and WFL (job control) source code. The job control statements were themselves subsequently run to compile the other elements and create an integrated system of database, applications, and user terminal network. Burroughs purchased rights to sell the product in 1982, while product development was retained by the original inventors. An early requirement was to extend the product for use with the Burroughs mid-range and large scale computing platforms. After Burroughs merged with Sperry Corporation to form Unisys, the language was extended to be used on Sperry's UNIVAC 1100/2200 series machines also. Subsequently a New Zealand development centre was set up in Christchurch by Gil Simpson to develop the product. Ownership was later on transferred to Unisys and the product and mainframe computer centre resources transitioned to Unisys ACUS, the "Australian Centre for Unisys Software" in Sydney Australia. Gil Simpsons Christchurch team went on to create the Jade language/database that could import and run LINC code on commodity hardware. LINC itself is (was) supported on the following platforms: ClearPath A-Series ClearPath 2200 Unix SUN Solaris Unix IBM RS6000 Unix HP9000 Unix Sequent Unixware Windows Server Development work was by ACUS Unisys, but was transitioned from ACUS to an Indian outsourcing operation in early 2008. Eventually, the product was sold to over clients worldwide. Strengths It provides an intuitive and easy-to-understand interface to the Burroughs DMS and COBOL programming. As it has been modernised to support different platforms, it facilitates migration between platforms and databases. By confining a specification in a database, the entire design can be kept in a single design and development environment. Once generated, the code is absolutely consistent with its design specification. A client interface is always consistent with a system generated at the same time. The system's database access code is always consistent with the system's database tables. Weaknesses Principally, LINC fails to compete against myriad turnkey systems readily available from many other sources (especially IBM). The cost of purchasing and customising an existing product (e.g. the Hogan retail banking system) is perceived as less expensive/risk than using LINC to create, from scratch, an entire business system with all its rules. Other weaknesses arise mostly from its dependence and basis on Burroughs DMS and COBOL, which differ greatly from other computing platforms. People entering the industry or from a Unix / Windows background may struggle to adjust to this different paradigm. Functionality can be limited by the