Ellen M Bierman
Seed and Berry
6300 Columbia Center
Seattle
Washington
98104-7092
Re: Apple v Microsoft and Hewlett-Packard
Dear Professor Hopgood,
Tony Williams (A.S.Williams) suggested I contact you regarding the history of PERQ workstations. I am researching early window systems for our client, Microsoft, and am interested in obtaining information on early PNX systems. My understanding is that PNX version 1.0 had overlapping windows, was released in 1983, and was publicly demonstrated sometime in mid-1982. If this information is incorrect, please let me know.
I am interested in whether versions of PNX existed with overlapping windows before version 1.0. If so, I would like to know whether these earlier versions with overlapping windows were publicly demonstrated. The dates, locations, and any other information on these demonstrations would be appreciated.
In addition, I have enclosed a 1982 article on the PERQ workstation authored by you. On the first page, there is a picture of the PERQ with overlapping windows. I would like to know if there is any way I can obtain an original photograph for this picture, or whether you have a similar photograph of PERQ's overlapping windows taken before 1982 that you could send.
Please feel free to include anything else on PNX that might help me. If you need more information, please let me know, thank you.
Ellen M Bierman
Attached was IEEE CG&A Paper, PERQ and Advanced Raster Graphics Workstations, F R A Hopgood and R W Witty, September 1982
With regard to your queries concerning overlapping window managers, I have consulted my files and have the following information with regard to the PERQ:
In terms of providing photographs of the PERQ PNX Window Manager taken before 1983, I do not believe any exist as the Beta release of PNX 1.0 made in November 1982 did not have a window manager according to my files. It is feasible, as Tony Williams has stated, that some demonstrations took place in the latter half of 1982.
Photographs do exist of the POS Window Manager. I believe the August 1979 Glossy at SIGGRAPH showed the overlapping windows. There are also photographs of the ICL simulated window manager dating back to March 1981.
I believe the IEEE CG&A photograph dates from the ICL simulations. I do not have a copy of that particular photograph but have similar ones taken in the period 1981-1982.
I hope this information is of use to you.
Thanks for all of the information regarding early PERQ computers. I am very much interested in photographs you have of the POS window manager and the ICL simulations from 1981-1982, although I am a little unclear as to whether the simulated window manager was demonstrated outside of RAL or ICL. In particular, I am interested in photographs that specifically show the overlapping windows capability. Would it be possible for us to either borrow these original photographs to copy them, or do you have some we could keep.
Thanks for your assistance.
Ellen M Bierman
Thanks for calling in today to discuss the PERQ information. If possible, I would prefer you to send the pictures and the brochures by express courier., you may use our account number or you may use our Federal Account number.
Should you have any questions, or find other information you believe we might be interested in, please contact either William O Ferron, Jnr or Geirge B Fox at Seed and Barry.
Ellen M Bierman
In reply to your fax:
I have a Three Rivers Glossy dating from either 1979 late or early 1980 which has Brian Rosen of Three Rivers sitting in front of a PERQ with a multi window display. You may keep this.
Sincerely,
F. R. A. Hopgood
Associate Director, Engineering
Dear Ellen Bierman,
I have sent the various brochures to you as requested by Express.
Finally located the video we made in 1981. It is a voice over of the Three Rivers demonstration sequence given at SIGGRAPH 80 in Seattle, July /August 1980. The demo clearly states that a window manager is available, the video shows it displaying a variety of window types in real time, including some animated sequences.
If you need any more evidence, I could probably get a copy made although the quality is not great. It is a UMATIC PAL tape.
Sincerely,
F. R. A. Hopgood
Associate Director, Engineering
Dear Professor Hopgood,
Thank you for your assistance in providing the PERQ information to our office in response to Ellen Bierman's requests. I am having quality reproductions made of the materials you requested to be returned and will return the originals to you shortly. Your letter of 19 August 1991 referenced a video made in 1981, shoeing the Three Rivers demonstration sequence shown at SIGGRAPH 80 in Seattle in 1980. We would appreciate a copy of that tape. It would be preferable to have one made in NTSC format rather than UMATIC PAL format, if possible, as I have no way to view UMATIC PAL. I can have UMATIC PAL tape converted to NTSC format here, if necessary, but would prefer not to get too many generations away from the original.
We would be pleased to reimburse you for any expenses involved in providing us this material. Thanks again for your cooperation. Please let us know if you have any questions.
Very truly yours
Bill
RAL sent an NTSC version in November.
This information was used in the Court Case that decided in Microsoft's favour in August 1992