koopman@a.gp.cs.cmu.edu (Philip Koopman) (11/09/90)
There have been a few puzzled inquiries about what it means that Rick VanNorman and I are looking for work. (I especially liked JAX's comment.) I have just today received clearance to post the following information, which is a Harris-blessed description of the situation. (**begin Harris-reviewed material**) "Harris has decided to discontinue future investments in new RTX standard products and development tools. This is a result of the large investment required to support a proprietary microcontroller family and the conflicting requirements for increased investment in analog, power, and mixed signal products. This action will not impact current products and current customers. Harris will continue to supply RTX 2000, RTX 2001A and development tools to current customers. However, new design win opportunities for standard products will not be pursued. The RTX 2010 and RTX 2152 currently in development will not be introduced. Harris will continue to utilize RTX technology as a core processor for custom circuit development for commercial and military programs. "Harris will continue to supply the current standard RTX products as long as reasonable demand exists to support the regular wafer production. In the event that we do not have sufficient demand in the future, customers will be given sufficient notification to allow placement of lifetime buys for RTX." (**end Harris-reviewed material**) If you are thinking of doing a new board design, you would do well to choose a different processor. If you are already using RTX and have additional questions, I recommend that you call Mr. Fred Hawkes in Melbourne, Florida, at (407) 724-7823. I am (as of Friday 11/9) no longer a Harris employee, and will not be able to answer further questions. If you are a member of the Press, please contact Mr. Mike Graff, who is overseeing RTX operations at (407) 729-4629. This posting does not constitute a press release, and you should contact Mr. Graff for a complete story before publication. I am very sad to see development of new RTX standard products come to a halt. Please believe me when I say that the RTX team did everything within our means to prevent this outcome. Nonetheless, I have now decided that the time has come for me to move on to other endeavors, and I am setting up shop as a Computer and System Engineering consultant. Philip Koopman, Ph.D. 2525A Wexford Run Rd. Wexford, PA 15090 (412) 935-6697 koopman@greyhound.ece.cmu.edu *** this space for rent ***