Re: Ada Pricing & Quality ?? - Vendors

[psinntp!shellgate!camo!rgh@uunet.uu.net (Richard G. Hash)]

> >What do you expect to pay for a non-free C or C++ compiler on a workstation?
> >I'd really like the input.
> Less than $900, and I want a variety of CASE capabilities thrown in.  I can
> get this for C++, and I get a CDROM thrown in with lots of goodies.

This ($900) seems pretty low to me. Most folks spend more than that in *time*
on *free* compilers (e.g., gcc)! By the time I add up all the other tools
that we use for C development, I'm looking at a considerably larger number
than $900. On the other other hand, the $35K for XXX-brand Ada (hidden to
protect the atrociously guilty) on an rs6000 was enough to make alot of
folks I know choke to death.

>     In general, as long as I can get Rational-like capabilities in C++ system
s
> at PC prices, Ada will never be competitive.

Where can you get Rational-like capabilities for C++ (serious question, I
really don't know). Since I've used a Rational for the last 6yrs or so I've
gotten pretty used to some of the features. I've seem similar like stuff,
but it was pretty lightweight in comparison, and mostly had a pretty UI.

> >2. Useful libraries
> >We are planning interfaces to standard support libraries in our
> > next generation products.
> 
>     Again, too little too late.

This is oh-so-true. What about this-generation?

--
Richard G. Hash                                      email:  rgh@shell.com
Shell Development Company, Bellaire Research Center  phone: (713) 245-7311
3737 Bellaire Boulevard, Houston TX  77025