Research Systems Releases VIP 1.3

Research Systems Inc, a leading developer of technical visualization and application development software, announced the release of VIP 1.3, a powerful, easy-to-use visual programming environment for data analysis and visualization.

VIP allows users to graphically create, modify and run sophisticated, graphics-intensive programs without writing a single line of code. Users access an intuitive interface where they select and connect nodes, and run programs, all with the click of a mouse.

VIP boasts more than 200 built-in data reading, processing and output nodes, and is available on Microsoft Windows, Macintosh, and UNIX platforms, including Linux. New features available in VIP 1.3 include:

• Code generation capabilities
• Enhanced node capabilities
• Additional object nodes
• More intuitive node appearance
• Improved usability features, such as snap-to-grid and directional indicators
• Improved documentation

VIP can be extended with Research Systems' IDL, the Interactive Data Language. IDL, a high-level analysis and visualization language, is used by thousands of scientists and engineers at the world's leading technical organizations. VIP also allows users to extend any application written in IDL, including ENVI, Noesys and RiverTools, other industry-leading software products from Research Systems.

As the most recent addition to Research Systems' successful "Powered by IDL" product line, VIP has experienced enormous growth since its September 1999 launch. "We are in constant communication with our customers, so we knew we were addressing an important need when we developed VIP," said Dr. David Uhlir, director of product marketing at Research Systems. "The groundswell of interest we've seen in VIP since its initial release has far exceeded our expectations; there are obviously many scientists, engineers, and other technical professionals who need leading-edge data analysis and visualization, but don't have the time or the expertise to write source code. VIP has made IDL's powerful capabilities very accessible to them."

VIP is built on IDL 5.3, Research Systems' flagship product. Originally released in 1977, IDL is the ideal software for data analysis, visualization, and cross-platform application development. IDL includes all the tools needed for both "quick-look," interactive analysis and display and large-scale commercial programming projects, in a fully-extensible environment.

About Research Systems Inc

Boulder, Colo.-based Research Systems Inc, is a privately held company that supports more than 75,000 users of its data analysis and visualization software products worldwide through a direct sales force and network of international subsidiaries and distributors. Primary markets for the company's products are aerospace, earth sciences, physics, software development, medical imaging and engineering test and measurement. Additional information can be found at Research Systems' Web site www.ResearchSystems.com.

Contact Research Systems, Michelle Asher 303-413-3905 masher@researchsystems.com