Application software developer Wall Data Inc has launched the latest version of its Rumba personal computer to host software with the inclusion of internet hosting. Rumba Office 95/NT now caters for the mainframe, AS/400, Unix, HP and VAX hosts, and the company has introduced the Rumba Internet Companion which it claims is a jump towards host access via intranets and extranets. Integrated with Internet Explorer, users of the latest version can now access legacy host systems and conduct internet and intranet searches within one application. The new function also means mobile users can have access to their host systems. Rumba has been kicking around for the past 15 years and, aside from the new internet feature, 5.2 has been given 32-bit access to Hewlett-Packard Co 3000 and 9000 system and has ObjectX controls. The object database connectivity has been enhanced, which Wall Data claims has resulted in database access operating 30 times faster. Rumba European product marketing manager Ivor Morgan says Rumba is used by 10,000 companies throughout the world and, he believes as the product stands at the moment, it has another five to 10 years left in it. The inclusion of the internet device could suggest a taste of things to come in the future. The Kirkland, Washington company won’t divulge specifics, but says to watch this space.
