products and services

Dell takes on the UK

Selling computers direct to the end user is the marketing strategy of a US company which has launched its U K subsidiary, Dell Computer Corporation. The US company, PCs Limited, was founded in 1984 and is expected to have a turnover of $150M in 1987. The company sells custom-built, industrystandard PCs direct to users, thus eliminating dealer margins. Its target market is experienced end users and corporations. More than 68 % of the company's sales in the US are to companies such as Johnson and Johnson, Burlington Northern and Arthur Anderson. The U K company, Dell Computer Corporation, sells machines based on the Intel 80286 and 80386 microprocessors. Dell 286-8 is the entry-level machine which runs at 6 and 8 MHz, has a 20 Mbyte 65 ms hard disc (or 40 Mbyte 40 ms), 1 024 kbyte of RAM on the system board and 1.2 Mbyte 5.25 in floppy disc drive. The 286-12 runs at 6 and 12 MHz, has a 40 or 70 Mbyte 28 ms hard disc with the same RAM and floppy disc drive. The 386-16 runs at 16MHz, has 40, 70Mbyte 28ms hard disc (and 150 Mbyte 18 ms) with the same RAM and floppy disc drive. Software will run using MS/DOS up to version 3.3 and OS/2. The BIOS was developed by the US parent company. The machines are sold using advertising in the specialist press and telemarketing. The company offers a customer service and support package included in the price of the product (Honeywell Bull provide on-site servicing). A Smartvu alphanumeric readout on the front of the system unit gives information which helps hotline staff diagnose faults over the telephone. There is a 30-day money-back guarantee which has resulted in a one per cent return rate in the USA. The 286-6 costs from 1 299 to 1 999 for the EGA version. The 28612 starts at 1799, and the 386-16 costs from 3 199 to 4599. The machines are available now. (Dell Com-

Link accesses large databases

Britton Lee has made a further step in its shared database strategy with the release of PC/SQL link. This product allows access to corporate databases for managers and staff using IBM PC and compatible personal computers. Its menu and window interfaces are designed for users who do not have technical computer expertise. PC/SQL link produces ANSI standard structured query language (SQL) code. SQL is a widely used relational DBMS query method but users often need training to use it efficiently. PC/SQL link automatically formats data for use with popular PC software, such as Lotus 1-2-3, Microsoft Multiplan and dBase II and III. It allows users to transfer information back to the DBMS and gives access to electronic mail facilities. The link runs in the user's PC thus reducing connection time to DBMS machines. According to the manufacturer, it performs 10 to 100 times faster than other PC-resident DBMS systems and gives access to databases of up to about ten Gigabytes. Ethernet/XNS and RS232 communications interfaces allow PCs to link into networks which include other workstations and multiple host computers. These may come from a variety of vendors and can simultaneously access the Britton Lee shared DBMS systems. PC/SQL link requires a minimum of 512 kbyte main memory on a PC DOS or MS DOS 3.1 or above operating system. It is available now worldwide. The price for the link running on ten systems starts at $6 000. (Brit-

puter Corporation, Farley Hall, London Rd, Bracknell, Berks RG12 5EU, UK. Tel." (0344) 863420) []
used with the Norsk Datal00/CX and the 500/CX and 5 000 ranges of 32-bit superminis. Based on Norsk Data's Sibas database managment system, BIM is designed for the development and maintenance of application programs, data structures, and screen and report forms. It includes an active and integrated data dictionary and report generator with database updating facilities. It provides automatic generation of field sets, allowing simple navigation between programs. BIM is available worldwide and ranges in price from 3 000 to 20 000 depending on which machine it is run on and the modules used. (Norsk Data

Coding avoided
Users need not have detailed programming knowledge to use business information management (BIM), a fourth-generation programming tool now available. BIM reduces system development time by avoiding the detailed coding required by conventional languages such as COBOL, FORTRAN, RGP and BASIC. The system consists of five modules: a data definition module; form layout composer for screen and report definition; a compiler; an online processor and a batch processor. It can be

Ltd, Benham Valence, Newbury, Berks RGI6 8LU, UK. Tel." (0635) 35544)

ton Lee (Europe) Ltd, 71 73 Victoria St, Windsor, Berks SL4 1EY, UK. Tel: (0753) 840900) []

vol 29 no 7 september 1987

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