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From: pashdown@shotput.es.com@bambam.UUCP (Pete Ashdown)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.amiga
Subject: SoftPC for the Amiga 3000
Message-ID: <2178@bambam.UUCP>
Date: 31 Aug 90 20:38:44 GMT
Sender: news@bambam.UUCP
Distribution: comp
Organization: Evans & Sutherland Computer Corp., Salt Lake City, Utah
Lines: 61


I read the following in comp.sys.next:

>  We just called Insigmnia Solutions, Inc., and asked them if we could
>expect any time in the future a version of Soft-PC for the NeXT. 
>Soft-PC is a program that completely emulates a PC or AT compatible
>hardware system in software. It is available for the Macintosh, and
>the technology is licensed to a couple of workstation manufacturers. 
>  The answer answer to our question was that we should "call back in a
>month or so" because we could then expect "some more solid
>information." 
>  So, if you want to influence the decision making process, call them
>and ask about Soft-PC for the NeXT at:
>        Insignia Solutions, Inc.
>        254 San Geronimo Way
>        Sunnyvale, CA 94086
>        phone: (800)848-7677 or (408)522-7600
>        fax: (408)733-9541

Anyway, being a potential user of SoftPC and also considering the 
purchase of a bridgeboard for the 3000, I decided to check into
the possibility of SoftPC being ported to the Amiga 3000.  SoftPC runs at
4.77 mhz on a 16mhz Mac II, so I would imagine that it would give AT like
speed on the 3000, as well as being able to multitask a lot better than
the Mac version (which does run under MultiFinder).  In addition, the
"EGA"-like productivity graphic modes would be ideal for this type of
emulation.

So I called the 800 and they referred me to their Boston office where I
talked with Keith Samms.  He was very friendly and helpful in my query. He
basically stated that the Mac version was a special case where they marketed
the product themselves, and they would not go that route again.  Instead they
do work for the workstation manufacturers themselves.  He told me that they
HAVE been in contact with Commodore, but that Commodore showed no interest.
I stated that it wasn't hard to believe since a software emulator would
compete directly with their hardware product Bridgeboards.  He didn't deny
that, but he urged me to put pressure upon one Lloyd Mahaffey, VP of sales
at Commodore.  Apparently Lloyd used to be at Apple, and although Keith
didn't say so, I'd imagine that he had something to do with SoftPC being
done on the Mac.  After all, SoftPC is advertised more by Apple than it is
by Insignia.

This is a pie in the sky idea, but imagine what it would be like if SoftPC
was given away with every Amiga 3000.  Believe me, I hate the IBM MeSsy DOS
world as much as any other Amigan, but still, it sells computers.  The
cost of doing such a feat would be rather minimal in comparison to giving
away AT Bridgeboards with every 3000, and I do believe that SoftPC could
equal if not surpass the AT Bridgeboard performance.

In addition, Apple is busily working on producing an Apple II on a card for
their Mac's.  The idea is that they are going to upgrade all the schools to
Mac's without losing the Apple education platform.  WHAT IF Commodore
contacted Laser about licensing their Apple II compatible ROMS and then
produced a II emulator as well.  Its almost scary to think about how
Apple's rug could be pulled out from underneath them.


() ()             -=Adolescent Deformed Karate Lobsters!=-               "
( " ) - 'Like Linguini, where's my house slippers?'                 /  (  ) 
 ( )                       'I thot I tol you to shaddup, Ricotta!!'   () ()
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