Simulation Sciences opens PROvision computing environment.

BREA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 24, 1995--Simulation Sciences Inc. (SIMSCI(sm)) Tuesday announced the opening of the PROvision(tm) computing environment to process engineering software providers, a move consistent with their vision to establish an open architecture for the process simulation industry.

"PROvision is a multi-platform computing environment that permits software vendors and integrators to use the powerful flowsheet drawing features of PROvision as a Windows(tm) graphical user interface to a wide range of process engineering applications. Applications interfaced to PROvision may run locally on the user's desktop or remotely on a server across the network," said Jackson Baker, SIMSCI's vice president of Software Engineering. "The PROvision API (application programmer's interface), available later this year, will provide programmers with tools for interfacing other engineering applications to the PROvision environment."

According to Michael C. Rowland, SIMSCI's Director of Marketing, PROvision not only provides engineers with an easy to use interface to PRO/II, the industry's leading process simulator, but also opens a door of opportunity to all process engineering software providers. By adding PROvision's intuitive and easy to use interface to other process engineering software applications, engineers can increase productivity by leveraging PROvision's intuitive design and architecture.

Kevin Simonsen, Director of Software Engineering, said, "Because SIMSCI has opened the PROvision environment, we now can provide engineers increased access to their proprietary applications through a common graphical user interface.

"A common interface, designed for process engineering work, benefits engineering groups in many ways," continued Simonsen. "Instead of spending time transcribing or re-entering process data, engineers can use the PROvision environment to easily move process data, from one application to another. Difficult to use in-house applications will be easier to use when integrated with the PROvision environment, not only improving ease-of-use but also increasing utilization of in-house software libraries. Furthermore, engineers will spend less time learning how to use the various programs as we standardize on a common interface. It all adds up to increased productivity."

"Our customers, as well as other software providers, want an open simulation environment," said Rowland. "PROvision is a critical element in this environment, an interface standard for process engineering applications. SIMSCI's vision encompasses both Microsoft standards and process industry standards such as those proposed by PDXI (Process Data eXchange Institute), a sponsored research project of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE). By providing an open environment that embraces the desired standards, developers receive a productivity enabling tool not just another software application."

PROvision is a multi-platform application designed for client-server environments. As a true, 32-bit, Microsoft Windows application, PROvision runs under Windows 3.1 and Windows NT and will run under Windows 95 when it becomes available. A MOTIF interface also is available for UNIX environments.

A world-wide developer's conference will be held later in the year to help developers learn how to integrate their applications with the PROvision environment. Developers should contact Bryce Betteridge, 714/579-0412, to obtain more information about the upcoming conference.

Simulation Sciences is the leading global supplier and the pioneer of computer-aided process design for the chemical process industries. With world headquarters in Brea, SIMSCI serves more than 1,000 clients at 3,500 sites in the oil and gas, chemical, and engineering and construction industries. -0- NOTE: SIMSCI is a service mark; PROvision is a trademark; and PRO/II is a registered mark of Simulation Sciences Inc. Microsoft is a registered mark and Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation. All other trademarks noted herein are owned by their respective companies.

CONTACT: Simulation Sciences Inc., Brea

Bryce Betteridge, 714/579-0412