RE: SmartWords

["Frank Kenneth B." KBF@xxxxxxxx]

Answers to a couple of questions raised in response to my earlier post:

1. Why is this better than XyWin? What comes to mind immediately are the
following: it is more stable, can handle larger files, draft/expanded fonts
are user definable, true collapsible outline mode, improved interface, up to
36 open windows, better printer and envelope interfaces, adjustable ruler
bar and unlimited undo/redo.

2. This version and the 32 bit version to come are primarily text editors.
Over time we hope to improve things like column table and graphic handling,
but those are not high priority for us considering the role this component
plays in our overall scheme. Ultimately we would hope to support XML but
there is no timeframe for that. In other words, this is not positioned as a
competitor to Word or WordPerfect as an all-around office word processor.

3. Nota Bene does use the SmartWords editor as the basis for their product
in much the same way it used XyWrite for its DOS product. There is actually
a pretty heated dispute currently in litigation, however, and although they
may release a product, their right to continue to distribute it will depend
on the outcome of that case.

K.

-----Original Message-----
From: Harrison, Shawn [mailto:Shawn_Harrison@xxxxxxxx]
Sent: Wednesday, March 17, 1999 6:13 PM
To: KBF@xxxxxxxx; xywrite@xxxxxxxx
Subject: RE: SmartWords



 As I have
indicated in the past, the economics of the word processing market simply
don't justify investment of the resources necessary to develop, market
and
support a full-featured word processor.
.....
 While this release is 16 bit (which can run in
any Windows environment) we have converted may of the internal structures
to
32 bit providing increased capacities. A native 32 bit editor is under
development.


But it sounds like you *are* developing the word processor -- and as it
stands, XyWrite is *already* "full-featured." What more do you have to
do, except use the normal channels to let people know it exists?

I know, it probably seems futile to compete with MS Word. But believe me,
there are plenty of us serious editors, programmers, and writers who
*need* a better tool than that clunky ol' thing. I don't know if
SmartWords is superior to XyWrite, but I do know that, as far as text
editing and speed are concerned, XyWrite is superior to Word. You've got
something valuable, Ken. It's a real shame to see you sit on it and do so
little.

Another question I have -- XyWrite, SmartWords, and Nota Bene are clearly
the same program. How is Nota Bene for Windows related to this SmartWords
product?

Thanks,
Shawn

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shawn_harrison@xxxxxxxx
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