Our New Solver for 1-2-3 97 and 98 (Millenium) Editions

Frontline Systems has developed a new Solver for Lotus 1-2-3 97 Edition and 1-2-3 98 (Millenium) Edition. Our new Solver replaces Lotus's own Solver included with earlier versions of 1-2-3.
The new Solver is much faster, and handles substantially larger problems than the earlier Solver. And it provides a smooth upgrade path for Solver models and macros developed in 1-2-3 Release 5.

You can install a trial version of the new Solver directly from CD-ROM copies of SmartSuite 97 and 1-2-3 97 Edition. If you don't have the CD-ROM, or if you've installed 1-2-3 98 (Millenium) Edition, you can download the trial version from this Web site or from the Lotus Customer Support Web site. To download the latest release of the trial version from this Web site, sign up now -- if you haven't already -- for our Private Web for Solver Users (it's free!), click on the Download hyperlink, and follow the instructions.

You can obtain an unlimited-use license for $50, through an automatic, 24-hour-a-day registration system built into the software. Free electronic support, and fee-based phone support will be provided by Frontline Systems.

Solver is Effective for Resource Allocation Problems

The Solver is especially good for finding solutions to resource allocation problems. The resources may be raw materials, people or equipment time, money, or anything else in limited supply. The decision variables represent the amounts of resources, and the constraints quantify the limits on their use. The Solver finds the allocation of resources that will maximize profit or minimize cost, while satisfying the constraints.

A sample 1-2-3 97/98 workbook, included with the Solver, shows you how to:

• Assemble products from parts in inventory so as to maximize profits
• Ship goods from plants to regional warehouses at minimum cost
• Schedule employees to meet demand at an amusement park while minimizing cost
• Invest cash monthly in short-term certificates of deposit to maximize interest income
• Allocate funds to stocks in a portfolio to maximize return for a given level of risk

Upgrade Path from the Solver in 1-2-3 Release 5

• The new Solver handles linear and nonlinear models, and problems with integer constraints.
• The new Solver can handle substantially larger problems in the same memory and solution time.
• Solver models created in 1-2-3 Release 5 may be easily converted for use with the new Solver.
• The new Solver works with 1-2-3 Release 5 macros using commands such as {solver-define}.

Interoperability with Other Spreadsheet Solvers

• The Solvers for 1-2-3 97 and Excel 97 have very similar features and options.
• It's possible to transfer Solver models between 1-2-3 and Excel, and solve them in either program.

For current Lotus users: Frequently Asked Questions About the New Solver

Want to learn more? Click here to download and run a DemoShield demo of the new Solver (480K).

Copyright © 1999 Frontline Systems Inc.
Last modified: July 11, 2000