Polgen Corp, the Waltham, Massachusetts start-up that is developing computer-aided design software that will enable pharmacuticals companies to cut the time it takes to create new designer drugs, has signed an co-operative development agreement with DEC that will enable it to package up its software with DEC VAX workstations under VMS. The decision to approach DEC was a logical one, because Polygen is now run by a 17-year DEC veteran, Joel Schwartz (CI No 494). Under the agreement, Polygen will develop a scientific research automation software system which will be integrated with the workstations and VMS, and DEC will provide Polygen with technical development assistance and prototypes of forthcoming personal graphics workstations. The low-cost DEC workstations and the Polygen research automation software are expected to be ready by the end of the year. The aim of the collaboration is to enable pharmaceutical and chemical companies using the new DEC stations to improve productivity of researchers, technicians, managers and clerical staff involved in analysis, production, and distribution of scientific documentation.
