Minicomputer software

editing, job-control writing and the setting up of test data to check results. TPS-impact will run with and without MTS, and can be extended to include the whole TPS package. (Tale-

Minicomputer software A version of the Aims-11 operating system has been developed for the PDP11 minicomputer for use in interbank transactions. The system incorporates a commercial programming language and forms the basis for the Arbat, UK, modular banking system. It interfaces with the Swift, Chips and Chaps networks. This sixth version is claimed to improve system performance, syntax checking and program-error control, and to have faster overlay loading. Message authentification for information security is provided under Swift. The system is compatible with versions 3 and 5. (Arbat, 160 Queen Victoria

Street, London EC4 V 4DA, UK. Tel: 01-248 6499) []

Bank teller Assembly-level software for intelligent banking SYStemshas been produced by Zeus-Hermes, UK, for use with the Chubb MD600 series. The automatic-teller systems are programmed to meet the operational requirements of individual banks, including the interfacing of different line protocols to manage communications links with a variety of mainframe systems. They are used for cash dispensing, fund transfer, crediting accounts, statement and cheque-book requests and balance enquiries. (Zeus-Hermes Consultants

Ltd, Shropshire House, 2 - 1 0 Capper Street, London WCIE 6]A, UK. Tel: 01-323 0637) []

Credit card reader A credit and identity card magneticstripe reader is available from Tekdata, UK. No electrical power is used to drive the card, so that stray magnetic fields associated with electric-drive motors are eliminated, resulting in an improved signal-to-noise ratio. Doubleaxis gimbals hold the read head, giving

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computing, Seacourt Tower, West Way, Oxford OX2 0ED, UK. Tel: 0865 723621 Tx: 837276) [] Credit and identity card reader sufficient compliance for warped cards to be read. The reading velocity is 89 ram/s, so that the ABA recording density of 2.95 bits/mm and the IATA density of 8.25 bits/ram can be met, using two flux reversals/bit. (Tekdata Electronics,

Federation Road, Burslem, Stoke-onTrent, UK. Tel: 0782 813631) []

Wand scanner A hand-held wand scanner, which reads the Universal Product Code printed on US supermarket products, has been released for use with the NCR 255/726 computerized-checkout system. The NCR 7877 scanner is used for lowvolume checkout lanes, larger packages, receiving merchandise, testing labels and controlling inventory. An EAN version will follow suitable for European product codes. (NOR Ltd, 206

Marylebone Road, London NW1 6L Y, UK. Tel: 01-723 7070) []

Teleprocessing software Teleprocessing software, TPS-impact, has been introduced by Telecomputing, UK, for use on ICL 2903/4s. The system is claimed to be ready for use on delivery. The user can decide on video procedures, file access and update logic. User-application logic is written in standard COBOL. Facilities are included for file management, online screen-format design, file recovery, recovery from system failure, and multithreading. Online development available for batch and teleprocessing programs includes submission of compilations, source-code

Desktop communications A new desk-to-desk communications system has been announced by RacalESL, UK. At the centre of the system is a microprocessor-controlled message switch, which can be used for applications ranging from word communication in a single building to national or international systems using private lines or telex. Desktop terminals in an office complex can be linked directly via the message-switching unit. An untrained operator can prepare and direct the message to one or more terminals in the network. A direct link can be made to the international telex network, and can be used by operators having no knowledge of telex procedures. In a distributed network, a number of units can link several locations via leased lines. Messagesfrom several terminals at one site can be combined and switched over a single line to other sites, where they are automatically routed to their destinations. (Racal-

ESL Ltd, Halifax House, Coronation Road, High Wycombe,Bucks, UK. Tel: High Wycombe23416) []

Distributed communications The Sperry Univac Distributed Communications Architecture (DCA) can be supported on the SU V77-600 and V77800 minicomputers. The V77 DCA communications systems have: communications-systems transparency to render the user device and network independent, • a modular structure for support and modification of individual logical elements,

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