HP Basic Version 7 Now Gives Test and Measurement Programming `A New Window'; New Graphical Interface Lets Users Streamline Program Development.

PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 4, 1999--

Hewlett-Packard Company today announced that the latest revision of HP BASIC, Version 7 for Windows(R), provides productivity enhancements for test and measurement applications. The release combines a new graphical interface with new Rocky Mountain BASIC (RMB) support, portability and connectivity enhancements.

Rocky Mountain BASIC is a 20-year-old legacy development language in test and measurement that runs on UNIX(R) system workstations. HP BASIC for Windows is the adaptation of RMB to the Windows platform. Because RMB also is an operating system, it is difficult to port. During the last two years, much of the added value in HP BASIC for Windows has come from improvements in porting capability, which is important because it allows customers to use their legacy code.

"Version 7's combination of new features, code-preservation enhancements and connectivity improvements provide the most valuable upgrade to users of HP BASIC to date," said Bethanne Stolte, marketing manager for HP's Measurement Systems Division. "Now users can preserve more of their investment in legacy code while running it in a modern and familiar Windows environment."

The new Windows interface streamlines program development with pull-down menus, dialog boxes, title bar, status line, vertical scrolling, feature tabs, and mouse and keyboard support for obstacle-free code navigation. HP has enhanced portability for RMB code with the incorporation of the Microsoft(R) Windows environment.

Version 7 of HP BASIC represents the first time under Windows that HP BASIC will include support for separate alpha from graphics, inbound serial transfer and serial interrupts. HP BASIC for Windows provides over 98 percent of the HP workstation BASIC functionality on a PC running Windows 95, Windows 98 or Windows NT(R).

Improved compatibility with RMB means HP BASIC for Windows Version 7 preserves user investment in existing RMB code. Porting is simplified with HP BASIC for Windows Version 7. Logical Interchange Format (LIF) transfer utilities allow users to port their current HP BASIC data and program files effortlessly between HP Series 200/300 workstations and PCs. The system provides LIF utilities to copy programs and data files stored in BDAT, ASCII, and HP-UX(1) format between LIF-format floppy diskettes and DOS disks.

HP BASIC for Windows Version 7 provides greater connectivity and simplified use for hardware connections. This latest release incorporates new drivers for National Instruments' line of data acquisition (DAQ) cards, including cards for the AT, PCI, PXI and PCMCIA platforms. Version 7 can "call" any card supported by National Instruments DAQ drivers, the first DAQ drivers ever provided for HP BASIC under Windows.

U.S. Pricing and Availability

The HP E2060C is priced at $1,115. Customers with material-support contracts receive the release at no additional charge. Current customers without support contracts can upgrade by purchasing HP E2060C, option AGE, for $408. Customer shipments are expected to begin September 1999.

Information on this product can be found at http://www.tmo.hp.com/tmo/gp/hpbasic.

About HP

Hewlett-Packard Company -- a leading global provider of computing and imaging solutions and services for business and home -- is focused on capitalizing on the opportunities of the Internet and the proliferation of electronic services.

HP plans to launch Agilent Technologies as an independent company by mid-calendar 2000. Agilent consists of HP's test and measurement, semiconductor products, chemical analysis and healthcare solutions businesses, and has leading positions in multiple market segments.

HP has 123,500 employees worldwide and had total revenue of $47.1 billion in its 1998 fiscal year. Information about HP, its products and the company's Year 2000 program can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.hp.com.

Windows is a U.S. registered trademark of Microsoft Corp.

Microsoft is a U.S. registered trademark of Microsoft Corp.

Windows NT is a U.S. registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

(1) Release 10.20 and later and HP-UX Release 11.00 and later (in both 32 and 64-bit configurations) on all HP 9000 computers are Open Group UNIX 95 branded products.

UNIX is a registered trademark of the Open Group.

NOTE TO THE EDITOR: Sales information may be obtained by calling 1-800-452-4844 ext. 6766. Please do NOT use editor-contact or corporate telephone numbers for sales information.

Information in this release applies specifically to products available in the United States. Product availability and specifications may vary in non-U.S. markets.

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