MacDX and PortAsm/86 assist developers porting Windows code to Macintosh
29 November 2002 -- Coderus Ltd and MicroAPL Ltd are pleased to announce that they are collaborating to provide solutions for Games Developers who wish to move games from Xbox or MS-Windows to Macintosh.
Games on Xbox or MS-Windows frequently make use of Microsoft's DirectX API calls, and may also contain sections of code written in 80x86 assembly language, both of which have previously been a bar to porting the code to Macintosh.
Using the MacDX product from Coderus Ltd, developers can now readily move code which uses the DirectX API to Macintosh. Most code which uses DirectX can simply be recompiled and linked to the MacDX libraries.
If the source contains any 80x86 assembler code, developers can now use MicroAPL's PortAsm/86 product which automatically translates the 80x86 assembler source, and rewrites it in native PowerPC assembler suitable for running on the Macintosh. PortAsm's glue mechanism makes it easy to switch between functions written in assembler and C.
Mark Thomas, CEO/Technical Director Coderus Ltd, said:
"Since we released MacDX, porting of titles has become a lot easier, but there are always problematic areas which can delay a project. One such area is optimized assembly function calls. Presently most developers have to rewrite these functions by hand, which can be complex and time consuming. We are very happy to be working with MicroAPL to make their PortAsm product available to do this work automatically".
Simon Marsden, Technical Director of MicroAPL Ltd, added:
"The Macintosh has always lagged behind Windows in the number of games titles available, but Coderus are doing an excellent job in helping redress the balance. We are excited to be able to help promote the use of MacDX technology by ensuring that PortAsm and MacDX work together".
For future information please visit the Coderus and MicroAPL websites:
Coderus Ltd was founded in 1998 and is based in Ipswich, England. It provides unique solutions to common development problems with minimal loss of performance, as well as cross-platform porting and consultancy services. Further information on MacDX and services can be found on the company's web site http://www.coderus.com.
MicroAPL Ltd was founded in 1979 and is based in England. It specializes in translation tools and virtual machines for moving existing software to the new generation of RISC processors, as well as providing consultancy services in systems development and cross-platform porting. Further information on PortAsm and other MicroAPL products and services can be found on the company's web site http://www.microapl.com.
-- Ends --