Office automation specialist Uniplex Ltd, recently acquired by IMI Computing Ltd, is planning to demonstrate some of the components of its next-generation software at UniForum this week. The products, which have not yet been named, will show the company’s determination to move towards a client-server architecture, where new components (such as a word processor or communications module) can be slotted in on top of a core server portion of the product. At UniForum, Uniplex is expected to demonstrate the server portion (effectively a preview of Uniplex version 8), which has been codenamed London. Client portions to be demonstrated include what you see is what you get graphical word-processor for the X Window and Windows 3 environments (code-named Miami and Tokyo respectively), and an X400 communications module. New directory mail management for X400 and time management software will also be included. MS-DOS-to-Unix communications will also be expanded from the current offering – Locus Computing Corp’s PCI product – to embrace Portable NetWare and LAN Manager. Uniplex was not saying when the product would be released, but it is thought that the target is this year, at least. Uniplex has already begun the process of upgrading its long-established software by working with graphical user interface specialists IXI Ltd, and it is also working with Hyperdesk Corp on object-oriented features. The UK will see demonstrations of the new software shortly after the show. Observers are looking to see whether new owner IMI Group Plc will commit the required resources for Uniplex to take its long-awaited next technological steps.
