mayo@decwrl.dec.com (Bob Mayo) (09/19/89)
The Beta-test version of Magic version 6 is almost ready. I have a couple of test sites lined up, but am looking for a couple more. I'm looking for places that: + can test it out *right now* (over next few weeks) + will give the system heavy use, such as one of the following: + classroom use + day-to-day use by chip designers + extensive testing (many hours trying to break it) + will report bugs quickly A few of the advantages of V6 are: + enhanced X11 support + an interactive maze router from Livermore Labs + a gate array router from Livermore Labs + Stanford's IRSIM program and graphical interface to Magic + lots of bug fixes + better support for technologies with lots of layers and stacked contacts + support for HP machines, MacII's, some system-V'ish stuff The advantages to test sites are: + a chance to try out the new features to see if you want to use new release + an opportunity to make sure the actual release will work in your configuration (assuming you report problems you encouter!) + great fame resulting from your efforts at making the actual release as nearly bug-free as possible The actual release will come out in two months or so. (This will be a Berkeley release, not a DEC release. DEC is my employer, but they are donating some of my time to this project.) Also, due to a lack of manpower, this will be a magic-only release. Other tools from the previous release won't be included (sorry). Please send me a mail message if you are interested in being a test site. I can only interact with a handful of sites, so I'll be choosing them based upon how heavily they plan to exercise the system. Thanks! --Bob