Re: AI, Lisp, Graphics on SUN computers? (Long Message)

[kessler%utah-orion@utah-cs (Robert Kessler)]

 > I would like to here from anyone using SUN computers 
 > who can supply answers or comments on any of these issues:
 >  Is Franz the only (best) lisp available?
We have finally finished porting Portable Standard LISP (PSL) to yet
another machine.  This time it is now running on the SUN.  Initial
timing measurements indicate that its speed is somewhere between a 
Vax 750 and 780 (all running PSL), and about twice as fast as Franz running
the REDUCE algebra system test on Suns.  We are now running the Gabriel
benchmarks to discover where it fits in the set.  For more details
see the announcement at the end of this message.
 >  Has anyone used the Maryland Flavors to create useful tools/extensions?
PSL provides support for a simple flavors package that seems quite
useful.  However, the current version has no inheritance.
 >  Any support for sun graphics (windows, menus,etc) a la Interlisp-D?
We have oload working which allows you to call externally compiled
routines (like other c sources).  So the interface should be easy to
add (but we haven't done it).
 >  Any differential reports of Prolog (Quintus) vs Lisp ?
None that I know of.
 >  Any obvious alternative to SUN? (vendor in same class (Tektronix?))
PSL also runs on Apollo's and HP Series 200 (both 68K based machines).
We have also ported a simple "educational" version to the 128K
Macintosh which is used in a beginning programming class.  We plan on
moving at least the Standard LISP subset and compiler to the 512K mac
(so if you want to go really cheap...... :-) )
 >  Worst or hidden problems, pitfalls, gotcha's, etc.
We had a lot of problems with the Sun port.  Some were hardware
related, others were differences between Unix 4.2 on the Sun and on the
Vax.  After we get some more experience using PSL on the machine, maybe
we could report more.
 > > Can real AI development (even applications) be supported on SUN's? <
I think so, as long as you can get one with enough memory.  Some of our
applications running on HP 9836's (which doesn't have virtual memory)
really fly (better than a 780 in speed).  So, memory is really a key to
a fast machine.
 > 
Bob.

		   PSL 3.2 for the SUN Workstation

We are pleased to announce that Portable Standard LISP (PSL) version
3.2 is now available for the Sun workstation.  PSL is about the power,
speed and flavor  of Franz LISP or  MACLISP, with growing  influence
from Common  LISP.  It  is recognized  as an  efficient and  portable
LISP implementation with  many  more capabilities  than  described in
the  1979 Standard LISP Report.  PSL's main  strength is its
portability across  many different  systems,   including:   Vax  BSD
Unix, Vax VMS,  Extended   Addressing DecSystem-20 Tops-20, Apollo
DOMAIN  Aegis, and HP  Series 200.  A  version for the IBM-370 is in
beta test and two Cray versions are being used on an experimental
basis.  Since PSL generates very efficient code, it is an ideal
delivery vehicle for LISP based applications (we can  also provide  PSL
reseller  licenses for  binary only  and  source distributions).

PSL is distributed for the  various systems with executables, all
sources, an approximately  500 page  manual and  release notes.   The
release  notes describe how to install the system and how to rebuild
the various  modules.  We are charging  $750 for the  Sun version of
PSL for Commercial  Site licenses.  Non-profit institutions and all
other versions of PSL will  not be charged a license fee.  We are also
charging a $250 tape distribution fee for each system.

PSL is in heavy use at Utah, and by collaborators at Hewlett-Packard,
Rand, Stanford, Columbia and over  250 other sites.   Many existing
programs  and applications have been  adapted to  PSL including
Hearn's REDUCE  computer algebra system and GLISP, Novak's object
oriented LISP dialect.  These  are available from Hearn and Novak.

To obtain a copy of the license  and order form, please send a NET
message or letter with your US MAIL address to:

Utah Symbolic Computation Group Secretary
University of Utah - Dept. of Computer Science
3160 Merrill Engineering Building
Salt Lake City, Utah 84112

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