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From: saswss@unx.sas.com (Warren Sarle)
Subject: comp.ai.neural-nets FAQ, Part 6 of 7: Commercial software
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Archive-name: ai-faq/neural-nets/part6
Last-modified: 1995/12/28
URL: ftp://ftp.sas.com/pub/neural/FAQ6
Maintainer: saswss@unx.sas.com (Warren S. Sarle)

This is part 6 (of 7) of a monthly posting to the Usenet newsgroup
comp.ai.neural-nets. See the part 1 of this posting for full information
what it is all about.

========== Questions ========== 
********************************

Part 1: Introduction

   What is this newsgroup for? How shall it be used?
   What is a neural network (NN)?
   What can you do with a Neural Network and what not?
   Who is concerned with Neural Networks?

Part 2: Learning

   What does 'backprop' mean? What is 'overfitting'?
   Why use a bias input? Why activation functions?
   How many hidden units should I use?
   How many learning methods for NNs exist? Which?
   What about Genetic Algorithms and Evolutionary Computation?
   What about Fuzzy Logic?
   How are NNs related to statistical methods?

Part 3: Information resources

   Good introductory literature about Neural Networks?
   Any journals and magazines about Neural Networks?
   The most important conferences concerned with Neural Networks?
   Neural Network Associations?
   Other sources of information about NNs?

Part 4: Datasets

   Databases for experimentation with NNs?

Part 5: Free software

   Freely available software packages for NN simulation?

Part 6: Commercial software

   Commercial software packages for NN simulation?

Part 7: Hardware

   Neural Network hardware?

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: Commercial software packages for NN
============================================
simulation?
===========

Note for future submissions: Please restrict yourself to 60 lines length and
avoid markting hype. Please send a HTML-formatted version if at all
possible. 

The following simulators are described below: 

1. nn/xnn 
2. BrainMaker 
3. SAS Software/ Neural Net add-on 
4. NeuralWorks 
5. MATLAB Neural Network Toolbox 
6. Propagator 
7. NeuroForecaster 
8. Products of NESTOR, Inc. 
9. NeuroShell2/NeuroWindows 
10. NuTank 
11. Neuralyst 
12. NeuFuz4 
13. Cortex-Pro 
14. PARTEK 
15. NeuroSolutions v2.0 
16. Qnet For Windows Version 2.0 
17. NeuroLab, A Neural Network Library 
18. Neural Net Tutor for Windows 
19. havBpNet++ 
20. havFmNet++ 
21. IBM Neural Network Utility 
22. NeuroGenetic Optimizer (NGO) 
23. WAND 

1. nn/xnn
+++++++++

      Name: nn/xnn
   Company: Neureka ANS
   Address: Klaus Hansens vei 31B
            5037 Solheimsviken
            NORWAY
     Phone: +47-55544163 / +47-55201548
     Email: arnemo@ii.uib.no
       WWW: http://www.ii.uib.no/~arnemo/neureka/neureka.html

   Basic capabilities:

    A comprehensive system for developing and simulating artificial
    neural networks.

    nn is a high-level neural network specification language. The current
    version is best suited for feed-forward nets, but recurrent models can
    and have been implemented as well. The nn compiler can generate C code
    or executable programs, with a powerful command line interface, but
    everything may also be controlled via the graphical interface (xnn).
    It is possible for the user to write C routines that can be called from
    inside the nn specification, and to use the nn specification as a
    function that is called from a C program. These features makes nn
    well suited for application development.
    Please note that no programming is necessary in order to use the
    network models that come with the system (netpack).

    xnn is a graphical front end to networks generated by the nn compiler,
    and to the compiler itself. The xnn graphical interface is intuitive
    and easy to use for beginners, yet powerful, with many possibilities
    for visualizing network data. Data may be visualized during training,
    testing or 'off-line'.

    netpack: A number of networks have already been implemented in nn and
    can be used directly: MAdaline, ART1, Backpropagation, Counterpropagation,
    Elman, GRNN, Hopfield, Jordan, LVQ, Perceptron, RBFNN, SOFM (Kohonen).
    Several others are currently being developed.

    The pattern files used by the networks, have a simple and flexible
    format, and can easily be generated from other kinds of data. The data
    file generated by the network, can be saved in ASCII or binary format.
    Functions for converting and pre-processing data are available.

   Operating system: nn : UNIX or MS-DOS, xnn: UNIX/X-windows
                    UNIX flavours: OSF1, Solaris, AIX, IRIX

   System requirements: Min. 20 Mb HD + 4 Mb RAM available. If only the
                       nn/netpack part is used (i.e. not the GUI), much
                       less is needed.

   Approx. price: USD 2500,-
                  35% educational discount.

2. BrainMaker
+++++++++++++

           Name: BrainMaker, BrainMaker Pro
        Company: California Scientific Software
        Address: 10024 Newtown rd, Nevada City, CA, 95959 USA
      Phone,Fax: 916 478 9040, 916 478 9041
          Email:  calsci!mittmann@gvgpsa.gvg.tek.com (flakey connection)
     Basic capabilities:  train backprop neural nets
     Operating system:   DOS, Windows, Mac
     System requirements:
     Uses XMS or EMS for large models(PCs only): Pro version
     Approx. price:  $195, $795

     BrainMaker Pro 3.0 (DOS/Windows)     $795
         Gennetic Training add-on         $250
       ainMaker 3.0 (DOS/Windows/Mac)     $195
         Network Toolkit add-on           $150
     BrainMaker 2.5 Student version       (quantity sales only, about $38 each)

     BrainMaker Pro C30 Accelerator Board
               w/ 5Mb memory              $9750
               w/32Mb memory              $13,000

     Intel iNNTS NN Development System    $11,800
          Intel EMB Multi-Chip Board      $9750
          Intel 80170 chip set            $940

     Introduction To Neural Networks book $30

     California Scientific Software can be reached at:
     Phone: 916 478 9040     Fax: 916 478 9041    Tech Support: 916 478 9035
     Mail: 10024 newtown rd, Nevada City, CA, 95959, USA
     30 day money back guarantee, and unlimited free technical support.
     BrainMaker package includes:
      The book Introduction to Neural Networks
      BrainMaker Users Guide and reference manual
          300 pages , fully indexed, with tutorials, and sample networks
      Netmaker
          Netmaker makes building and training Neural Networks easy, by
          importing and automatically creating BrainMaker's Neural Network
          files.  Netmaker imports Lotus, Excel, dBase, and ASCII files.
      BrainMaker
          Full menu and dialog box interface, runs Backprop at 750,000 cps
          on a 33Mhz 486.
     ---Features ("P" means is avaliable in professional version only):
     Pull-down Menus, Dialog Boxes, Programmable Output Files,
     Editing in BrainMaker,  Network Progress Display (P),
     Fact Annotation,  supports many printers,  NetPlotter,
     Graphics Built In (P),  Dynamic Data Exchange (P),
     Binary Data Mode, Batch Use Mode (P), EMS and XMS Memory (P),
     Save Network Periodically,  Fastest Algorithms,
     512 Neurons per Layer (P: 32,000), up to 8 layers,
     Specify Parameters by Layer (P), Recurrence Networks (P),
     Prune Connections and Neurons (P),  Add Hidden Neurons In Training,
     Custom Neuron Functions,  Testing While Training,
     Stop training when...-function (P),  Heavy Weights (P),
     Hypersonic Training,  Sensitivity Analysis (P),  Neuron Sensitivity (P),
     Global Network Analysis (P),  Contour Analysis (P),
     Data Correlator (P),  Error Statistics Report,
     Print or Edit Weight Matrices,  Competitor (P), Run Time System (P),
     Chip Support for Intel, American Neurologics, Micro Devices,
     Genetic Training Option (P),  NetMaker,  NetChecker,
     Shuffle,  Data Import from Lotus, dBASE, Excel, ASCII, binary,
     Finacial Data (P),  Data Manipulation,  Cyclic Analysis (P),
     User's Guide quick start booklet,
     Introduction to Neural Networks 324 pp book

3. SAS Software/ Neural Net add-on
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

          Name: SAS Software
       Company: SAS Institute, Inc.
       Address: SAS Campus Drive, Cary, NC 27513, USA
     Phone,Fax: (919) 677-8000
         Email: saswss@unx.sas.com (Neural net inquiries only)
           URL: ftp://ftp.sas.com/pub/neural/README

    Basic capabilities:
      Feedforward nets with numerous training methods
      and loss functions, plus statistical analogs of
      counterpropagation and various unsupervised
      architectures
    Operating system: Lots
    System requirements: Lots
    Uses XMS or EMS for large models(PCs only): Runs under Windows, OS/2
    Approx. price: Free neural net software, but you have to license
                   SAS/Base software and preferably the SAS/OR, SAS/ETS,
                   and/or SAS/STAT products.
    Comments: Oriented toward data analysis and statistical applications

4. NeuralWorks
++++++++++++++

        Name: NeuralWorks Professional II Plus (from NeuralWare)
     Company: NeuralWare Inc.
      Adress: RIDC Park West
              202 Park West Drive
              Pittsburgh, PA 15275
       Phone: (412) 787-8222
         FAX: (412) 787-8220
       Email: sales@nware.com (soon to change to: sales@neuralware.com).
    Comments: We are also putting up a web page which should be operational
              by Christmas or shortly afterward.

    Distributor for Europe:
      Scientific Computers GmbH.
      Franzstr. 107, 52064 Aachen
      Germany
      Tel.   (49) +241-26041
      Fax.   (49) +241-44983
      Email. info@scientific.de

    Basic capabilities:
      supports over 30 different nets: backprop, art-1,kohonen,
      modular neural network, General regression, Fuzzy art-map,
      probabilistic nets, self-organizing map, lvq, boltmann,
      bsb, spr, etc...
      Extendable with optional package.
      ExplainNet, Flashcode (compiles net in .c code for runtime),
      user-defined io in c possible. ExplainNet (to eliminate
      extra inputs), pruning, savebest,graph.instruments like
      correlation, hinton diagrams, rms error graphs etc..
    Operating system   : PC,Sun,IBM RS6000,Apple Macintosh,SGI,Dec,HP.
    System requirements: varies. PC:2MB extended memory+6MB Harddisk space.
                         Uses windows compatible memory driver (extended).
                         Uses extended memory.
    Approx. price      : call (depends on platform)
    Comments           : award winning documentation, one of the market
                         leaders in NN software.

5. MATLAB Neural Network Toolbox
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

      Contact: The MathWorks, Inc.     Phone: 508-653-1415
               24 Prime Park Way       FAX: 508-653-2997
               Natick, MA 01760 email: info@mathworks.com

   The Neural Network Toolbox is a powerful collection of MATLAB functions
   for the design, training, and simulation of neural networks. It supports
   a wide range of network architectures with an unlimited number of
   processing elements and interconnections (up to operating system
   constraints). Supported architectures and training methods include:
   supervised training of feedforward networks using the perceptron learning
   rule, Widrow-Hoff rule, several variations on backpropagation (including
   the fast Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm), and radial basis networks;
   supervised training of recurrent Elman networks; unsupervised training of
   associative networks including competitive and feature map layers;
   Kohonen networks, self-organizing maps, and learning vector quantization.
   The Neural Network Toolbox contains a textbook-quality Users' Guide, uses
   tutorials, reference materials and sample applications with code examples
   to explain the design and use of each network architecture and paradigm.
   The Toolbox is delivered as MATLAB M-files, enabling users to see the
   algorithms and implementations, as well as to make changes or create new
   functions to address a specific application.

   (Comment by Richard Andrew Miles Outerbridge, RAMO@UVPHYS.PHYS.UVIC.CA):
   Matlab is spreading like hotcakes (and the educational discounts are very
   impressive). The newest release of Matlab (4.0) answers the question "if
   you could only program in one language what would it be?". The neural
   network toolkit is worth getting for the manual alone. Matlab is
   available with lots of other toolkits (signal processing, optimization,
   etc.) but I don't use them much - the main package is more than enough.
   The nice thing about the Matlab approach is that you can easily interface
   the neural network stuff with anything else you are doing. 

   (Comment from Nigel Dodd, nd@neural.win-uk.net): there is also a free
   Neural Network Based System Identification Toolbox available from 
   http://kalman.iau.dtu.dk/Projects/proj/nnsysid.html that contains many of
   the supervised training algorithms, some of which are duplicated in C
   code which should run faster. This free toolbox does regularisation and
   pruning which the costly one doesn't attempt (as of Nov 1995). 

6. Propagator
+++++++++++++

     Contact: ARD Corporation,
              9151 Rumsey Road, Columbia, MD  21045, USA
              propagator@ard.com
     Easy to use neural network training package.  A GUI implementation of
     backpropagation networks with five layers (32,000 nodes per layer).
     Features dynamic performance graphs, training with a validation set,
     and C/C++ source code generation.
     For Sun (Solaris 1.x & 2.x, $499),
         PC  (Windows 3.x, $199)
         Mac (System 7.x, $199)
     Floating point coprocessor required, Educational Discount,
     Money Back Guarantee, Muliti User Discount
     See http://www.cs.umbc.edu/~zwa/Gator/Description.html
     Windows Demo on:
       nic.funet.fi        /pub/msdos/windows/demo
       oak.oakland.edu     /pub/msdos/neural_nets
           gatordem.zip    pkzip 2.04g archive file
           gatordem.txt    readme text file

7. NeuroForecaster & VisuaData
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

   Name: NeuroForecaster(TM)/Genetica 4.1a
   Contact: Accel Infotech (S) Pte Ltd; 648 Geylang Road; Republic of
   Singapore 1438; 
   Phone: +65-7446863, 3366997; Fax: +65-3362833, Internet:
   accel@technet.sg, accel@singapore.com

   Readers' Choice 1994 - Technical Analysis of Stocks and Commodities.
   Outperforms the others........ Technical Analysis of Stocks and
   Commodities, May 95 

   Neuroforecaster 4.1a for Windows is priced at US$1199 per single user
   license. Please email us (accel@technet.sg) for order form. 

   For more information and evaluation copy please visit 
   http://www.singapore.com/products/nfga. 
   NeuroForecaster is a user-friendly ms-windows neural network program
   specifically designed for building sophisticated and powerful forecasting
   and decision-support systems (Time-Series Forecasting, Cross-Sectional
   Classification, Indicator Analysis) 
      Features: 
    o GENETICA Net Builder Option for automatic network optimization 
    o 12 Neuro-Fuzzy Network Models 
    o Multitasking & Background Training Mode 
    o Unlimited Network Capacity 
    o Rescaled Range Analysis & Hurst Exponent to Unveil Hidden Market 
    o Cycles & Check for Predictability 
    o Correlation Analysis to Compute Correlation Factors to Analyze the 
    o Significance of Indicators 
    o Weight Histogram to Monitor the Progress of Learning 
    o Accumulated Error Analysis to Analyze the Strength of Input Indicators
      The following example applications are included in the package:
    o Credit Rating - for generating the credit rating of bank loan
      applications. 
    o Stock market 6 monthly returns forecast 
    o Stock selection based on company ratios 
    o US$ to Deutschmark exchange rate forecast 
    o US$ to Yen exchange rate forecast 
    o US$ to SGD exchange rate forecast 
    o Property price valuation 
    o Chaos - Prediction of Mackey-Glass chaotic time series 
    o SineWave - For demonstrating the power of Rescaled Range Analysis and
      significance of window size 
      Techniques Implemented: 
    o GENETICA Net Builder Option - network creation & optimization based on
      Darwinian evolution theory 
    o Backprop Neural Networks - the most widely-used training algorithm 
    o Fastprop Neural Networks - speeds up training of large problems 
    o Radial Basis Function Networks - best for pattern classification
      problems 
    o Neuro-Fuzzy Network 
    o Rescaled Range Analysis - computes Hurst exponents to unveil hidden
      cycles & check for predictability 
    o Correlation Analysis - to identify significant input indicators 
    o Companion Software - VisuaData for Windows A user-friendly data
   management program designed for intelligent technical analysis. It reads 
   -------------------------------------------------------------------------
   MetaStock, CSI, Computrac and various ASCII data file formats
   directly, generates over 100 popular and new technical indicators and
   buy/sell signals. 

8. Products of NESTOR, Inc.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

   530 Fifth Avenue; New York, NY 10036; USA; Tel.: 001-212-398-7955

   Founders: Dr. Leon Cooper (having a Nobel Price) and Dr. Charles Elbaum
   (Brown University). Neural Network Models: Adaptive shape and pattern
   recognition (Restricted Coulomb Energy - RCE) developed by NESTOR is one
   of the most powerfull Neural Network Model used in a later products. The
   basis for NESTOR products is the Nestor Learning System - NLS. Later are
   developed: Character Learning System - CLS and Image Learning System -
   ILS. Nestor Development System - NDS is a development tool in Standard C
   - one of the most powerfull PC-Tools for simulation and development of
   Neural Networks. NLS is a multi-layer, feed forward system with low
   connectivity within each layer and no relaxation procedure used for
   determining an output response. This unique architecture allows the NLS
   to operate in real time without the need for special computers or custom
   hardware. NLS is composed of multiple neural networks, each specializing
   in a subset of information about the input patterns. The NLS integrates
   the responses of its several parallel networks to produce a system
   response that is far superior to that of other neural networks. Minimized
   connectivity within each layer results in rapid training and efficient
   memory utilization- ideal for current VLSI technology. Intel has made
   such a chip - NE1000. 

9. NeuroShell2/NeuroWindows
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

   NeuroShell 2 combines powerful neural network architectures, a Windows
   icon driven user interface, and sophisticated utilities for MS-Windows
   machines. Internal format is spreadsheet, and users can specify that
   NeuroShell 2 use their own spreadsheet when editing. Includes both
   Beginner's and Advanced systems, a Runtime capability, and a choice of 15
   Backpropagation, Kohonen, PNN and GRNN architectures. Includes Rules,
   Symbol Translate, Graphics, File Import/Export modules (including
   MetaStock from Equis International) and NET-PERFECT to prevent
   overtraining. Options available: Market Technical Indicator Option
   ($295), Market Technical Indicator Option with Optimizer ($590), and Race
   Handicapping Option ($149). NeuroShell price: $495.

   NeuroWindows is a programmer's tool in a Dynamic Link Library (DLL) that
   can create as many as 128 interactive nets in an application, each with
   32 slabs in a single network, and 32K neurons in a slab. Includes
   Backpropagation, Kohonen, PNN, and GRNN paradigms. NeuroWindows can mix
   supervised and unsupervised nets. The DLL may be called from Visual
   Basic, Visual C, Access Basic, C, Pascal, and VBA/Excel 5. NeuroWindows
   price: $369.

   Contact: Ward Systems Group, Inc.; Executive Park West; 5 Hillcrest
   Drive; Frederick, MD 21702; USA; Phone: 301 662-7950; FAX: 301 662-5666.
   Contact us for a free demo diskette and Consumer's Guide to Neural
   Networks. 

10. NuTank
++++++++++

   NuTank stands for NeuralTank. It is educational and entertainment
   software. In this program one is given the shell of a 2 dimentional
   robotic tank. The tank has various I/O devices like wheels, whiskers,
   optical sensors, smell, fuel level, sound and such. These I/O sensors are
   connected to Neurons. The player/designer uses more Neurons to
   interconnect the I/O devices. One can have any level of complexity
   desired (memory limited) and do subsumptive designs. More complex design
   take slightly more fuel, so life is not free. All movement costs fuel
   too. One can also tag neuron connections as "adaptable" that adapt their
   weights in acordance with the target neuron. This allows neurons to
   learn. The Neuron editor can handle 3 dimention arrays of neurons as
   single entities with very flexible interconect patterns.

   One can then design a scenario with walls, rocks, lights, fat (fuel)
   sources (that can be smelled) and many other such things. Robot tanks are
   then introduced into the Scenario and allowed interact or battle it out.
   The last one alive wins, or maybe one just watches the motion of the
   robots for fun. While the scenario is running it can be stopped, edited,
   zoom'd, and can track on any robot.

   The entire program is mouse and graphicly based. It uses DOS and VGA and
   is written in TurboC++. There will also be the ability to download
   designs to another computer and source code will be available for the
   core neural simulator. This will allow one to design neural systems and
   download them to real robots. The design tools can handle three
   dimentional networks so will work with video camera inputs and such.
   Eventualy I expect to do a port to UNIX and multi thread the sign. I also
   expect to do a Mac port and maybe NT or OS/2

   Copies of NuTank cost $50 each. Contact: Richard Keene; Keene Educational
   Software; Dick.Keene@Central.Sun.COM

   NuTank shareware with the Save options disabled is available via
   anonymous ftp from the Internet, see the file /pub/incoming/nutank.readme
   on the host cher.media.mit.edu. 

11. Neuralyst
+++++++++++++

   Name: Neuralyst Version 1.4; Company: Cheshire Engineering Corporation;
   Address: 650 Sierra Madre Villa, Suite 201, Pasedena CA 91107; Phone:
   818-351-0209; Fax: 818-351-8645;

   Basic capabilities: training of backpropogation neural nets. Operating
   system: Windows or Macintosh running Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet.
   Neuralyst is an add-in package for Excel. Approx. price: $195 for windows
   or Mac. Comments: A simple model that is easy to use. Integrates nicely
   into Microsoft Excel. Allows user to create, train, and run backprop ANN
   models entirely within an Excel spreadsheet. Provides macro functions
   that can be called from Excel macro's, allowing you to build a custom
   Window's interface using Excel's macro language and Visual Basic tools.
   The new version 1.4 includes a genetic algorithm to guide the training
   process. A good bargain to boot. (Comments by Duane Highley, a user and
   NOT the program developer. dhighley@ozarks.sgcl.lib.mo.us) 

12. NeuFuz4
+++++++++++

   Name: NeuFuz4 Company: National Semiconductor Corporation Address: 2900
   Semiconductor Drive, Santa Clara, CA, 95052, or: Industriestrasse 10,
   D-8080 Fuerstenfeldbruck, Germany, or: Sumitomo Chemical Engineering
   Center, Bldg. 7F 1-7-1, Nakase, Mihama-Ku, Chiba-City, Ciba Prefecture
   261, JAPAN, or: 15th Floor, Straight Block, Ocean Centre, 5 Canton Road,
   Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon, Hong Kong, Phone: (800) 272-9959 (Americas),
   : 011-49-8141-103-0 Germany : 0l1-81-3-3299-7001 Japan : (852) 737-1600
   Hong Kong Email: neufuz@esd.nsc.com (Neural net inquiries only) URL:
   http://www.commerce.net/directories/participants/ns/home.html Basic
   capabilities: Uses backpropagation techniques to initially select fuzzy
   rules and membership functions. The result is a fuzzy associative memory
   (FAM) which implements an approximation of the training data. Operating
   Systems: 486DX-25 or higher with math co-processor DOS 5.0 or higher with
   Windows 3.1, mouse, VGA or better, minimum 4 MB RAM, and parallel port.
   Approx. price : depends on version - see below. Comments : Not for the
   serious Neural Network researcher, but good for a person who has little
   understanding of Neural Nets - and wants to keep it that way. The systems
   are aimed at low end controls applications in automotive, industrial, and
   appliance areas. NeuFuz is a neural-fuzzy technology which uses
   backpropagation techniques to initially select fuzzy rules and membership
   functions. Initial stages of design using NeuFuz technology are performed
   using training data and backpropagation. The result is a fuzzy
   associative memory (FAM) which implements an approximation of the
   training data. By implementing a FAM, rather than a multi-layer
   perceptron, the designer has a solution which can be understood and tuned
   to a particular application using Fuzzy Logic design techniques. There
   are several different versions, some with COP8 Code Generator (COP8 is
   National's family of 8-bit microcontrollers) and COP8 in-circuit emulator
   (debug module). 

13. Cortex-Pro
++++++++++++++

   Cortex-Pro information is on WWW at: 
   http://www.neuronet.ph.kcl.ac.uk/neuronet/software/cortex/www1.html. You
   can download a working demo from there. Contact: Michael Reiss (
   http://www.mth.kcl.ac.uk/~mreiss/mick.html) email: <m.reiss@kcl.ac.uk>. 

14. PARTEK
++++++++++

   PARTEK is a powerful, integrated environment for visual and quantitative
   data analysis and pattern recognition. Drawing from a wide variety of
   disciplines including Artificial Neural Networks, Fuzzy Logic, Genetic
   Algorithms, and Statistics, PARTEK integrates data analysis and modeling
   tools into an easy to use "point and click" system. The following modules
   are available from PARTEK; functions from different modules are
   integrated with each other whereever possible: 
   1. The PARTEK/AVB - The Analytical/Visual Base. (TM) 

           * Analytical Spreadsheet (TM)
             The Analytical Spreadsheet is a powerful and easy to use data analysis,
             transformations, and visualization tool.  Some features include:
                - import native format ascii/binary data
                - recognition and resolution of missing data
                - complete set of common mathematical & statistical functions
                - contingency table analysis / correspondence analysis
                - univariate histogram analysis
                - extensive set of smoothing and normalization transformations
                - easily and quickly plot color-coded 1-D curves and histograms,
                  2-D, 3-D, and N-D mapped scatterplots, highlighting selected
                  patterns
                - Command Line (Tcl) and Graphical Interface

           * Pattern Visualization System (TM)
             The Pattern Visualization System offers the most powerful tools for
             visual analysis of the patterns in your data.  Some features include:
                - automatically maps N-D data down to 3-D for visualization of
                  *all* of your variables at once
                - hard copy color Postscript output
                - a variety of color-coding, highlighting, and labeling options
                  allow you to generate meaningful graphics

           * Data Filters
             Filter out selected rows and/or columns of your data for flexible and
             efficient cross-validation, jackknifing, bootstrapping, feature set
             evaluation, and more.

           * Random # Generators
             Generate random numbers from any of the following parameterized
             distributions:
                - uniform, normal, exponential, gamma, binomial, poisson

           * Many distance/similarity metrics
             Choose the appropriate distance metric for your data:
                - euclidean, mahalanobis, minkowski, maximum value, absolute value,
                  shape coefficient, cosine coefficient, pearson correlation,
                  rank correlation, kendall's tau, canberra, and bray-curtis

           * Tcl/Tk command line interface

   2. The PARTEK/DSA - Data Structure Analysis Module 

           * Principal Components Analysis and Regression
             Also known as Eigenvector Projection or Karhunen-Loeve Expansions,
             PCA removes redundant information from your data.
                - component analysis, correlate PC's with original variables
                - choice of covariance, correlation, or product dispersion matrices
                - choice of eigenvector, y-score, and z-score projections
                - view SCREE and log-eigenvalue plots

           * Cluster Analysis
             Does the data form groups?  How many?  How compact?  Cluster Analysis
             is the tool to answer these questions.
                - choose between several distance metrics
                - optionally weight individual patterns
                - manually or auto-select the cluster number and initial centers
                - dump cluster counts, mean, cluster to cluster distances,
                  cluster variances, and cluster labeled data to a matrix viewer or
                  the Analytical Spreadsheet for further analysis
                - visualize n-dimensional clustering
                - assess goodness of partion using several internal and external
                  criteria metrics

           * N-Dimensional Histogram Analysis
             Among the most inportant questions a researcher needs to know when
             analyzing patterns is whether or not the patterns can distinguish
             different classes of data.  N-D Histogram Analysis is one tool to
             answer this question.
                - measures histogram overlap in n-dimensional space
                - automatically find the best subset of features
                - rank the overlap of your best feature combinations

           * Non-Linear Mapping
             NLM is an iterative algorithm for visually analyzing the structure of
             n-dimensional data.  NLM produces a non-linear mapping of data which
             preserves interpoint distances of n-dimensional data while reducing
             to a lower dimensionality - thus preserving the structure of the data.
                - visually analyze structure of n-dimensional data
                - track progress with error curves
                - orthogonal, PCA, and random initialization

   3. The PARTEK/CP - Classification and Prediction Module 

           * Multi-Layer Perceptron
             The most popular among the neural pattern recognition tools is the MLP.
             PARTEK takes the MLP to a new dimension, by allowing the network to
             learn by adapting ALL of its parameters to solve a problem.
                - adapts output bias, neuron activation steepness, and neuron
                  dynamic range, as well as weights and input biases
                - auto-scaling at input and output - no need to rescale your data
                - choose between sigmoid, gaussian, linear, or mixture of neurons
                - learning rate, momentum can be set independently for each parameter
                - variety of learning methods and network initializations
                - view color-coded network, error, etc as network trains, tests, runs

           * Learning Vector Quantization
             Because LVQ is a multiple prototype classifier, it adapts to identify
             multiple sub-groups within classes
                - LVQ1, LVQ2, and LVQ3 training methods
                - 3 different functions for adapting learning rate
                - choose between several distance metrics
                - fuzzy and crisp classifications
                - set number of prototypes individually for each class

           * Bayesian Classifier
             Bayes methods are the statistical decision theory approach to
             classification.  This classifier uses statistical properties of your
             data to develop a classification model.

   PARTEK is available on HP, IBM, Silicon Graphics, and SUN workstations.
   For more information, send email to "info@partek.com" or call
   (314)926-2329. 

15. NeuroSolutions v2.0
+++++++++++++++++++++++

   NeuroSolutions is a graphical neural network simulation tool. It is
   the only commercial Windows package to support trajectory learning
   with backpropagation through time.  Because of its object-oriented
   design, NeuroSolutions provides the flexibility needed to construct
   a wide range of learning paradigms and network topologies.  Its GUI
   and extensive probing ability streamline the experimentation process
   by providing real-time analysis of the network during learning.

   Construct any neural network belonging to the additive model,
   including locally and globally recurrent systems.  Use a variety of
   unsupervised learning procedures, such as Hebbian, Sanger's, Oja's,
   Competitive and Kohonen.  Implement RBF, PCA, counterpropagation and
   other hybrid network topologies by seamlessly integrating
   supervised and unsupervised learning.

   During learning, animate changes of internal variables such as
   activations, weights, sensitivities and gradients with a variety of
   probes.  Examples are the oscilloscope, spectrum analyzer, 3D state
   space, scatter, 3D surface, matrix and bitmap.

   NeuroSolutions'  NeuralWizard utility automates the neural network
   design process.  Choose between a wide range of neural models. The
   network parameters are dynamically adjusted based on the user's
   training data.  It is a powerful tool used by both beginners and
   researchers alike.

   NeuroSolutions offers advanced features to meet the integration
   needs of neural network developers.  Once a system is designed and
   simulated using the icon-based development environment,
   NeuroSolutions will generate ANSI-compatible C++ source code to be
   compiled and linked into custom applications.  NeuroSolutions can
   also be customized through user-defined DLL's and OLE support.

   Price: $195 - $1995

   Demo copy available from company or by anonymous ftp:
           ftp://oak.oakland.edu/SimTel/win3/neurlnet/ns2demo1.zip
           ftp://oak.oakland.edu/SimTel/win3/neurlnet/ns2demo2.zip

           NeuroDimension, Inc.
           720 S.W. 2nd Ave., Suite 458
           Gainesville FL, 32601
   Phone:  (800) 634-3327 or
           (904) 377-5144
   FAX:    (904) 338-6779
   Email:  info@nd.com
   WWW:    http://www.nd.com/

16. Qnet For Windows Version 2.0
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

   Vesta Services, Inc.
   1001 Green Bay Rd, Suite 196
   Winnetka, IL   60093
   Phone:   (708) 446-1655
   E-Mail:  VestaServ@aol.com

   Trial Version Available: 
   ftp://oak.oakland.edu/SimTel/win3/neurlnet/qnetv2t.zip 

   Vesta Services announces Qnet for Windows Version 2.0. Qnet is an
   advanced neural network modeling system that is ideal for developing and
   implementing neural network solutions under Windows. The use of neural
   network technology has grown rapidly over the past few years and is being
   employed by an increasing number of disciplines to automate complex
   decision making and problem solving tasks. Qnet Version 2 is a powerful,
   32-bit, neural network development system for Windows NT, Windows 95 and
   Windows 3.1/Win32s. In addition its development features, Qnet automates
   access and use of Qnet neural networks under Windows. 

   Qnet neural networks have been successfully deployed to provide solutions
   in finance, investing, marketing, science, engineering, medicine,
   manufacturing, visual recognition... Qnet's 32-bit architecture and
   high-speed training engine expand the scope and size of problems that can
   be tackled with neural network technology. Qnet also makes accessing this
   advanced technology easier than ever. Qnet's neural network setup dialogs
   guide users through the design process. Simple copy/paste procedures can
   be used to transfer training data from other applications directly to
   Qnet. Complete, interactive analysis is available during training. Graphs
   monitor all key training information. Statistical checks measure model
   quality. Automated testing is available for training optimization. To
   implement trained neural networks, Qnet offers a variety of choices.
   Qnet's built-in recall mode can process new cases through trained neural
   networks. Qnet also includes a utility to automate access and retrieval
   of solutions from other Windows applications. All popular Windows
   spreadsheet and database applications can be setup to retrieve Qnet
   solutions with the click of a button. Application developers are provided
   with DLL access to Qnet neural networks and for complete portability,
   ANSI C libraries are included to allow access from virtually any
   platform. 

   Qnet for Windows is being offered at an introductory price of $199. It is
   available immediately and may be purchased directly from Vesta Services.
   Vesta Services may be reached at (voice) (708) 446-1655; (FAX) (708)
   446-1674; (e-mail) VestaServ@aol.com; (mail) 1001 Green Bay Rd, #196,
   Winnetka, IL 60093 

17. NeuroLab, A Neural Network Library
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

   Contact: Mikuni Berkeley R & D Corporation; 4000 Lakeside Dr.; Richmond,
   CA
   Tel: 510-222-9880; Fax: 510-222-9884; e-mail: neurolab-info@mikuni.com 

   NeuroLab is a block-diagram-based neural network library for Extend
   simulation software (developed by Imagine That, Inc.). The library aids
   the understanding, designing and simulating of neural network systems.
   The library consists of more than 70 functional blocks for artificial
   neural network implementation and many example models in several
   professional fields.The package provides icon-based functional blocks for
   easy implementation of simulation models. Users click, drag and connect
   blocks to construct a neural network and can specify network
   parameters--such as back propagation methods, learning rates, initial
   weights, and biases--in the dialog boxes of the functional blocks.
   Users can modify blocks with the Extend model-simulation scripting
   language, ModL, and can include compiled program modules written in other
   languages using XCMD and XFCN (external command and external function)
   interfaces and DLL (dynamic linking library) for Windows. The package
   provides many kinds of output blocks to monitor neural network status in
   real time using color displays and animation and includes special blocks
   for control application fields. Educational blocks are also included for
   people who are just beginning to learn about neural networks and their
   applications.
   The library features various types of neural networks --including
   Hopfield, competitive, recurrent, Boltzmann machine, single/multilayer
   feed-forward, perceptron, context, feature map, and counter-propagation--
   and has several back-propagation options: momentum and normalized
   methods, adaptive learning rate, and accumulated learning.

   The package runs on Macintosh II or higher (FPU recommended) with system
   6.0.7 or later and PC compatibles (486 or higher recommended) with
   Windows 3.1 or later, and requires 4Mbytes of RAM. Models are
   transferable between the two platforms. NeuroLab v1.2 costs US$495
   (US$999 bundled with Extend v3.1). Educational and volume discounts are
   available.
   A free demo can be downloaded by ftp://ftp.mikuni.com/pub/neurolab or 
   http://www.mikuni.com/. Orders, questions or suggestions can be sent by
   e-mail to neurolab-info@mikuni.com. 

18. Neural Net Tutor for Windows
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

   Neural networks are great! If trained properly, they can learn to predict
   all sorts of things (stock behavior, who's going to win the superbowl,
   that kind of stuff). But they suffer from two problems: they're difficult
   to get a handle on, when you're first approaching the subject, and most
   commercial engines are kind of expensive. Well, having said that, you
   just know that we're going to say that we've done away with those
   impediments.

   Neural Net Tutor (see 
   http://mmink.cts.com:80/mmink/dossiers/attg/nntutor.html is a bit unusual
   is that it's both a standalone (backprop) neural engine (a very graphical
   one, I might add), and a complete hypertext course wrapped into a single
   package. The course is based on an actual university-level offering, and
   takes a couple of days to work through. When you're done, you'll have a
   very good idea what neural nets are, how they work, and how to use them
   -- and, for your convenience, you also have an engine to apply all that
   new-found knowledge towards.

   As for the other impediment, Neural Net Tutor costs just 70 bucks! For
   that, you get the course/engine, a complete set of supporting lab notes,
   and even, if you can believe this, a high-quality T shirt bearing our
   company logo: an artificial brain (and our "Get a Brain" slogan). What's
   the catch? Nothing. In fact, we're so sure that you'll think it was money
   well spent, that if, after working with it for a while, you decide it
   wasn't worth it, send it back. We'll refund your money, and you keep the
   T! 

19. havBpNet++
++++++++++++++

   havBpNet++ is a C++ class library that implements feedforward, simple
   recurrent and random-ordered recurrent nets trained by backpropagation.
   Used for both stand-alone and embedded network training and consultation
   applications. A simple layer-based API, along with no restrictions on
   layer-size or number of layers, makes it easy to build standard 3-layer
   nets or much more complex multiple sub-net topologies. 

   Supports all standard network parameters (learning-rate, momentum,
   Cascade- coefficient, weight-decay, batch training, etc.). Includes 5
   activation-functions (Linear, Logistic-sigmoid, Hyperbolic-tangent, Sin
   and Hermite) and 3 error-functions (e^2, e^3, e^4). Also included is a
   special scaling utility for data with large dynamic range. 

   Several data-handling classes are also included. These classes, while not
   required, may be used to provide convenient containers for training and
   consultation data. They also provide several
   normalization/de-normalization methods. 

   havBpNet++ is delivered as fully documented source + 200 pg
   User/Developer Manual. Includes a special DLL version. Includes several
   example trainers and consulters with data sets. Also included is a fully
   functioning copy of the havBpETT demo (with network-save enabled). 

   NOTE: a freeware version (Save disabled) of the havBpETT demo may be
   downloaded from the hav.Software home-page: http://www.neosoft.com/~hav
   or by anonymous ftp from 
   ftp://ftp.neosoft.com/pub/users/h/hav/havBpETT/demo2.exe. 

   Platforms:      Tested platforms include - PC (DOS, Windows-3.1, NT, Unix),
                   HP (HPux), SUN (Sun/OS), IBM (AIX), SGI (Irix).
                   Source and Network-save files portable across platforms.

   Licensing:      havBpNet++ is licensed by number of developers.
                   A license may be used to support development on any number
                   and types of cpu's.
                   No Royalties or other fees (except for OEM/Reseller)

   Price:          Individual        $50.00 - one developer
                   Site             $500.00 - multiple developers - one location
                   Corporate       $1000.00 - multiple developers and locations
                   OEM/Reseller    quoted individually
                   (by American Express, bank draft and approved company PO)

   Media:  3.5-inch floppy - ascii format (except havBpETT which is in PC-exe
                                           format).
                   hav.Software
                   P.O. Box 354
                   Richmond, Tx.  77406-0354 - USA
   Phone:  (713) 341-5035
   Email:  hav@neosoft.com
   Web:    http://www.neosoft.com/~hav

20. havFmNet++
++++++++++++++

   havFmNet++ is a C++ class library that implements Self-Organizing Feature
   Map nets. Map-layers may be from 1 to any dimension. 

   havFmNet++ may be used for both stand-alone and embedded network training
   and consultation applications. A simple Layer-based API, along with no
   restrictions on layer-size or number of layers, makes it easy to build
   single- layer nets or much more complex multiple-layer topologies.
   havFmNet++ is fully compatible with havBpNet++ which may be used for pre-
   and post- processing. 

   Supports all standard network parameters (learning-rate, momentum,
   neighborhood, conscience, batch, etc.). Uses On-Center-Off-Surround
   training controlled by a sombrero form of Kohonen's algorithm. Updates
   are controllable by three neighborhood related parameters:
   neighborhood-size, block-size and neighborhood-coefficient cutoff. Also
   included is a special scaling utility for data with large dynamic range. 

   Several data-handling classes are also included. These classes, while
   not required, may be used to provide convenient containers for training
   and consultation data. They also provide several
   normalization/de-normalization methods. 

   havFmNet++ is delivered as fully documented source plus 200 pg
   User/Developer Manual. Includes several example trainers and consulters
   with data sets. 

   Platforms:      Tested platforms include - PC (DOS, Windows-3.1, NT, Unix),
                   HP (HPux), SUN (Sun/OS), IBM (AIX), SGI (Irix).
                   Source and Network-save files portable across platforms.

   Licensing:      havFmNet++ is licensed by number of developers.
                   A license may be used
                   to support development on any number and types of cpu's.
                   No Royalties or other fees (possible exception for OEM).

   Price:          Individual        $50.00 - one developer
                   Site             $500.00 - multiple developers - one location
                   Corporate       $1000.00 - multiple developers and locations
                   OEM/Reseller    quoted individually
                   (by American Express, bank draft and approved company PO)

   Media:  3.5-inch floppy - ascii format

                   hav.Software
                   P.O. Box 354
                   Richmond, Tx.  77406-0354 - USA
   Phone:  (713) 341-5035
   Email:  hav@neosoft.com
   Web:    http://www.neosoft.com/~hav

21. IBM Neural Network Utility
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

   Product Name: IBM Neural Network Utility
   Distributor: Contact a local reseller or call 1-800-IBM-CALL, Dept. SA045
   to order.
   Basic capabilities: The Neural Network Utility Family consists of six
   products: client/server capable versions for OS/2, Windows, AIX, and
   standalone versions for OS/2 and Windows. Applications built with NNU are
   portable to any of the supported platforms regardless of the development
   platform. NNU provides a powerful, easy to use, point-and-click graphical
   development environment. Features include: data translation and scaling,
   applicaton generation, multiple network models, and automated network
   training. We also support fuzzy rule systems, which can be combined with
   the neural networks. Once trained, our APIs allow you to embed your
   network and/or rulebase into your own applications.
   Operating Systems: OS/2, Windows, AIX, AS/400
   System requirements: basic; request brochure for more details
   Price: Prices start at $250
   For product brochures, detailed pricing information, or any other
   information, send a note to nninfo@vnet.ibm.com. 

22. NeuroGenetic Optimizer (NGO)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

   An easy to use Microsoft Windows based neural network development system
   that employs Genetic Algorithms (GA's) to select input variables, neural
   network models and evolve neural network structures to maximize accuracy.
   Supports functional modeling, classification, diagnosis and time series
   prediction using fast back propagation and Continuously Adapting Time
   Neural Networks (CATNN).  Additional paradigms in development.

   Used globally for financial prediction, process/quality modeling, medical
   diagnosis, autonomous robotics, marketing data analysis and more.
   Automates the neural network development process freeing you from all the
   trial and error effort.  A well behaved Windows application that is
   a real time saver as well as delivering high accuracy networks easily.

   Platforms: Windows 3.1, Windows '95 and Windows NT 3.5.1 workstation

   Associated products:
      Penney(tm)    - A Microsoft Excel 5 Add-in for using NGO developed neural
                      networks in Excel. Process data, visualize response
                      curves and surfaces, build Excel applications
      ExamiNeur(tm) - Process data, visualize response curves and using the
                      TargetSeeker (tm) functionality, find input values that
                      generate a desired output(s).
      Developer's Tool Kit - Programming API for use of NGO run times
                      (neural and genetic) in your own Windows applications.
                      Supports 100 neural models simultaneously.

      Upgrade subcription available to keep you current with the 3-4
      releases annually.

   Call, write or email for pricing.

   Contact:
   BioComp Systems, Inc.
   2871 152nd Avenue N.E.
   Redmond, WA  98052
   USA
   1-800-716-6770 (US/Canada)
   1-206-869-6770 (local/Int'l)
   1-206-869-6850 (fax)
   biocomp@biocomp.seanet.com

23. WAND
++++++++

   Weightless Neural Design system for Education and Industry. 
   Developed by Novel Technical Solutions in association with Imperial
   College of Science, Technology and Medicine (London UK). 
   WAND introduces Weightless Neural Technology as applied to Image
   Recognition. 
   It includes an automated image preparation package, a weightless neural
   simulator and a comprehensive manual with hands-on tutorials. 
   Full information including a download demo can be obtained from: 
   http://www.neuronet.ph.kcl.ac.uk/neuronet/software/nts/neural.html 
   To contact Novel Technical Solutions email: <neural@nts.sonnet.co.uk>. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Next part is part 7 (of 7). Previous part is part 5. 

-- 

Warren S. Sarle       SAS Institute Inc.   The opinions expressed here
saswss@unx.sas.com    SAS Campus Drive     are mine and not necessarily
(919) 677-8000        Cary, NC 27513, USA  those of SAS Institute.
