SCIENCE / TECHNOLOGY : Interactive Data Creates Translation Software Program

Interactive Data Systems, an Irvine software company, said Monday that it has created a software program that translates proprietary programs run on computers made by MAI Basic Four into a standard language compatible with most business computers.

Bill Tsumpes, president of Interactive Data, said the company’s new software translates Business Basic software, which runs on MAI’s business-oriented minicomputers, to the “C” language that can run on Unix-based computers.

“The beneficiary is the Business Basic user because it allows him to use MAI’s software on computers made by other manufacturers,” Tsumpes said. “This gives flexibility to users” by making MAI systems compatible with software programs written in languages other than Business Basic.

Interactive Data, founded in 1984, has 11 employees and reported $2 million in sales in 1989. Officials of MAI Basic Four of Tustin did not return calls for comment.