#: 18504 S10/OS9/6809 (CoCo)
    05-Aug-93  15:43:57
Sb: Rocket update
Fm: Steve Wegert 76703,4255
To: All

Scarffed from the CoCo List, the following is a post from Chris Bukre regarding
the Rocket OSK upgrade board for the CoCo.

>


The July 31 deadline for the 1st batch of Rocket orders has passed, and several
people have asked for a status update on the project. Burke & Burke received
fewer than 100 orders, but orders continue to come in. In the meantime,
Microware has restructured their product line, effectively discontinuing the
Industrial OS9 package planned for The Rocket.

The deadline has elapsed with fewer than 100 orders. From a "contractual"
standpoint I believe this means two things. First, anybody who "wants out" can
cancel their order; a letter will go out shortly offering this option. Second,
Burke & Burke is not obligated to honor orders (although clearly if they don't
they must return all deposits and prepayments).

Burke & Burke is still very interested in producing The Rocket, and continues
to work on the software. At this point, the development tools (ASM-like
assembler and editor) are in early alpha testing at Burke & Burke. Work on the
hardware prototype was suspended to get these tools up, and can now continue.

The decision to go into production now depends on whether Burke & Burke can
secure acceptable pricing on either Industrial OS9 or the equivalent Embedded
OS9. A final alternative would be to go with Atomic OS9, but this would require
a lot more software development from Burke & Burke (Atomic OS9 has no SCF, no
RBF, no PIPEMAN, no utilities) and could make the project unprofitable.

Those who have placed orders for The Rocket have demonstrated great enthusiasm
and support. The CoCo and OS9 magazines, too, have been very helpful. I hope to
have good news on the production decision by August 15th.

Chris Burke