I have an old version of the C51 compiler which needs a parallel port dongle to generate a compiled output (Compiler V5.0/uVision 1.13). Parallel ports are disappearing on laptops and also on desktops. What options do I have? Is there a USB to parallel adaptor that may work? Do I have to upgrade to a modern version of compiler, which is not economically viable in this current economic climate?
Erik is correct. Good tools don't cost, they pay! It's up to you to learn to speak management speak. That is, show what it cost to write in Assembly. Show what it would cost to write in C with a GOOD toolset. Most free tools are worth exactly what you pay for them. The limitations cost you time and effort with work arounds.
Keil has a full set of evaluation tools that are limited by code size and some libraries.
IAR has a limited code toolset set. But again, IAR, Freescale or Keil, the best tools will save your company in the long run.
I too have worked for companies with the mentality that goods cost but labor is free. In one case, the owner wanted us to save our printer output to cut up into memo size for our notes. How much do you think it cost the owner for his engineers to stop work to cut up the memos?
Bradford