"So just out of interest...who wrote Franklin 8.63 for the 51"

The people at Raisonance. Look a "historical note" at http://www.amrai.com/Comp_Upgrade/Franklin.htm

I used Franklin when first studying for programing the 8051 at college, later I found the Raisonance's Ride51. I was startled by the almost same design interface from both :-) When I read the above note all became clear :-)