Math software adds simulation, XML support
-- EDN, January 4, 2001
Mathsoft has significantly enhanced Mathcad in its 2001 release (Picture). Key additions are the ability to simulate dynamic systems and to directly gather and output data via National Instruments (www.ni.com) I/O boards. Mathcad 2001 also supports MathML (Mathematical Markup Language), a standard based on XML (eXtensible Markup Language). MathML support should make Mathcad a de facto standard for publishing mathematical documents on the Internet.
Moreover, the publisher has focused on adding application-development tools via a software-development kit and on improving the package's performance and reliability as well as its interoperability with such software as Microsoft Office, AutoCad 2000, and MatLab. MathSoft has also enhanced its Web site by adding downloadable Mathcad enhancements.
Among Mathcad 2001's built-in MathML-related enhancements is the inclusion of IBM Corp's TechExplorer Professional Edition hypermedia browser. Mathcad 2001 both reads and writes HTML and MathML files. In addition, an enhanced HTML/MathML file format encodes Mathcad worksheet logic, enabling Mathcad 2001 to load MathML documents as active worksheets.
The package runs under Windows 95, 98, NT, and 2000. The Professional Edition carries a suggested retail price of $799.95 and an upgrade price (for owners of earlier versions) of $249.95. The Premium Edition's suggested retail price is $1599.95, and its upgrade price is $499.95.
MathSoft Inc, 1-800-628-4223, 1-617-577-1017, www.mathsoft.com.
-by Dan Strassberg
