March 2, 2000–Loehle Enterprises announces the release of Global Optimization 3.0. Global Optimization is a collection of functions for global nonlinear optimization. Using the Mathematica system as an interface, it can define the nonlinear system to be solved and compute numeric values of functions. Currently distributed in more than 20 countries worldwide, Global Optimization can be used for nonlinear least-squares model estimation, maximum likelihood analysis, financial analysis (investment allocation and derivative hedging with quadratic programming), engineering design, optimal control, scheduling, vehicle routing, and other applications.

Global Optimization 3.0 introduces several key updates.

• The MultiStartMin function can now accept any mix of real, integer, and discrete variables.
• The new function InterchangeMethod solves 0-1 integer programming problems such as vehicle routing/traveling salesman, minimum spanning tree, and scheduling problems.
• Significant speed enhancements, particularly for constrained problems, have been implemented.

Additional information is available at http://www.wolfram.com/products/applications/globalopt.