, such as the ÁCL. (Tan-
data Marketing Ltd., Albert Road North, Malvern, Worcestershire WR14 2TL, UK. Tel: 06845 68421 Telex: 337617, Prestel: *799#. Telecom Gold: 81: TANO01) []
Telex interface Computer peripherals and software distributors, Vaser, have joined forces with communications specialist Sipher Designs to introduce Sipher's Streamline telex interface for use with the IBM PC, XT and compatibles. By combining Streamline with the Volkswriter Deluxe wordprocessing package, which is distributed in the UK by Vaser, the two companies have produced a flexible, low cost telex facility for PC users that needs no additional software. Once a telex is prepared, it is sent out onto the telex network via the Streamline interface which converts the ASCII code into Baudot. If the destination is engaged or unobtainable, the system will automatically redial until the connection is made. The PC maintains a directory of all files prepared and all l~iles sent. Volkswriter Deluxe's merge facility also means that a private directory of regular contacts can be built up and called up when required. Streamline handles the bulk of telex transmission functions within the unit, freeing the PC for normal operation once the message itself has been prepared. Incoming telexes are sent direct to the printer, so there is no need for the PC itself to be left switched on overnight. The Streamline unit plugs into the PC's asynchronous serial port, and its connection to the telex network is through a standard SCVF (single channel voice frequency) modem. (Vaser Ltd., Unit 15, St.
Georges Industrial Estate, Amersham, Bucks HP7 9JQ, UK. Tel: (02404) 5434) []
computer communications