Re: Fw: C-Bus Pascal Automation Controller (PAC) - Min Review

["K. C. Li" <li@xxxxxxxxx>]

On Thu, 24 Nov 2005, Ian Lowe wrote:

> "Longhorn", but no it's actually using Pascal. That has to
be one of the
> most obtuse choices for an embedded language - and makes you wonder
how
> robust it's going to be in use.

The C-Bus Toolkit and its previous versions are written in Borland Delphi,
which is a Pascal based programming environment. I guess since the
development team is familiar with Pascal, it is only natural (to them) to
pick the same for their logic engine products. I would have preferred C
but Pascal would have a wider appeal to people who are not familiar with
computer programming languages. Pascal is used to teach computer
programming at colleges and universities so it is relatively easy to learn
and quite forgiving in use. The type of programming language used
shouldn't have much bearing on the robustness of the end product.

> their ability to produce products that seem to have been envisioned
> designed and shipped under the influence of excessive amounts of
> fosters...

I would disagree with that. In my opinion, Clipsal products are innovative
and they do have many good ideas. Unfortunately, getting these new
products to market in sufficient numbers is a different matter.

> selling point... then introduce a set of RF components - with *none*
> of the advantages that the previous company position was built on...

If you are referring to C-Bus Wireless, it is actually providing the best
of both worlds as it communicates with (wired) C-Bus via a gateway. You
can mix and match as circumstances required. It is a shame that Clipsal
Development Department is out of sync with Clipsal Production Department.

> there seem to be a whole clutch of technologies just floating at the
> breakthrough point - hopefully some worthy competition will sharpen up
> things.

Competition is always a good thing for technological advancement.

Regards,

Kwong Li
li@xxxxxxx
Laser Business Systems Ltd.
http://www.laser.com
http://www.cbus-shop.com