I am pleased to be able to inform you that VM/SP release 3 was announced in the USA on 1st February 1983, and in Europe on 7th February. It includes REX as the System Product Interpreter. The relevant parts of the full VM/SP R3 announcement letter are attached below. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - VM/SYSTEM PRODUCT RELEASE 3 5664-167 SYSTEM PRODUCT INTERPRETER __________________________ The System Product Interpreter is a new command and macro processor. It can be used for interpreted applications, command processing and generation, for macros such as those used by the System Product Editor, as a desk calculator, mathematical problem solver, or for any other purpose for which an interpreted simple-to-use language is suitable. Syntax is in a high level form which is easy to learn. Highlights of the System Product Interpreter include: - Extended Control Structure: If-Then-Else Select-When-Otherwise-End Do-Iterative-End Iterate and Leave - Full set of arithmetic, character, and logical operators - Selection of Standard functions - Free Format, Mixed Case - Interactive Debug - In line Function and Subroutine calls - Decimal and Scientific arithmetic capability. - Built-in string parsing instructions The System Product Interpreter will be the primary interpre- tive command and macro processor for VM/SP in the future. It is intended that all future enhancements will be applied to the System Product Interpreter. EXEC and EXEC 2 will remain supported and will coexist with the more powerful System Product Interpreter. PUBLICATIONS ENHANCEMENTS _________________________ New publications to be added to the Library: + VM/SP System Product Interpreter User's Guide - A step-by-step guide to using the System Product Inter- preter for new users. + VM/SP System Product Interpreter Reference - A complete compilation of reference information for using the System Product Interpreter. + VM/SP System Product Interpreter Reference Summary - this publication provides quick synoptic reference information about System Product Interpreter statements and their use. These publications will become available when the product becomes available.
Note: the above is shown in the original announcement letter format.