Abstract
Structural testing manufacturer augments software
development staff with McNair Software expertise to release new product on
the heels of Microsoft OS announcement and leapfrog competition.
Situation
Several months before Microsoft planned to release their
Windows® 95 operating system, SATEC™ Systems decided to respond to
customer requests by implementing a Windows desktop-based user interface
for their testing systems. "With this new product, we planned to fill
a need in the market for a "high-tech" testing system,"
recalls General Manager Tom Elverson.
Solution
At the time, the proposed Windows 95 operating system
represented the very latest in personal computer user interfaces and was a
very new technologies. SATEC™ designers wanted to continue the
state-of-the-art trend by developing the product in Microsoft C++, again a
state-of-the-art technology. To gain more information about these
technologies, SATEC™ contacted McNair Software, Inc.
The new control application, known as Partner™,
would replace a DOS application. Additionally, Partner™ would attempt to
be a universal product, allowing the customer to configure the user
interface and the test equipment to perform his specific tasks with
minimal effort.
The application took advantage of COM interfaces, smooth
and responsive multitasking of applications, and intuitive, visual user
interfacing.
Keys to Success
Satec looked to McNair Software for advice on the best
way to implement new OS technologies, for ways to control their project,
and for methods to ensure that the product reached the market on time
without sacrificing functionality.
MSI suggested that SATEC consider integrating
specialized third-party applications into their system through seamless
COM interfaces. Often a need may be best handled by an existing
application, created by other companies who have employed their
specialized expertise to create the application. In this case, SATEC
customers benefit by using an application dedicated to a specific need
which offers them more flexibility than a "built-in" application
might offer. Second, SATEC could benefit by reducing the amount of
engineering and programming time needed to accomplish Partner™ by
concentrating on SATEC's materials testing expertise.
To avoid redeveloping existing proprietary control
hardware, McNair Software designed and implemented unique device drivers
that work at the operating system's ring 0, deep in the OS's kernel.
"McNair saved us time to market and effort by integrating existing
components into a new operating environment," said Mr. Elverson.
Accurate and optimal programming at this level is crucial to system
performance since code is directly interfacing with the OS's scheduling
and operation.
Integrating the outputs of Satec and MSI engineers was
crucial to product success. MSI worked to develop a clear and documented
design that allowed several software components to seamlessly integrate
and function.
Benefits
Partner™ was announced to Satec's client base and
industry the day after Microsoft announced the availability of Windows 95
operating system. Satec beat their competition to the Windows platform
market.
Additionally, working closely with McNair Software
staff, Satec's engineers experienced a bountiful technology transfer that
has allowed them to maintain and enhance the Partner™ product on their
own.
Software
Architects
