

TO:    Distribution				DATE:     November 18, 1986
FROM:  Pat Hafford, 				SUBJECT:  Alpha Test Site
       BASIC/Pascal Product Manager

Thank you for your interest in our Alpha Test Site program for BASIC 5.0 and/or 
Pascal 3.2.  The objectives of our Alpha Test Site program are twofold.  First, 
we hope that by providing preleased software, you will have a head start on 
porting your code to the new versions of BASIC and Pascal.  Secondly, we would 
like your help in testing the code to assure that the final products are of 
the highest quality.

The release we will be sending is the first in a series of three planned 
prereleases.  (Of course, if we do not find any defects we will not replace a 
given release until a defect is found.)   Our first release includes BASIC 
5.0, BASIC HFS and CSUBS only. HFS stands for the hierarchical file system 
which is compatible with the UNIX* file system.  Pascal and Pascal HFS will 
be included in the second and third releases.  (This should pose no problems 
for CSUBS since they may be compiled with any 3.X version of Pascal.)  
Currently, the second and third releases are scheduled for mid December and 
mid January, 1987.  

If you find that porting your code to BASIC 5.0 or Pascal 3.2 is relatively 
easy and problem-free, then with your permission, FSD would like to make that 
fact known to our customers, both internal and external.  In addition, for 
those of you who are selling application software, we would like the 
opportunity to publicize information about your software packages that will 
run on the new language systems, as well as your expected availablity dates.

Please be aware that both the BASIC HFS and Pascal HFS software products have 
an AT&T license which states that the software may be copied for back up 
purposes only.  This license is necessary since HFS uses proprietary AT&T 
UNIX* code.  BASIC HFS and Pascal HFS can be used only on HP hardware that 
has an AT&T object license.  As a Alpha Test Site participant, we are providing
you with one AT&T object license with your prereleased software.  

Keep in mind that these prereleased versions MAY NOT BE the final versions
of the software.  In the event that you find a defect in one of the systems 
or have a problem, see the attached Support Information document.  Also 
remember that HFS is a new file system and may contain defects, so be sure to 
keep back-up copies of data stored in HFS format.

Upon completion of the Alpha Test Site program in February, 1987, please 
return all media and documentation and we will ship a complementary copy of 
the final products to you.

Thank you again for working with us on this program.  I hope it provides 
significant gains for your products in your workplace and in today's 
competitive market.


*UNIX is a trademark of Bell Labs.

