Re: Ada 95 for an ARM-based bare board?

[Richard Riehle <richard@adaworks.com>]

"Dmitry A.Kazakov" wrote:

> Richard Riehle wrote:
>
> > "Dmitry A.Kazakov" wrote:
> >
> >> Is there any vendor?
> >
> > I would suggest taking a look a the option of
> > a C-Path Ada compiler such as that provided by
> > Irvine Compiler Corporation (ICC).  ICC is
> > experienced in building bare-board compilers
> > and might be able to respond to this kind of
> > requirement with modifications to existing technology.
>
> I sent them a request. So far I have got only a response from their E-mail
> robot that the request is in processing. It looks like a collective
> vacation. (:-))

I just received an email from Dan Eilers at ICC.  I think you may be
hearing from him in the near future.    It is my understanding that
ICC is a small compiler company with a highly focused market.
As with most small companies, they must choose their opportunities
carefully.  Resources are scarce and it does no one any good to
chase wishful thinking.   If they determine that there really is
a market for this kind of product, I suspect they will be happy
to make money from it.

It is always a chicken and egg problem, I suppose.   If the Ada
mandate were still in effect,  there might be more incentive to
build compilers for potential customers.   Now that Ada is
dependent on a commercial model,  the market will dictate
what is available.    The ARM marketplace does not seem
to be clamoring for an Ada compiler.   What is the potential
return on investment for the development of such a compiler?

One advantage we have is that there are avenues for migration
of Ada to new platforms.  GNAT, with its open source, is one
avenue.  The C-Path compilers from ICC and others is another.

When Ada is rediscovered, there will be an urgency to find
compilers for some of the platforms not currently targeted.

"Ah yes, there'll be a brighter day tomorrow."    :-)

Richard Riehle