MSM-Server for Windows 95 The M world is unique in that it can boast native implementations of the language for almost all the (important) computer systems one can think of. Micronetics Design Corporation has just put on the market a native Windows 95 version of M. Before this version, users had to make do with the DOS version of the language which would not always perform or behave properly when bound by Windows 95. From our analysis of the product, we feel that MSM-Server for Windows 95 addresses the SOHO market. Windows 95 is not a server platform and it has more overheads than other platforms. In our opinion, this product is aimed at the small/medium sized user with a few computers linked together who still wants to be able to use the "server" for something else. Large implementations normally opt for a dedicated server system in which case MSM PC/Plus, MSM-NT or one of the different versions of Unix would be more appropriate. This product could also be useful in development environments where programmers have a local M implementation. Having to forfeit all other applications for Windows 95 just because of M, was not so attractive. MSM-Server for Windows will make such developers happy.
Two many 95s? Micronetics have currently two products aimed at Windows 95; MSM-Workstation and MSM-Server. MSM-Workstation (see tutorial in this issue) is a GUI development tool that allows programmers to create native Windows 95 stand alone applications. The applications may access M databases either on the local machine or on a remote computer (even a this product). MSM-Server for Windows 95 is a CHUI version of M that has been specifically developed for Windows 95. Some might wonder whether this is MSM PC/Plus recompiled. The answer is no. While the M language hasnt changed, Micronetics have implemented in GUI fashion the database utilities such as those found in SYSGEN. Users will find it simpler to change settings and support companies will find it more convenient to offer telephone support to clients who want to perform changes to their database and its environment. Chris Bonnici
"MSM-Server for Windows 95 addresses the SOHO market" |