ignatz@aicchi.UUCP (Ihnat) (10/08/85)
In article <358@faron.UUCP> Ken Bass (linus!faron!kbb) writes: > I also should add my 2 cents worth about Manx and their compiler. > First, their latest compiler (version 3.2d) is one of the best I have > seen. Mainly because the code that it generates is very logically optimized, > > and also VERY easy to debug (at object code level). Their librarys (sic) > contain most relevant UN*X functions, and that makes porting programs much > easier. The compiler package also comes with utilities like 'grep', > 'diff', 'make', as well as a 'vi'-like editor. > > On the other hand, the sales and technical support we got from Manx > was appalling. It took us about 3 months (and many frustrating phone calls) > to get our upgrade from ver. 1.06 to 3.2. And once we did get this > latest version, their technical support was not very helpful. At least > they were polite.... First, I have to warn you that you get all the goodies--grep, 'z' (the vi-like editor), make, object library sources, etc., only if you order the Commercial Development package (about $500); but it's the only way to go. Next, I, personally, am very happy with it. With the exception of the terminal emulator 'term', it's been a very stable and fairly bug-free release of a really professional development environment. But I have to disagree with Ken on their tech support. I uncovered a problem with a program I was porting--it involved a rather nasty macro expansion--and called at 6PM their local time. I didn't really expect it, but I not only got someone, but he also accepted the report, and promised to follow up on it. It just happened, in conversation, that he did have an EM address; so I mailed a short demo of the problem to him that night, and had a response in two working days, again via EM. Today, I received another call at my office, reaffirming that the problem is supposed to be fixed in the new release--coming out this week or next-- and guaranteeing that our copy was being expidited. In addition, he gave me his number at Manx, and asked that I call him if the bug *wasn't* fixed. I'm satisfied with the response. -- Dave Ihnat Analysts International Corporation (312) 882-4673 ihnp4!aicchi!ignatz