Graphical Programming Tool Now Equipped for Expanded Distribution Channels


Building and Distributing Graphical Instrumentation Applications Made
Easier, Cheaper with New LabVIEW Application Builder and Run-Time System

May 24, 1993 -- Atlanta, GA - National Instruments announced today at
COMDEX/Windows World the new LabVIEW Application Builder and LabVIEW
Run-Time System (RTS) for Microsoft Windows PCs, Macintosh computers, and
SPARCstations B) from Sun Microsystems Computer Corporation (SMCC). With
the Application Builder, a LabVIEW user can now create virtual instruments
(VIs) that operate as stand-alone executables. The Application Builder
differs from the LabVIEW RTS, an operate-only version of LabVIEW, in that
the Application Builder builds the run-time engine into a VI application.

Now OEMs (or embedded OEMs), end-users, systems integrators, and VARs have
two cost-effective options for running VIs on computers without the full
development system. They can buy the LabVIEW RTS for a computer and run
any VI, or buy the Application Builder to create stand-alone executables
that do not require an RTS. "These new tools will help create distribution
channels for LabVIEW," says Jack Barber, LabVIEW marketing manager. "Our
third-party vendors can now bring their LabVIEW-based products to market
more easily and less expensively."

Using the Application Builder 

By using the Application Builder, users create a self-contained application
that does not require the LabVIEW system or the RTS to execute. Internal
distribution of executables in conjunction with the company's hardware is
free. External distribution of executable Vls is subject to a license
fee.

The Application Builder is ideal for users who plan to develop and deliver
a turnkey system. The executables that they create behave similarly to a
program written with a standard programming language. Once selected, the
executable will load, execute, and unload automatically.

Using the RTS 

With the RTS, users have an application that loads, executes, and unloads
multiple LabVIEW Vls rather than having each VI acting as a self-contained
application. The RTS remains resident in memory, so users can run several
VIs without having to reload the LabVIEW execution resources. The RTS may
also be more efficient for disk space, because executables will be rather
large (each contains an embedded RTS).

Choosing Between the Application Builder and RTS 

LabVIEW users who need to run a large number of VIs on a single computer
should choose the RTS. A developer who wants to deliver a set of VIs
rather than a single turnkey application should choose the Application
Builder, which may be more cost effective.

System Configuration Requirements 

The minimum configuration for the LabVIEW Application Builder for Windows
is a 386 PC with a 387 coprocessor, 8 MB RAM, 10 MB hard disk space,
Microsoft Windows 3.1, and DOS 5.0. The LabVIEW RTS for Windows PCs
requires 4 MB RAM. A Super VGA display and a Windows 3.1 compatible
graphics accelerator are recommended.

The minimum Sun configuration for LabVIEW is a SPARCstation with 24 MB main
memory, 32 MB disk swap space, and 10 MB disk space (for the application
and associated files). The LabVIEW RunTime System for Sun requires 16 MB
main memory. LabVIEW 3.0 for the Sun will run under Solaris 1.x or Solaris
2.x. LabVIEW requires MIT's X Window System, Version 11, Release 4 or 5.
It can also run under OpenWindows Version 3.

The minimum configuration for the LabVIEW Application Builder for a
Macintosh is at least 8 MB of memory and a math coprocessor. LabVIEW for
Macintosh requires System 6.0.3 or later operating system. The Run-Time
System requires 4 MB of memory.

Pricing, Availability and for More Information

The LabVIEW Application Builder and the LabVIEW RTS for will be available
in July from National Instruments. The Application Builder is priced at
$995 regardless of platform. The RTS is priced at $495 for the Windows and
Macintosh versions, and $995 for the Sun version.

For more information about the LabVIEW Application Builder or the LabVIEW
Run-Time System, please contact National Instruments, 6504 Bridge Point
Parkway, Austin, TX 78730-5039, (512) 7940100, fax: (512) 794-8411. Call
toll free in the U.S. and Canada at (800) 433-3488.

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