London-based software house MF Systems Ltd has been working for some time on the components of what it calls a fourth generation environment – consisting of a fourth generation language for programmers, a report generator for end-users, word processor, database and print spooler, all integrated into the single package. MF provides the value-added resellers it […]
London-based software house MF Systems Ltd has been working for some time on the components of what it calls a fourth generation environment – consisting of a fourth generation language for programmers, a report generator for end-users, word processor, database and print spooler, all integrated into the single package. MF provides the value-added resellers it is after with the shell of basic accounts ledgers, encouraging them to build custom applications around the product. The close integration between the various elements goes beyond a standardised user interface throughout, according to managing director Mark Rogers: word processed documents can be handled by the database and manipulated by the langauge, and the word processor is used as the basic input medium for the programming langauge. Metafour is portable across MS-DOS, Concurrent-DOS, Systime’s MPS operating system and all versions of Unix and Xenix, said Rogers, as machine-dependent functions such as file access and terminal and printer output are dealt with by Metafour facilities, not the operating system. MF is currently working on a VMS version, and will release an OS/2 version once demand justifies it. The company hopes that dealers looking to move from proprietary systems to Unix will provide the main custom for Metafour; the fourth generation language is said to include functions that can provide third generation-type routines without the need to resort to the likes of Cobol. The Metafour relational database features an optimised storage facility, but the company can provide a C ISAM gateway for access to existing databases. Business target is 50 active dealers in the UK, and the company is setting up a European distributor network. OEM deals are in place with Systime and TFB Rair.
